D'ARTS Magazine, by the
Durban Arts Association

JAN'S MASKS

Our cover this month features some superb masks by Jan Venter, probably better known to Durban audiences in his capacity as a professional ballet dancer.

Jan Venter has danced with all the ballet companies of the performing arts coun-cils in South Africa as well as with the Dutch National Ballet, London City Ballet and Phoenix Ballet Arizona.

Temporarily based in Durban, Jan has produced a series of masks which he describes as "extravagant decorative art pieces" which are on offer at the Big Sky Gallery in Brand Road.

PEACOCK

Papier maché based, the masks range from R950 to R1 200 and can include anything from peacock feathers, shells, chamois leather, gold paper and ceramic beads to fabric, sequins, velvet, por-cupine quills "... in fact, anything that is organic and decorative and has a nice texture," adds Jan. "I also love colour and brightness."

LONGER

"If the masks are framed, they will last much longer, particularly if they are exposed to the dampness and humidity in KZN," advises Jan. "I usually suggest that people put them in a hinged frame so that they can display them to best advantage but are still able to take them out and use them on a stick to take to a masked ball or any other suitable function."

Phone Jan Venter on 207-3690.

MACS FELTING

The Midlands Arts and Crafts Society Felters will exhibit wall-hangings, theatrical costumes, hats and sculptural pieces at the Tatham Art Gallery from March 9 to April 4.

The exhibition promises to be bright, colourful and visually stunning featuring works by the MACS felting group.

Jutta Faulds, Mary Ovendale, Santie McIntosh, Sue Ackerman, Sue Physick and Annette McMaster use only natural fibres to create their highly original felt exhibits.

Guest artist will be Johannesburg-based Celia de Villiers whose felt sculptures have attracted considerable attention nationwide.

There will be a walkabout of the exhibition on March 17.

DEMONSTRATION

On March 2 at 10h30 in the grounds of the Tatham Art Gallery, members of the public can see how wool is transformed magically with hot water and dye into colourful and tactile felt creations at a `hands-on' public demonstration.

Mary Ovendale will conduct a felting workshop for young children (aged six to eight) on March 27 from 10h00 to 12h00. The children will have an oppor-tunity to work with tactile materials and produce beautiful needle cases.

The cost is R25 and booking is essen-tial. Phone Kobus or Mduduzi at (0331) 42-1804.

For enquiries about MACS activities, phone (0331) 66500.

CRAFT GALORE

If you look at the CIGS story on page 12, you will see that the value of the South African craft sector is estimated in the region of R1.8 billion.

Support local craft markets such as the Amphimarket, South Plaza, Essenwood Road and Rainbow (Albert Park). In Pietermaritzburg, there's the Maritzburg Oval, Alex Arts & Crafts and Durban Road with Howick Falls further north.

CRAFT WORKSHOPS

The Durban Art Gallery's workshop programme in March offers a wide range of skills:

March 1-2: Make an old fashion woollen purse. For teenagers and adults (bring own wool and needle) - R15pp.

March 3-5: Human Rights Freedom Painting on Fabric. Free.

March 9-11: Glue applique a tray cloth (bring a quarter of a metre of calico and floral material) - R30pp.

March 15-16: Stained Glass Painting (bring transparent plate or saucer or glass) - R20pp.

March 17-18: Screen Printing - R35pp.

March 24-25: Make a book cover using felt (bring own beads, embroidery needle and cotton) - R25pp.

March 30-31: Easter Egg Beadwork - R25pp.

All workshops run from 09h00 to 12h00 and booking is essential. Phone Pat or Phumzile on 307-1485.

NOTTIES CRAFT

The Notties Craft Market will be held on March 13 and 14 from 09h00 to 15h30 in the grounds of the Nottingham Road Hotel which is about an hour and a half's drive from Durban.

LIFESTYLES MARKET

Open every Sunday, the Winston Park Lifestyles Market is an exciting addition to the craft circuit.

Four friends - Aldo Brincat, Gordon de Beer, Barbara Brincat and Sue de Beer - decided that the Highway area was ripe for an up-beat market that reflects the dreamy lifestyle of the area.

"We want to create a Sunday market with a difference," said Gordon de Beer, who lives in Hillcrest, "and judging from the enthusiasm and rush of interest I think the area demands it."

The market prides itself in hosting unique, quality items and the team is committed to quality entertainment. According to well-known actor Aldo Brincat people love to come up to Hillcrest and surrounding areas on a balmy Sunday morning, enjoy a cup of tea, a jam scone and live music.

To book a stall or for more details, contact Gordon on 202-9133 or Aldo on 082 823 1602.

ANTIQUE CRAFT

An antique and craft fair will be held at the Heritage Market on March 28 from 09h00. Roland has details on 903-1460.

WESTVILLE CRAFT

The next Westville Craft Market takes place on March 6 at the Westville Civic Centre. Future dates are June 5, Sep-tember 4, November 27 and December 11. Phone Ronel Visser on 718-2111.

MARITZBURG OVAL'S A TOP MARKET

The Maritzburg Oval Arts & Crafts Market takes place on the first Sunday of every month in Alexandra Park, Pietermaritzburg, with this month's event on March 7.

Now in its 13th year, this market has become something of an institution in Pietermaritzburg as one of the city's main tourist attractions. It annually attracts over 100 000 patrons many of them from as far afield as Richards Bay, Port Shepstone and Ladysmith with many people making a point of bringing overseas guests.

This market has always been highly regarded by stall holders and public alike and this well earned reputation has recently been confirmed by the Reader's Digest. In their latest edition of Getaway's Top 10, the Maritzburg Oval Arts & Crafts Market is registered as one of the 10 top craft markets south of the equator in Africa. And the only craft market in KZN to achieve this rating!

The Maritzburg Oval Arts & Craft Market was the first craft market in the Midlands and has provided an opportunity for crafters, hobbyists, home industrialists and emerging entrepreneurs to market their goods. Market organiser Monica Ashe ensures that only craft and other selected stalls which compliment the market are allowed to display their goods. For details ring Monica on (0331) 65055.

ANDREW WALFORD

Potter Andrew Walford will exhibit his work at his Shongweni studio from April 2 to 5 from 10h00. Details on 769-1363.

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