“Celebration of the animals”, a mini exhibition showcasing the work of 10 animal artists at the inaugural Cape of Good Hope SPCA Trustees Luncheon event, took place at The Vineyard Hotel in Claremont on Monday 30th August. 

In the preparations leading up to the event, the SPCA extended an invitation to the The Cape Gallery and the Artists to participate in this event, which would bring together the trustees of the many Trusts and Foundations which grant funds to the CoGH SPCA.  The event would also be attended by the SPCA’s Patron, Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille.

In her address Helen Zille referred to the SPCA as the “country’s conscience” and made mention of the numerous occasions in which she personally had called on the society to assist an animal in distress and how she could always rely on their professional and dedicated response.
 
Prior to addressing the event, Premier Zille toured the exhibition, which was sparked by “Borders” a wildlife exhibition currently running at The Cape Gallery.  Artists were chosen with an interest in creating a dialogue between the symbolic meaning of power and status which culture imposes onto animals and a more empiric, scientific understanding of  the need to preserve and respect an animal within it’s natural environment.

Gary Frier’s “Tussen die Proteas” depicted a baboon and was based on his experience of the animal through the media of postcards and TV documentaries.  He comments that direct access to the animal in nature is a privilege, something he did not enjoy growing up in an urban environment. Mrs Irmela Karlien purchased the work from Gary at the event and the commission will go to the SPCA.

Artists Elisabeth Poulsom and Noel Ashton access their understanding of wildlife through scientific illustration and their work in conservation. Elizabeth Poulsom works with penguins at  Boulders and Ashton, having spent 25 years studying whale and dolphin morphology, specialises in scientific illustration and sculpture. Mrs Joyce Beeton, who is passionate about the protection of horses bought a painting of a horse painted by Noel Ashton, enabling a further donation to the SPCA.

The artists found the afternoon stimulating and thought provoking, the venue striking with Nursery Gorge forming a looming backdrop behind the glass curtain wall of the Vineyard Hotel and lunch was a feast. We must compliment Carol-Anne Brand and Sarah Scarth of the CoGH SPCA on choreographing a seamless and enjoyable event.