Fulfilling Artists’ Needs

Art in the Country, proudly sponsored by Spar KZN, was held from 28 to 31 May once again on the beautiful grounds of Harrington House in Hilton this year. It celebrated its fifth consecutive year with a lineup of 69 artists, 15 of whom were newcomers, and two of these made it to the Top 10. The artists were predominantly from KZN, with some who travelled from Limpopo, Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. Kathy Jacob, founder and fellow artist, has been refining her aim for Art in the Country since its inception in 2022: “To host a top-class art exhibition offering exhibiting artists exactly what they want: a well-organised, quality event where artists are chosen on the merit of their work rather than simply filling spaces at an exhibition,” she shared.

The event was a massive success this year, and as Kathy says, the figures “speak for themselves”. There were over 4000 visitors recorded, and their sales increased by R143 000 compared with last year’s figures, pushing them over the R2 million mark. There’s also been momentous support from the community, notably Spar KZN becoming the headline sponsor. The Harcourts Hilton raffle raised R12 500 for The Mindful Art Society, a newly introduced NPO whose art development and outreach work fit perfectly with Art in the Country’s objectives. Marion Lowe painted the beautiful oil landscape for this fundraiser raffle. Additionally, Brokoop Insurance Brokers sponsored a R16 000 getaway prize, a weekend away at Star Dam, by simply clicking on their QR code, plus added to this, free transportation, insurance coverage on paintings purchased at this year’s Art in the Country. The event also welcomed a new vendor, Wedgewood Nougat Ice Cream, and live music, which included the marimba bands from Hilton College and Cowan House, and the jazz ensemble from Maritzburg College.

Kathy was pleased to share two standout success stories from this year’s event: “Gauteng-based artist Richard Rijo, who joined at the last minute due to a cancellation, made the Top 10 with more than R50 000 in sales, and secured automatic entry for 2027. Another is Jane Wolff, from Durban, who not only achieved the fifth most sales at her Midlands Art in the Country debut, but it was also her first-ever exhibition!” They also paid tribute to two artists who sadly passed away last year, namely Muzi Ndlela and Pro Mkhize. “Trusts were set up and all proceeds from the sale of their work, including prints, go to their families, with no commission taken,” said Kathy.

While there is no main theme for Art in the Country, the subject matter of artworks included landscapes, botanicals, wildlife, figure drawing, still life, and abstract. The types of artworks consisted of only visual art and sculpture in a variety of media such as acrylics, oils, watercolour, linocuts, and wax paintings. Kathy feels strongly to not include décor or craft items at this exhibition, but only showcase visual art, thus steering away from a craft market-type event.

There is much to look forward to for future events, “We’re excited about entrenching Art in the Country as KZN’s premier art exhibition. Judging by the interest in next year’s event, we’re anticipating a crackerjack show as the calibre of artists and quality of work improves to compete for limited stands in 2027. We welcome the growing support of sponsors who add diversity to the Art in the Country experience. The social media platform is managed by an experienced and enthusiastic team. This year’s promotional video reached over 80,000 views. The event’s continued growth is a tribute to the participation of artists and the support from art buyers and the public,” shared Kathy.

For artists interested in next year’s event, applications are open via Art in the Country’s social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as through the network of artists. Applying artists are also vetted by a selection panel. Kathy is delighted to announce Art in the Country is going Coastal! Due to much demand, a second Art in the Country, proudly sponsored by Spar KZN, will take place in Ballito, on the beautiful grounds of Collisheen from 1 to 4 October.

PHOTOS: WITH INFUENCE