Art In The Park …

Last weekend was a busy one in Pietermaritzburg, for not only was there the Royal Show, but also one of the highlights on the South African fine arts calendar - the annual Art In the Park event held beneath the London plane trees of the city’s Alexandra Park. Now in its forty-eighth year and featuring some fifty-five artists the standard of work was exceptionally high with artists from around the country - and beyond our borders. Annual turnover at this al-fresco gallery understandably runs into the couple of million rands, and despite the continuing depressed economic times trade again seemed to be brisk. Some years back in Johannesburg I acquired two well-loved pastel works by local artist David Johnson and for me a highlight was finding David and his wife there in person at the show. It felt like meeting Leonardo at the Louvre. With great live music, artists on hand to discuss their work and sherry served as the fires are lit to warm attendees in the early evening the ambience is wonderful – just another reason to say again – I love life in the Midlands. Same time next year then!!!!

Stringent acceptance criteria ensure that the public gets to see the cream of local talent and I was pleased to see the inclusion also of slumped glass and photographic work. It is a fine art ;-) .....

Lotus Lane …

Although most of us Midlanders (old and new!) like to think of ourselves as strictly out-of-city dwellers, the closest I can find to an official map of the area broadly covers the area from Ixopo to Kranskop and Mooi River to Edendale. Which means that the city of Pietermaritzburg can rightfully claim a spot in our spotlight. And for today at least, that’s a good thing. An annual highlight of the city’s calendar is Cars In The Park – which after 35 years is the longest running event of its kind in South Africa. As a self-confessed petrol head, yesterday I was there. In the attractive grounds of Alexandra Park, from around 06h30 in the morning, car lovers from around the country came to see what enthusiasts had brought to show under the banner of “restoration – work in progress”, and no-one could have been disappointed. With over one thousand vehicles, and seemingly more than that in owner numbers, plus an exhibition by the local Model Engineers club, there certainly was something for everyone.

Naturally, an event like this had local photographers there in droves. The only difficulty I have had today was in trying to choose a single shot to try and sum up the event. With many marques largely grouped together, this colourful row of Lotus models captures the outdoor ambience, the glorious weather, and the crowds. Roll on CITP 2012!