And it certainly did…..
The 28th and 29th of March 2009 saw the first free ArtWorks@Gillespie’s event showcasing the creative talent that exist in the Gillespie’s community.
Not only did the art work to raise funds but it also worked to gather together and unite people from different generations, different countries and different walks of life. Pieces of work came from Africa, America, China, England, Greece and Scotland. The art works were born on easels in schools and art colleges, in professional artists’ studios and on kitchen tables. They were created by former pupils, grandparents of current pupils, teachers and ex-teachers to say nothing of the astounding body of work created by JGHS students and Zwelibanzi learners.
The art works came in all shapes and sizes: paintings in various mediums from framed miniatures from America to large canvases (brought over from South Africa the day before); silver and bead jewellery; Zulu basket ware made from recycled plastic bags; one dress designed and made from sheets came from one of the learners from Zwelibanzi and another was designed and knitted in Scotland by a JGHS former pupil; tapestry woven by an ex-teacher and photographs of restaurant food waste, which explored the tradition of the Grand Tour. We also received some generous donations from friends of the school for both the silent auction and the art auction on Sunday.
Saturday saw a steady flow of people throughout the day with catering by Saffron Café and a music programme provided by JGHS students. Sunday was much more up tempo – after an organic African lunch of Bunny Chow and Chakalaka washed down by a South African wine and speeches by Jeremy Hughes and Alex Wallace the art auction kicked off and was expertly led by David Anderson. Doug Veitch and Rise Kagona (ex Bhundu Boys) then played their unique fusion of Zimbabwean and Scottish music.
During the two days over 500 art works were displayed, and more than 200 were sold, one piece selling for an astounding £750. With the profit from the bar and the food ArtWorks@Gillespie’s raised £4000. This will be split between the Trust and the African Global Citizenship Project in line with the artists and donors wishes.
