My brain battled to accept ‘Popcorn, Cup Cakes and Water’ will be served at the opening! It was a WOW! Well done to the youngsters for all their input.
When a few years ago Chris, my local pharmacist and friend, asked if I would like to hang some of my art in his pharmacy, I thanked him and replied that I did not think he would really want an added responsibility in his shop. As I left his pharmacy I said I would think about it.
2 years later Glenda, his wife, brought the subject up again.
You might be wondering why Chris has the space to share with us artists. When a new pharmacy opened up in our small village Chris gave up the lipsticks and perfumes and concentrated on looking after the local citizens of our village and surrounding area.
A truly wonderful, caring person. I was allowed to phone him regardless of the time of day or night when my late husband needed help. Chris would quietly talk me through the panic situation. I am convinced he gave Mike an extra 4 years of life.
The idea of opening a gallery in a small village is terrifying. It’s bad enough putting yourself out there for our annual Rotary exhibition.
Glenda, Karlien, Theresa, Shelley and I chatted it through. Glenda made it sound so easy!
‘Revamp the front half of the pharmacy, Hang the art and Chris and I will attend to the rest.’
I needed this after googling ‘How to start an art gallery in South Africa?’
‘The first thing you need to understand is that opening an art gallery will undergo the same process as starting a business. You will need capital, a business model and an effective business plan. You’ll need to be knowledgeable about the art industry that your business is in and, ideally, enjoy being in that industry’.
If you are focused on art you definitely don’t want to be worrying about the business side of things!
We took on the challenge and accepted Glenda and Chris’s offer.
Within 3 weeks, thanks to Chris, some of the artists and their husbands, our ‘Art Gallery’ was ready for its official opening.
Mtunzini, on the KZN North Coast of South Africa, is a beautiful little village situated on the edge of a lagoon. It has natural forest and lovely hiking and biking trails. You can even cast a line and hope to catch supper while painting ‘plein air’!
We are hoping to change the artworks and the guest artists and their artworks on a regular basis.
This will keep our passionate and talented artists constantly inspired!
Join us in Celebrating this unique space of Creativity and Joy. Our ‘Art Gallery’ is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm.
Marian Mattinson(Gunter)
WASA representative in Mtunzini, KwaZulu-Natal