Tickets Are Selling Fast for the Clarens Arts Festival Coming up at the End of April

While there is an impressive lineup of authors and performers, the visual arts side of the festival boasts some stellar names.

The eminent sculptor Anton Smit, known for his monumental life forms, will present Chronicles of Faith, an exhibition that reflects more than 50 years of artistic exploration. His powerful works evoke themes of suffering, reconciliation and glory, and are possessed of a raw, earthy power that is distinctly African. He has exhibited in Europe, Asia and the US and his sculptures can be found in public and private collections locally and abroad.

In addition, Smit has donated one of his works to be auctioned at the opening Long Table Dinner on Thursday, 23rd April. Tickets for this are available on TixSA.

In another first, a separate venue will be devoted to ceramic art. Highveld Ceramics: Curated will be showcasing artists selected for their distinctive contributions to the ancient discipline of ceramic art. A splendid array of vessels will be on show that celebrate the dialogue between artist and clay.

On the village Town Square a unique exhibition will showcase the Basotho blankets famous in the region. Young Basotho designers will display their current creations, while the iconic Basotho Heritage Blankets will be on show, each telling a different story about its maker.

The Visual Arts marquee will, as always, be dazzling with its variety of artists and their works. It will showcase some of South Africa’s most inspiring and original talent like Grace Kotze, Corné Eksteen and Hilary Grant-Currie.

Visitors will be invited to join in on a guided tour of the festival offerings, beginning in the main marquee and ending at the Anton Smit Sculpture Garden. Here, Anton himself will lead guests through his works, sharing the inspiration and stories behind each piece. These tours will be offered daily at 10am and 3pm, and at 10am on Monday 27 April.

Finally, another hallmark of the Clarens Arts Festival is the programme of workshops and demonstrations on offer. Celebrated chef Elmarie Berry will cook and share a special three-course lunch from her recipe books Kosbaar and The Table; the exciting new technique iColor will be demonstrated for both adults and children and there will be printing, pottery and painting sessions to awaken the inner artist!

For the full festival programme and list of participants, as well as to buy tickets visit: www.clarensartsfestival.co.za