Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre Welcomes New Community Art Gallery

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) is proud to launch its new Community Art Gallery, forming part of the Centre’s extensive and exciting community development programmes. In collaboration with renowned interior designer, Gert Gertzen, this new facility has been conceptualised to showcase works by local artists with wildlife as their main subject matter. A percentage of all funds raised will go directly to the running costs of the Centre and its many animal residents. 

The aim of the artwork that grace the walls of the Community Art Gallery is to raise awareness about the unique disposition and behaviours of African animal species, many of which are endangered. A variety of art-works is on display and is available for sale including oil paintings, watercolours, sketches and pastel work. 

Participating artists include Vanessa Lomas, Anne Watt, Cristel Belce-Kennedy, Wietz Marais, Mwana Bermudes, Petro de Jager, MillieMuller and Paul Mittermayer. 

Comments Carl Olen, General Manager at Camp Jabulani: “ The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre is based on four main objectives: to breed with and relocate endangered species, to broaden the genetic pool as well as research and education. With eco-tourism becoming more of a household term, the Centre has decided that a 5th objective needs to be added to fully comply as a leading eco-tourism attraction – local community involvement. The opening of the Community Art Gallery is just another project to become more involved with our local community. The next step of the art gallery will be to involve our local rural schools by giving talented school children the opportunity to exhibit at the gallery. Some of the artists have offered to conduct special training workshops where these children can learn new skills and techniques.”

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre therefore offers underprivileged learners the opportunity to discover and learn about art as a means of self-expression and the practicalities of the different artistic mediums. The objective of this initiative is two-fold; to ensure the financial wellbeing of the Centre and to support local talent by giving artists a platform to showcase their creations and skills. 

A variety of cheetah cub abstracts are also on offer as a memento to visitors of their experience at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.