Photo supplied. Tutani of Zim Art
An Introduction to Zimbabwean Art and Culture
Families might find the August 4th grand opening of Zim Art’s annual exhibition and sale of Zimbabwean stone sculpture a fun introduction for young children into the world of art and a vibrant African culture. The free event runs from 3 to 6 pm and features live Zimbabwean music performed by Nhapitapi, providing energetic background music to open the 19th annual exhibit of more than 300 stone sculptures displayed in thematic groupings over two acres, featuring more than 50 plus Zimbabwean artists represented by ZimArt.
ZimArt’s 2018 artist-in-residence Tutani Mgabazi will be on site during the exhibition to discuss his work, the work of his fellow artists and to demonstrate the art of stone carving. This talented artist comes from one of his country’s most respected sculpting family- you might say sculpting is in his blood. His informal apprenticeship began with his uncle, for whom he began by sanding and polishing his uncle’s works. By the age of twelve, Tutani was creating his own work, developing his own style. His works have been featured in several international exhibitions, but he is also a gifted teacher, having led sculpting workshops in Europe, African and North America.
Unlike traditional galleries, the open fields dotted with sculptures ranging from small creatures to larger than life images are an ideal venue to expose young and old to art in a substance that is can be admired by touch as well as by sight, welcoming a tactile exploration of a different world.
Photo supplied.
A young visitor admires stone creatures in a pond at Zim Art’s exhibition.
Those who are inspired to try their hand at the craft may consider a family workshop, available to young and old. These workshops are offered mid-week from June through September for groups of four to six participants who spend the morning at the Rice Lake Gallery with visiting Tutani Mgabazi, learning the basics of stone carving in a hands-on workshop. Working under tents using only hand tools, workshops are tailored to the age and ability of participants. The morning is followed by a gourmet picnic lunch at Wildwood Cottages, followed by a pontoon boat ride to explore Rice Lake.
The gallery is open from daily 11 am to 6 pm from June to Thanksgiving. For more information about the event or the gallery’s events and exhibits, visit www.zimart.ca. KG
