“Art fosters creativity and through arts and crafts children learn to value and appreciate artefacts and images across culture and times. For children and adults alike it’s a great outlet to explore, express and create… all fundamentals that most Midlands Meanderers appreciate and love! Arts and crafts became the beating heart of the beautiful midlands when the Midlands Meander was founded by a handful of creators back in 1985 and so the Midlands Meander supports this wonderful event and wishes the exhibitors, all the best! “
Magical Art in the Country set to be KZN’s best
The third edition of Art in the Country is set to become KZN’s premier art-selling destination when the four-day exhibition opens at picturesque Harrington House in Hilton on May 23. More than artists from across the country and KZN will be exhibiting this year under a giant marquee measuring almost 1 400 square metres.
The magical ambience is complemented by a bistro menu, including breakfast and child-friendly options, courtesy of celebrity chef Jackie Cameron and her crew from the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine. Visitors also have the option of picnicking in the sumptuous Harrington House gardens with views over the Midlands (weather permitting).
A full bar service will provide the liquid sustenance by Harrington House, while Congolese-born singer and songwriter René Tshiakanyi will bring pleasure to the ear in the evenings, while the laidback strains of popular crooner Dez will add to the mellow vibes.
Entry is R30 per person (pensioners R20, scholars R10) that includes a brochure to the artists on show. The exhibition is open from 10 am to 8 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Sunday 9 am to 4 pm. Parking is practically limitless.
Facebook: @harcourtsartinthecountry Instagram: @artinthecountry
The Sponsors
The event would not be possible without the support of main sponsors: Harcourts Hilton, Investec, Harrington House and SuperSpar / Tops – The Quarry, and also through a proud association with sponsors: Muirhead’s Hiring, Midlands Stretch Tents, Burczak Picture Framing, Wall Candy Designs, Romesco Olives, Cotton Colours, Wedgewood, Smokeless Fires, Art Board, Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine, Umngeni Tourism, The Witness, Maritzburg Sun, Village Talk and Kathy’s Art Studio.
iThemba Projects
Art in the Country has adopted iThemba Projects, a community development NPO partnering with the nearby community of Sweetwaters, as its charity of choice. They apply what research says about making the biggest difference to the next generation. Through mentoring in permaculture gardening and schools, families are empowered to provide sustainable nutrition, especially during the critical first 1 000 days. They work with preschools and families to normalise quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) and faith-based mentoring of children through kids’ clubs, camps, Life Skills, and school assemblies to help them navigate life and make healthy choices. They also offer a gap year programme during which leavers volunteer for a year in their own community as well as help build a community centre. Instead of handouts (which perpetuates dependency instead of fixing poverty), iThemba Projects empowers people to bring the sustainable change that their community dreams of in what is a win-win reality.
The Artists
