26 Jun 2013

Aspiring fine artists from 54 schools in the South East region had an opportunity to showcase their talents and share ideas during an exhibition at Thapong Visual Arts Centre. 

Coordinator of the centre, Reggie Bakwena said the exhibition was a dream come true as they enjoyed working with schools to improve students’ artistic skills. Bakwena said they had already adopted Camp Primary School adding that students needed an inspiring and motivational practice with arts.

The chairperson of South East Art Teachers Association (SEATA), Masego Thedi said SEATA was for self-motivated and dedicated art teachers who sacrificed their social life for the benefit of the students.

She said they had designed a logo and their main objective was to organise art activities in South East schools such as fairs and in-service training for teachers. Guest speaker, Botswana Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) coordinator, Thapelo Ndlovu said students could earn a living through art by selling their products.

He encouraged them to use social networks to market their products to help diversify the economy, adding that the collaboration could also be extended to local churches, NGOs, weavers, crafters and sculptors.

Judgement on the artworks was based on creative response, originality, quality and overall impression of the work. Naledi Senior Secondary School scooped many awards including all awards under category of Two Dimensional Crafts.

Karabo Olesitse of Kgale Hill Junior Secondary School took the best overall on the junior level category while Elisha Mukweveri of St Joseph’s College took the best overall in the senior category.

The winning artists pocketed P350 as first prize, P250 as second prize and P150 for third positions as well as certificates. ENDS