Artwalkfor charity
On the evening of 7 December, the Hermanus First Fridays (HFF) art galleries will again host Night of a Thousand Drawings. This much anticipated annual event is based on the concept that we should all be able to enjoy the indulgence of purchasing an artwork – even if it is modest in terms of size and price.
More importantly. Night of a Thousand Drawings is an art-for-charity initiative that changes lives. The event originated in Johannesburg in 2006, when the delivery bakkie for the inner city soup kitchen, Paballo ya Batho was stolen. Overnight it became impossible to feed and provide basic support to hundreds of homeless people.
The idea of a Night of a Thousand Drawings was born as a fundraising rescue: they would ask everyone and anyone to donate A5 drawings to be sold for R100 each at an inner-city art exhibition.
During the run-up to the event, the charity received a donation of a new delivery van but decided to continue with the event that had started to gain momentum and a global following. The original Night of a Thousand Drawings project in Johannesburg has now grown and been adopted in other parts of the
world, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Bloemfontein. Cape Town, Dubai, Hong Kong – and Hermanus. All proceeds from the exhibitions are donated to worthy charities.
Over the past weeks, professional artists along with anyone who feels they have artistic ability, have been creating A5-sized artworks and handing them in at the participating HFF galleries. These donated artworks include paintings, drawings, sketches and illustrations, produced on paper, card or board, in mediums ranging from oils to watercolours, pastels, ink, pencil or charcoal.
During the Night of a Thousand Drawings on Friday 7 December, the artworks will be displayed at all the galleries and available for purchase – at R100 per artwork. The proceeds from the sale of the artworks will be divided between five local charities.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to purchase a little gem (or several!) at only R100 a piece. It may be the best investment you have ever made – or simply a special gift for a loved one. Above all, you’ll know that you have made a significant contribution to five local charities that fulfil a vital role in our community.
– Hedda Mlttner