The Fish Hoek Art Society has closed after 68 years of encouraging art and supporting artists in the area.
The ageing population, the advent of online art information and the Covid pandemic are just some of the factors that took a toll on the society to the point that its income could barely cover its bank charges, says Ann Zwets, the society’s president.
The society, founded in 1954, has a colourful history, she says.
“Before 1954, people in Fish Hoek who were interested in drawing and painting dabbled amateurishly with pencil and brush, some never having taken art classes at school. Dennis Barling, a photographer and artist, realised the need to encourage all those interested in art to form a society where they could learn and develop their artistic competency and appreciation.”
But over the years, she said, venues for monthly meetings and exhibitions had become hard to find and the money had not always been there to hire venues. So the society had used members’ homes, church halls, fire stations, and libraries, and the local business community had often provided support.
“The False Bay Hospital allowed us to hire their hall for quite some time before it became a postnatal clinic. Thanks to the generosity of the Nerina Gardens management, we used their large and user-friendly hall for our workshops, evening demonstrations and lectures. Sadly we lost that venue due to the Covid pandemic.”
Robert McAlpine, who was a committee member for many years, said it was sad to see the society close.
“Being part of the society was great because as an artist, it’s always nice to be a part of a group/society where you get the opportunity to learn from other artists and vice versa. You’re always learning.”
The society held three annual competitions, as well as paint-outs which were organised every month. Workshops and demonstrations by well-known artists were also held monthly.
The final blow had come when the bank had insisted on the society’s accounts becoming Fica compliant, said Ms Zwets.
“If there was a chance of the society closing down, which was always on the books and even discussed a little pre-Covid, then having to undo everything and closing the accounts just wasn’t worth the trouble,” she said, thanking the community for the support the society had received over the years.
In honour of the society, its members presented an art trophy and R10 000 to Fish Hoek High School on Thursday July 28.
“We hope that the art students at Fish Hoek High School enjoy competing for the Fish Hoek Art Society Merit Award at year-end and that this part of the history of our beautiful Fish Hoek Valley is not lost forever,” said Ms Zwets.
Fish Hoek High’s visual arts department said on the school’s Facebook page that it was grateful for its connection to the art society and believed the trophy would help preserve the society’s history.
Fish Hoek High art teacher Karin Colonnello said: “Donations such as this one from the art society allow us to not only celebrate outstanding achievement but also facilitate visual arts education for any of our students who are interested. We believe that creativity is an invaluable life skill and will benefit each individual learner no matter what career path they choose.”
