George library invited the community to creative exploration and connection recently
In the photo above, Elmine Vorster, initiator of the programme, “Make your Mark” with an installation on Virginia Woolf by local artist, Arleen Duff, behind her.
George Library recently celebrated locals who made their mark and the boundaries of literature alone were transcended, and the emphasis was on harmonious interaction between the literary text and visual art.
According to Elmine Vorster, George librarian, “Make YOUR Mark 2023” explored the interplay between literary text and visual art, emphasizing how these mediums can enhance and inspire each other.
Workshops and demonstrations were held to showcase the creative process and highlighted the fusion of words and visual material. Two creative writing workshops were presented by Michele Damstra in the reading area of the library. A poetry workshop was presented by Dr. Mike Hagemann and several “Found” poems were created and will be on display in the library in the new year.
Archie Swanson, South African poet, discussed his poems and photography with Wolfgang Schreuder, bookshop owner of ‘Blue Forest”. A local Artist, Thanduxolo Juta, displayed sculptures of sport heroes and people from different cultures.Children from “Classical Conversations”, create a timeline with their creative posters and displayed it in the foyer. Koos Meyer, a local writer, wrote on his laptop in the foyer and donated his first published book to the library. Ina Meyer, a local award- winning quilter, displayed her quilt: “The book thief” in the library.
Hannes Visser, an AVBOB poetry winner, delivered a copy of his debut novel to George Library.
Vorster said, “Make your Mark” has inspired sustainable initiatives, including ALICE for Adults” meetings held monthly at the George library over the past year and a half. These meetings bring the community together for continued creative exploration and connection.
The last meeting of ALICE for Adults was devoted to the book of curator artist, Lien Botha, “Vin”. This art novel with a link to a website, led to an interactive experience: A rabbit hole of information on books from the library collection and artists from far and near. People from the community received a chapter from the book to use as inspiration for installations displayed in the library.
Vorster said engaging the creative mind with words and visual expression lead to personal growth and community enrichment.
She said the significance of community involvement must be underlined, our library served as a platform for community creativity and collaboration and “Make YOUR Mark” was an opportunity for everyone to share their unique gifts and contribute to our vibrant cultural landscape.
The George Library has served as a catalyst for creativity, learning and community engagement, “Make YOUR Mark” showcased the power of community collaboration and the library’s pivotal role in fostering creative connections. Vorster said “our mission was accomplished – a space was provided where individuals could explore their artistic potential and connected with others who share a passion for creativity. A public library served to be so many things for so many individuals from our diverse community.
Marietha Smid at her watercolour painting depicting the motto in the book: a quotation from Lewis Carroll’s book: “Alice in wonderland”.
Karin Haremse explaining the bronze sculpture of the boat.
A poem by Colleen Venter on chapter eight.