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The Mosaic Wall is Up!

In May 2008, with sponsorship from the Sunshine Foundation, the Enlighten Education Trust set out to hold an art competition as a means of making the new centre look good as well as a means of involving the community and increasing awareness of the work the Enlighten Education Trust’s does. 

Just under one year on and the mosaic mural is up and we've achieved our objectives! As much as we've tried to keep the mosaic under "wraps" until the official opening "someone" keeps uncovering it. (Read on to find out more).

The winner, Sandi, and 5 local mosaic artists have done a sterling job making this a reality; and although the official unveiling is only on the 21st of May 2009 the accolades are already rolling in.

Mosaic Competition PosterWidespread Publicity

Posters and publicity in 3 languages was set up to reach all aspiring artists aged between 18 and 30 in communities from Gansbaai to Cape Town. Workshops were held to provide support as well as some skills to locals who expressed interest in the competition. 

We received about 150 expressions of interest and ended up with 48 art works being submitted. 

 

Judging

It was a daunting task judging the entries - especially selecting from the final round. Judging was done by Stefan Hundt, curator of the Sanlam Art Collection; Stephen Welz, well known Auctioneer and Tyrone Appolis, a South African artist. 

 

 

Winners Announced

On Friday 19th September the winners were announced at the official opening of the Enlighten Education & Training Centre

The first prize of R40,000 was awarded to Sandi Mdekazi of Nyanga. Three Merit prizes of R7,000 each were awarded to Sonnet Flynn - Betty's Bay, Monique Campher – Gansbaai and Nicolene Dorfling – Durbanville. 


Tracing the artPlanning

In November 2008 we started planning the build of the wall and creation of the artwork.

We followed the method laid out by Jane Du Rand, the famous mosaic artist, who even  worked out the material quantities for us! She based this on her mosaic mural at the Baragwaneth Taxi Rank which is a similar size.  

 

Creating the mosaicBuilding 

Sandi Mdekazi the winner moved to Hermanus for the duration of the build which took from mid January 2009 until the end of April 2009.

5 local mosaic artists from Zwelihle – Ntombizandile Ntloko, Nokuthula Madubela, Cikizwa Buti, Nontlahla Madubela and Raphael Malunga – assisted him and together they have done an amazing job. Lara from Mila Mosaics assisted us with material sourcing and training.

Putting the mosaic panels onto the wallThe Unofficial “Unveiling”

Once the mosaic was mounted onto the wall, we covered it up with plastic and shade cloth to try to keep it a surprise until it had been finished. However, the covering had been carefully removed overnight on the Easter weekend. 

We thought perhaps members of the community were using the plastic but found it neatly folded up in a bin. The shade cloth covering had been pushed back over the wall. 


Covering the mosaicWe covered the mural again - this time using large sheets of paper left over from the design transfer. Again the covering was removed!

The community obviously cannot wait until the 21st May when the official “unveiling” will be taking place, so we have decided to leave it uncovered. The unveiling will be done by the Mayor and Mrs Beyleveldt. Cameron Dugmore has been invited to give a keynote address.

 

Mosaic Mural complete A Collective Success

Although the mosaic has not yet been officially unveiled, we are thrilled with the widespread accolades that this work of art is already receiving from members of the community.

This project is a collective success and we hope it will inspire other communities, businesses and organizations to add colour to their lives. 

What about You?

Contact us if you'd like to use one of the many entries we've received to brighten up your business, organisation or community; or if you'd like to commission any of the talented members of our team

 
Mosaic Competition
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