The Inheems 2024 Art Exhibition took place on August 23rd and 24th at the Riversdale Civic Center, transforming the venue into a lively tribute to youth, creativity, and the beauty of nature. The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) partnered with the Hessequa Libraries and the Hessequa Art Route to organise this initiative for the second year in a row. This annual gathering offered a unique opportunity for emerging artists from the area to display their work, while also deepening their appreciation for the rich natural and cultural legacy of the Hessequa region. More than just an art exhibition, the event highlighted the vital role of artistic expression in promoting environmental awareness and celebrating cultural identity.
Cultivating Interest and Developing Skills
Earlier this year a call was made for all teenagers (13-19) living or going to school in Hessequa to celebrate our regions incredible natural wonders and cultural heritage by participating in the Inheems 2024 Teen Art Competition. GCBR and Hessequa Libraries reached out to all of the high schools in the region to extend the invitation to this competition as well as to attend art workshops if any of our youth needed assistance with skills development or art materials. With support from enthusiastic, passionate and skilled artists from the Hessequa Art Route, workshops were held in Riversdale, Heidelberg, Albertinia and Vermaaklikehid to develop skills with groups of budding artists.
Cultivating Appreciation for Nature and Culture via Artistic Expression
The Inheems Teen Art Competition aims to inspire young artists to serve as champions for the natural and cultural treasures of the Hessequa and greater GCBR region. Through their creations, these talented teens vividly showcased the splendour of native wildlife, plants, and breathtaking landscapes, highlighting the crucial need for environmental conservation. This year’s exhibition boasted more than 130 submissions, each reflecting the artist’s bond with nature and their imaginative take on the region’s biodiversity.
A Competitive Spirit: Evaluating the Entries
A diverse and talented group of judges meticulously reviewed the artworks through the lens of the theme and considered various factors such as technical proficiency, artistic excellence, imaginative flair, display of natural talent, emotional depth, narrative strength, and botanical precision. Due to the exceptional quality of submissions submitted this year, GCBR was prompted to raise the prize money from R20,000 to R26,500 to recognise and reward the artistic talent within the Hessequa region.
Celebrating the Champions: Exceptional Talent Takes Center Stage
Among the remarkable contestants, Bailey Lotterie (18), a student from Stilbaai, rose to prominence as the overall champion. Her stunning piece titled “Princess” not only clinched the top position in the Technical Artist category but also distinguished her as one of the two Designers of the Year. Bailey’s success showcases her extraordinary talent and creativity, earning her a rightful place in the limelight at the South Cape Forum.
Another outstanding winner in the competition was Rayn Kluyts, a 19-year-old from Heidelberg, whose creation “The Cicada” earned her a Designer prize alongside Bailey. Additionally, Rayn’s innovative artistry secured her the second spot in the Creativity category, highlighting her unique vision. Soon, both Bailey and Rayn’s designs will be featured in GCBR’s apparel collection, bringing a blend of eco-consciousness and creativity to the local fashion landscape.
Winners: 1st prize R1000, 2nd prize R700 & 3rd prize R500)
The Artist – Technical skill mastery
The Rising Star – Natural talent and potential
The Creative – Creativity expression
The Botanical Illustrator – Accurate depiction of plants
The Storyteller – Storytelling through art
The Expressionist – Pure emotional expression
Merit awards R300 each
The Designer – R5,000 each
A Community United Through Art and Conservation
The Hessequa Inheems Art Exhibition not only highlighted the creative abilities of the region’s youth but also united the community in a joyful celebration of art and environmental stewardship. The event featured a curated exhibition of local professional artists and an array of stalls showcasing indigenous plants, pottery, clothing, and more, fostering a lively atmosphere where attendees could admire and support local artists, artisans and small businesses.
A Lasting Legacy: The Future of Hessequa Inheems
The triumph of the Hessequa Inheems 2024 Art Exhibition highlights the vital role of cultivating emerging talent and instilling a passion for nature and culture through artistic expression. This event has not only offered a stage for young creators to showcase their work but has also heightened awareness about the importance of safeguarding the area’s natural and cultural treasures. As we anticipate upcoming exhibitions, it is clear that the Hessequa Inheems Art Exhibition will continue to evolve in importance, motivating more young artists to engage with, protect, and honour the beauty and importance of their environment.
Conclusion: Celebrating Art, Culture, and Conservation
The Hessequa Inheems 2024 Art Exhibition has proven to be a remarkable triumph, uniting the local youth, community members, and conservation initiatives in a vibrant celebration of creativity. Thanks to the support from GCBRs funders, Hessequa Libraries, Hessequa Art Route, and the passion of emerging artists, this event has made a significant impression on everyone involved. As we honour the accomplishments of this year’s awardees, we eagerly anticipate the ongoing development and success of this essential program, ensuring that art, culture, and conservation continue to flourish together in the Hessequa region for many years ahead.
Special Acknowledgements
Firstly, thank you to our teen participants and everyone who came out and supported the Inheems event. GCBR and partners extend their gratitude for the donations and sponsorship of indigenous flowers and plants from Wedre Geldenhuys (Mont Blank Flora), Melissa van den Berg, Pierre Vermaak and Riversdale Garden Center that made the venue look so beautiful; and for the glasses received from the Still Bay Lions Club.
Great appreciation goes out to The Wildflower, Geel Mossie, GJ Coffee, Amelia’s Kitchen, Favril Ceramics, Beauty and the Bee, Nakita Joubert (Face Painting) and Dina Grobler (Gelli Plate Printing workshop) for their enthusiastic participation at the event.
Thank you, Christiaan De Swart for all the publicity in the Suid Kaap Forum newspaper and for leading the judging panel. Many thanks to all the judges, Riette Error, Wilhelm de Beer, Marilise Lombard, James Stanley, Clarence-James Ho-Kim and Melanie Cloete.
It was an honour to showcase exceptional artworks that advance the conservation conversation in this years Inspired by Nature collection that was exhibited at the Inheems event; many thanks to local artists Jetske Fouche, Lezanne Kotze, Louise Kluyts, Louise Ynclan, Machdel Basson, Marilise Lombard, Nadine Hansen, Nakita Joubert, Rivkah Van Der Merwe and Zelda Truter.
A massive thank you to all the volunteers who assisted behind the scenes to set up the venue especially the team from the Riversdale Library, Marilise Lombard, James Stanley, Carina Langenhoven, Barbie Nortje, Anita McLaughlin and Wilma Olivier.
Many thanks to pianist Maggie Filmalter for her uplifting performance.
Our humble appreciation goes out to Garden Route District Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, Hessequa Speaker, Tinus van den Berg and Hessequa Art Route Chairperson, Louise Kluyts, for presiding over the Inheems 2024 Teen Art Competition Awards Ceremony.
A big shout out to the GCBR team for everyone’s support throughout the event with extra special thank you to designer Riette Error for the incredible volume of support.
Lastly a big thank you to the driving forces behind the entire Inheems initiative: Linda Fletcher (GCBR), Ursula Oosthuizen (Hessequa Library Manager) Janet Muller (Hessequa Art Route and Geel Mossie) and Marilise Lombard.
Event Gallery
