Windhoek
The Cultural Association of Omaruru, as indeed the whole town of Omaruru, will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Omaruru Artist’s Trail, starting this Thursday, September 22.
The three-day trail is a national arts event, the only one of its kind that combines the architectural heritage of the past with the cultural vision of today. The annual event brings cultural vitality to the town, and exhibitors and art lovers from elsewhere receive a very warm welcome. A variety of artistic expressions have been showcased through the years, ranging from paintings, sculpture, sand sculpture, jewellery, photography, handmade paper, wood and metal art, to ceramics, quilting, beaded jewellery and literature.
Spannie, one of the organisers, says there will be a historical display of all the artists that have been involved in the trail for the last ten years.
“Several new artists will bring their work to Omaruru this year,” he adds.
The Namibian Pottery Association, Visual Artist of Namibia (VA-N) will also host their annual VA-N exhibition at the event.
“This year artists will exhibit paintings, sketches, children’s drawings, sculptures, jewellery, recycled glass, plastic, paper, ceramics, pottery, metal art, woodwork, farm stalls, handcrafts and root carvings, and all artists will be available at their respective exhibitions,” Spannie says.
He says that on Friday evening a classic rock concert will be hosted, which is the trail’s flagship event this year. Mel Botes from South Africa and Christa Lamprecht, together with the Swakopmund Symphony, will for the first time perform ‘In the River’, a special Omaruru river song written by Mel Botes. “Numerous exciting workshops are being held throughout the town. The River Stage will host Mel Botes and the Namib Coastal Symphonics, Sandy Rudd and Liz Ehlers in their piece Shirley Valentine and the Big Concert Bash,” says Spannie.
“Saturday evening is the concert in the river – George Longane (Windhoek), Tiro (from Otjiwarongo, now living in Pretoria), Joharetha and Len Nel (Walvis Bay) and Alinda La Mur are our Namibian performers and entertainers for the evening. The prize winners of the trail will be announced the same evening. The regular favourites like 80 years young Oom Gawie Cloete, the Omaruru resident for 30 years, will also display his new work,” he says.