Find Your Tribe – Join an Art Society Like…

Enhance your skills and connect with like-minded creatives across South Africa! The South African Society of Artists (SASA) is calling on artists from all walks of life to join their dynamic community. Here’s why:

Beth Lowe on the right handing over a painting she created for a Schmincke art demo at The Deckle Edge

I joined SASA at that time so that I could be part of an artistic community. The South African Society of Artists offers opportunities to exhibit at Kirstenbosch, which is not only one of the most beautiful venues in the world but also creates an opportunity for my art to be seen by many tourists. There are monthly meetings which I love to attend, featuring demos and amazing competitions to enter as well.

Beth Lowe

Top 10 Benefits of Joining SASA:

1. Monthly Newsletters: Stay in the loop with their engaging monthly newsletters, delivered right to your inbox, filled with updates, tips, and inspirational stories from fellow artists.
2. Exciting In-House Competitions: Sharpen your skills with their three annual competitions: the intricate Drawing Competition, the vibrant Landscape, Life, and Still Life Competition, and the prestigious End of Year (Eleanor Palmer) Competition.
3. Exclusive Members Exhibitions: Showcase your masterpieces at two Members Exhibitions annually held at the serene Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the lively Art in the Park festival at Rondebosch Park.
4. Value-Packed Workshops: Elevate your art with three workshops a year, offered at competitive rates to help you refine your techniques and explore new mediums.
5. Resource-Rich Library: Dive into their extensive collection of art books in their well-stocked library, a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration.
6. Merit Exhibition Opportunities: Earn your spot in two additional prestigious exhibitions at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens through the Selection Weekend: the Annual Exhibition and the Merit Exhibition.
7. Inspirational Monthly Meetings: Connect and learn at their monthly meetings, featuring demonstrations and talks by renowned artists who share their journeys and techniques.
8. Plein Air Adventures: Join their organised monthly Plein Air outings, where you can paint the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa in the company of fellow artists.
9. Life Drawing Sessions: Hone your figure drawing skills with five weeks of life drawing sessions each year, offered at unbeatable rates.
10. Exclusive Discounts on Art Supplies: Enjoy discounts on your art supply needs at selected Art Shops, including The Deckle Edge, which we’re proud to say is a favourite among SASA members.

“I initially joined SASA so I could take part in Art in the Park In Rondebosh park. But the benefits of joining SASA extended beyond Art in the Park and the opportunity to exhibit at Kirstenbosch. The monthly meetings with demos and guest speakers are very useful and informative. Meeting fellow artists and being part of the art community, I believe, is very important too. ”

Gavin Thomson

Special Highlights from Their Last Meeting:

Peter Nel, the owner of The Deckle Edge, attended their members’ meeting on 29 February, a day marked by the traditional annual drawing competition.

New Awards and Winners: The inaugural Ryno Swart Medal, designed by Dylan Lewis, was awarded to Lyn Northam for the sketchbook competition, along with a Deckle Edge hamper full of art supplies.

The drawing competition saw Liesel Trautman clinch the 1st prize, with Chris Reabow and Solly Gutman following closely each receiving a Deckle Edge Shopping voucher too.

I joined SASA as a member for many reasons. I wanted the challenge of being integrated with the top artists in the country. The level of talent in SASA is of the highest caliber, but the artists all are eager to share their knowledge and expertise. So, I mainly joined for the opportunity to hone my skills.
The other reasons were to have a prestigious space to exhibit my art. I also really enjoy the challenges and workshops. It’s a great place to be amongst like minded artists and we enjoy a social evening every month.”

Ingrid Wallach ( SASA Vice President)

An Artistic Getaway at Kirstenbosch:

The recent opening of SASA’s Members’ Exhibition at The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens was a resounding success, with Gabriel Clark-Brown, the editor of Art Times, adding a touch of eccentricity to the event. It was a splendid opportunity to mingle with the art community, including the new President Irene Oxley and Vice President Ingrid Wallach. The exhibition was not just a visual feast but also a chance to support fellow artists, as many, including myself, left with newfound art treasures.

I wanted to be a part of SASA to mingle with like minded artist, the monthly talks and demos are a boost to anyone’s art. It gave me the opportunity to stretch my artistic ability, especially when I saw the standard of work on exhibitions at Kirstenbosch. I joined the council about 10 years ago and really enjoy it, it’s hard work. Being the president is a honour and I have an amazing team to work with.

Irene Oxley

Why Wait? Join SASA Today!

Embark on this artistic voyage with SASA and be part of a community that celebrates art in all its forms. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, exhibit your work, or simply connect with fellow artists, SASA is your gateway to a vibrant art world. >>Learn more on the SASA website

Looking for A Different Tribe?

In addition to the wonderful opportunities SASA offers, we wholeheartedly support and celebrate the rich tapestry of art societies throughout South Africa. Each of these organisations brings its unique flavour and focus to the art community, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for artists of all backgrounds. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate beauty of botanical art, the dynamic energy of visual arts, or the local charm of community-based societies, there’s a place for every artist.

• Artist’s Co-Operative: A platform for artists to collaborate and showcase their work in a supportive environment.
• AVA (Association for Visual Arts): Championing contemporary art and artists through exhibitions and community projects.
• BAASA (Botanical Art Association of South Africa): Celebrating the delicate intersection of art and nature through botanical illustrations.
• Blaauwberg Art Society: A community-driven group that provides a nurturing space for artists in the Blaauwberg region.
• CAS (Constantiaberg Art Society): The Constantiaberg Art Society, sprouting from a simple library initiative in Cape Town, has grown into a dynamic community of nearly 200 art lovers. Open to all over 14, it’s a place where artists of any skill level find encouragement and inspiration. With monthly meetings featuring talks and demos, it’s a hub for creativity and connection. If you’re drawn to art, this welcoming society invites you to join and explore your passion further.
• Paarl Art Society: Fostering artistic growth and appreciation within the Paarl community.
• Sedgefield Art Society: Encouraging artistic expression in the picturesque town of Sedgefield.
• STAG (Simonstown Art Group): A group dedicated to promoting art in the historic town of Simon’s Town.
• Stellenbosch Art Association: Supporting the vibrant art scene in Stellenbosch with exhibitions and educational initiatives.
• The Kouga Art Society: Uniting artists from the Kouga region to celebrate local art and culture.
• The Miniature Art Society of SA: Specialising in the intricate and detailed world of miniature art.
• The Printing Girls: A collective that champions female printmakers and their contributions to the art world.
• The Knysna Art Society: Big shoutout to the Knysna Art Society, a gem in the Garden Route, nurturing creativity since the ’80s. They’ve set up an Art Route, making it easy to explore local galleries and studios. This art tribe showcase member artworks and collaborations with events like the Knysna Oyster Festival, they’re really putting Knysna’s artists on the map. Join them or follow online to dive into the vibrant art scene.

We encourage our members to explore these societies, participate in their events, and immerse themselves in the diverse artistic expressions they offer. Together, we create a richer, more vibrant art community that transcends boundaries and celebrates creativity in all its forms.