NEXT UP May 2026NEXT UP May 2026
The second edition of the Harcourts Hilton ART in the Country exhibition exceeded expectations both in the amount of sales and foot traffic to the three-day event at Harrington House last month. Billed as KZN’s premier art exhibition, the event realised R1.25 million in sales - up from last year’s R900 000 - and welcomed about 3 500 visitors, up from last year’s 3 000.
Convenor Kathy Jacob said planning was already underway for next year’s event. “The wonderful feedback from artists, sponsors, and suppliers and the support from the public is both humbling and inspirational,” she said.
“It’s a real tribute to everybody who played a part in making the second edition such a success,” she said.
Last year’s top seller at the inaugural event, Simon Addy, again made the most sales in 2023. Other artists in the Top 10 were Lesley Mathew, Tim Baynes, Muzi Ndlela, Rayne Hampson, Wikkie Winterton, Julia Forman, Veronica Herbert, Kathy Jacob, and Christian Jamar Varney.
A popular addition to the 2023 event was a selfie competition with frames supplied by Burczak Picture Framers in Pietermaritzburg. First prize went to Drakondale School of the Arts teachers Yvonne Lecordier and Beverly Cameron who won a R1 500 voucher sponsored by art material supplier Art Board. Nthando Ngcobo, a beneficiary of iThemba Projects’ outreach programme, scooped second prize and a R750 voucher from Art Board. Third prize, and a voucher for a Jackie Cameron sunset evening for four people, went to Hilton residents Bev and Mary Davidge.
Pictured here: Top seller Simon Addy with fellow exhibitor Nicola Crawford.