The Arts and Crafts group in Edgemead has had an exciting and eventful year and cannot wait to tackle new creative challenges next year, says founder, Heleen Niere.
The free group communicates on WhatsApp and members are mainly from Edgemead and surrounding areas, though anyone like-minded is welcome to join, says Niere. “So, if you are looking for some affordable therapy to help cope with life’s daily challenges, why not join,” says Niere.
She says every three months, their local arts and crafts community embarks on a new creative challenge facilitated by herself.
“These challenges give members the perfect opportunity to try something new, often pushing them out of their comfort zones to discover hidden talents or new hobbies they truly enjoy. Our most recent challenge required participants to create an artwork using a stencil. Some very interesting pieces emerged,” says Niere.
The winner of the competition was Lyndell McDonald from Edgemead who took top honors with her handmade doorstopper featuring embossed paste and stencil work. Lizette Pleass and Neville Naidoo took second and third place, respectively.
”The community, which operates primarily through a WhatsApp group, has enjoyed several successful workshops and classes facilitated by its own members over the last few months. There is an incredible amount of talent in our local area; this group allows that talent to be shared while neighbours get to know one another over food, drinks, and fun,” says Niere.
Recently, Niere hosted a combined arts and crafts swap and plant swap at her home. “It was a festive affair where members brought unused supplies to trade for new materials they needed. Everyone contributed food and drinks, turning the swap into a lively social gathering.”
Amidst the busy schedule, she also squeezed in a quick Halloween Art Competition open to both adults and children. The winners in the children’s competition were Morgan Pleass and Riley Davies, while Rebel Pleass won the adult competition.
Looking ahead, Niere plans to establish an event similar to the “Boston Open Studios.”
“The goal is for artists in Edgemead and surrounding areas to open their home studios to the public for one day a year to sell and showcase their work, guided by a printed map and social media advertising.”
Currently, the group’s Christmas competition is underway and runs until Monday 15 December. Members are invited to enter any Christmas-related art or craft for a chance to win prizes for first, second, and third place.
To join the group, call Heleen on 083 564 7655.
