25 Feb 2013

 The art association of Okavango will, next month, conduct a skill enhancement workshop for Maun youth.

The workshop, which is aimed at keeping out of school youth from the streets, will focus mainly on the basics of painting and drawing.  About 15 youths are expected to attend the workshop.

Ompatile Seboelo who is the chairperson of Okavango Artist Association said they realised that most artists in their area were talented but did not have the necessary skills to develop their craft.

Therefore, they invited reputable artists in the moulds of  Uhuru Kgope and Mazebedi who will be facilitating the workshop. “We invited them solely because of their expertise in the field and also as an inspiration to the participants,” stated Ompatile.

Established in 2011, Okavango Artists Association searches for talent in their community and get the youth out of streets to the centre. At the centre, Ompatile said they provided materials for the artists as well as basic introduction especially to those who had not gone to school but were artistic. Exhibitions were also organized for association members and Ompatile said they worked together with Thapong Visual Arts Centre.

“Maun artists have the skills and determination to compete with urban visual artists in this country,” said Ompatile.

The only obstacle, Ompatile said, was limited resources as well as limited market which at times discouraged them. Nevertheless, he was optimistic that after the workshop Maun visual artists would have something to look up to.  ENDS