With little more than 6 weeks until Art in the Country 2025 Harrington House hosted a gathering of much appreciated sponsors, artists, and media representatives. Event founder Kathy Jacobs shared an update on what would be forthcoming for this edition of Hilton’s wonderful annual art exhibition.
Artist Highlights
Amongst the artists present at the pre-event launch were Thandi Ntuli and Sir Lincoln. Thandi works in clay, making fascinating figurines and gorgeous pots. Sir Lincoln is a multi-disciplinary artist who incorporates all mediums, including recycled material in his work and makes lovely pots.
Lara Mellon, now resident in Howick for around 3 years, looks forward to exhibiting her mixed media creations largely inspired by nature. She works in collages which may include resins, oils and found objects.
First time exhibitor Claudia Ahrens, the youngest artist this year, began her art journey under Kathy’s tutelage just 3 years ago. It will be intriguing to see how her memorable style, currently focused on female portraiture, develops. Claudia’s creative pursuit is inspired by her grandmother, an artist who enjoyed painting trains.
Another newcomer is Olga Nikitina whose uniqueness is her skill for underwater painting. Olga is also a trained interior designer and dive instructor. Her passion is to paint the ocean. Not all her paintings are done underwater, but she perfected a technique using paint that does not dissolve in water, Olga paints in a swimming pool studio and regularly returns to the Red Sea, to her studio to work there.
Ever popular Siyabonga Ngubane joined the fun at Harrington House with some of his sketches on show. Siyabonga made the Top Ten List last year and was joyfully challenged by Kathy to aim for Top 5 this time around.
Joining this marvelous multi-day exhibition for the very first time is Mandy Johnston. Her live art, being wire wool structures which are set alight, are brought to ART in the Country by Brokoop Insurance Brokers. Sessions will happen in the evening with times still to be advised. These animated art shows are sure to be mesmerizing. Welcome musical entertainment in the evenings is booked again with multilinguist singer and song-writer René Tshiakanyi and Des will perform during the day.
Neighbourhood Gems
Besides well-loved local artists like Marion Lowe, Simon Addy and Sarah Pryke, many home-grown regulars will be back at the event; iThemba Projects will once again manage and benefit from gate entrance sales, food and refreshments available will include a street menu from Jackie Cameron's School of Food and Wine as well as your favourite pancakes from Hilton Scouts.
Be sure to block out chunks of time to attend this fabulous Hilton art event with friends. You have six weeks to plan your visits, and your planning time is going to pass quickly because with all the upcoming public holidays only 30 of those countdown days are official working days!
Pictured here top: Jen, the 'Harrington House powerhouse' with Kathy.
Below top row L-R: Musawenkosi Namntu with Kathy Jacobs, Lara Mellon and art by Olga Nikitina
Middle row L-R: Claudia Ahrens, Siyabonga Ngubane and Thandi Ntuli
Final row: Depictions of upcoming live art installations by Mandy Johnston
