Art in the Park ~ a celebration of the finer things in life

Take a step back in time this Saturday and celebrate a period reminiscent of unique, high quality, hand-made treasures at Art in the Park.

The brainchild of Intengu Communications (publishers of Buffalo City 360 and The Business Hi-Lite), Art in the Park is set to become an annual event, a fair which is believed will enjoy tremendous support from a community hungry for such entertainment.

Set in the beautiful and tranquil garden setting of the Ann Bryant Art Gallery, Art in the Park will celebrate and showcase fine art, fine craft, gourmet food and excellent local entertainment.

An event of the highest calibre, Art in the Park will be hosting, in addition to artists, crafters and vendors, wonderful entertainment throughout the day: live entertainment by local East London talent, an auction of art, antiques and fine things, a vintage fashion show, a special children’s programme and a classic movie under the stars to end a stunning day. Please keep an eye on the entertainment page of the Art in the Park website for updates to the full schedule for the day. Gates open at 10am!

ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by none other than Al Postman, corporate MC and presenter. Now residing in Cape Town, Al returns to his hometown to grace the vintage fair with his witty and charismatic delivery.

Singer/guitarist Andrew John Bryson has played shows around the Eastern Cape for the past 14 years, joining Curious George as lead guitarist in 2002 and then Centrestage in 2007, performing nationwide. Andrew currently plays with East London cover band The Flaming Rush and also performs acoustic solo shows in and around the city.

Angel-voiced songstress Msaki is an independent artist signed to her own record label ‘One ShuShu Day’ and, since releasing her debut EP, she has toured the country extensively enjoying much success at Indie festivals and intimate audiences. Msaki’s music is infused with elements of folk, indie rock and progressive jazz.

Daniel Anderson has been singing from a young age and earned the title East London’s Little Elvis for himself. After performing his own show at the Guild Theatre and winning Balfour Park’s ‘So You Think You Can Sing’ contest last year, Daniel went on to record his debut single which was released at the end of October.

Nasine has over 16 years of experience in live performance and began her career in Musical Theatre at a young age, a style which shines through in her performances. Nasine has a passion for performing and for the arts and is a perfect addition to Art in the Park.

Musician, instrument maker and Ethnomusicologist, Saruka, has performed not only locally but internationally too and in various capacities including documentaries, movies and for educational purposes.

The 16 String Quartet, comprised of four music teachers – Jonathan Buitendag, Una Driver-Boon, Jacques du Plessis and Rosemary Robertson – has already performed at numerous weddings and is set to add their own unique blend of music to the fair.

With East London being home to no fewer than three Highland Dancing studios, it comes as no surprise that there are some seriously talented Highland Dancers in our city – talent which we are fortunate enough to enjoy at Art in the Park.

The Caledonian Pipe Band has a long history of service to East London and in 1923 led the parade at the unveiling of the War Memorial on Oxford Street. Enjoy these amazing pipers, performing live as part of Art in the Park’s entertainment section.

STALLHOLDERS

You will absolutely love the variety of very unique stallholders that will be at Art in the Park. You can’t get more perfect than this for a head start on your Christmas shopping, we guarantee that you will find exactly what you are looking for… and of course, some special treats for yourself too! To see a gallery of all the featured stallholders, please click here.

CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME

While the adults relax and wander around the fair taking in all the wonderful sights and sounds, a special programme for the kids has been arranged, enabling you to enjoy the fine things on offer while the little ones are having their own fun!

With two age groups catered for, 4-7 year olds and 7-11 year olds, there’s going to be something for everyone. There will be a tent in the park with a wide variety of activities available to participate in and enjoy including board games, storytelling, drawing, arts & crafts, song and dance and face painting. Outside activities include a 3-legged race, sack race, tin bowling, ring toss, tug of war and many more!

FOODIES

When it’s time to eat, you will be spoilt by the wide variety of food and drink available at Art in the Park. For the mums and dads, there is Annie’s Beer Hall and a Wine & Whisky Bar available and, for classic High Tea, make your reservation at Tillies!

There will also be many other foodies that you simply will not be able to resist! Mojoe Coffee provides coffee lovers with freshly roasted pure Arabica beans sourced from coffee plantations around the world; La Cuisine Chefs College will be preparing delicious fresh salads, wraps and gourmet burgers; mouthwatering sweet treats will be available from everybody’s favourite, the Doughnut Den; Angela’s Coffee Shop will be offering tasty sweet and savoury baked goods; you can enjoy freshly homemade breads, pies and preserves from Catering on the Move; coffee connoisseurs can enjoy a range of coffee specialities from Jason at Grind Café; Italian style iced and hot coffee specialities will be available at Caffe Pronto; you can enjoy scrumptious snacks and beverages from the Air-Cooled Coffee Company; mouthwatering delights will be available from Deon at the Coelacanth Café – breakfast pita, malay chicken, beef stroganoff and muffins; and delicious pancakes will be served by Stella & Jenny.

ARTISTS

Of course, what would Art in the Park be without stunning art? Trust us, you will not be disappointed with the range of artists that you’ll find at the fair…

Peter Midlane, a Grahamstown-based landscape painter and etcher will be there with his stunning paintings. Portraying the marks of man and reflecting the transition of the presence of man on the land, Peter’s intention is to make the non-descript interesting.

Don’t miss Floradale Fine Art’s exhibition, they will be at the fair with their artists, displaying a wide range and very diverse talent.

Liesel Lindon is from a local art gallery and will be at Art in the Park display some stunning fine art.

Known for his oil and acrylic seascapes/landscapes and wildlife work, don’t miss Fine Artist WP Kallmeyer’s beautiful work.

Daniel Mooy‘s focus is on cultural resonance and he seeks to portray people and objects in their physical and social manifestations though his work.

Julie Koller will be at the fair exhibiting and selling her stunning art pieces.

Renowned for her large floral paintings, Lorraine Bezuidenhout is a local artist that takes great pride in her work.

MOVIE IN THE PARK

What better way to unwind from a full day of entertainment and shopping than in style with a classic movie under the stars. We’re not going to give it away but you are going to absolutely love the chosen movie… it is exquisite and stars some of the best actors around!