Art challenges one to think abstractly about concepts and ideas instead of accepting the world at face value, and, whether drawing for fun or releasing one’s deepest inspiration, the impulse to create should never be ignored.
Laerskool Helderkruin, in conjunction with the Lions Club of Wilro Park, proved that age is no barrier to bringing depth and imagery to simple thoughts in the recently held annual Lions Club Peace Poster competition.
Given the theme of ‘Journey of Peace’, entrants were asked to express their vision of this eternal pursuit using only text-free visuals. Entries were received from Grade 6 and 7 learners, and the young artist who did the best was Talia van Niekerk.
In a beautifully drawn entry, she depicted a locomotive carrying the nations of the world, leaving behind pollution and degradation en route to a unified future, all the while being escorted by white poppies and white doves, creating a moving piece contrasting the troubles society must overcome with the Utopia it one day wishes to reach.
The runners-up were Jaco Steenkamp and Juan Grobler for their pieces displaying unity and international cooperation.
Helping the school’s creative minds reach their full potential is art teacher Amanda Botes. “I am so glad the kids get a chance to express themselves. Without opportunities like this there are very few places for art,” she said.
Karen Diederichs and Sandy van Heerden from the Lions Club were present to hand out the awards on Tuesday, 19 November. Karen expressed her appreciation, saying, “I am blown away by the quality of the entries. They were all beautiful and I hope they go further in the competition”.
The Lions Club Peace Poster competition is held internationally, bringing in entries from wherever Lions Clubs have a footprint. Entries progress through the rounds that eventually culminate in the grand finals, which are held in the United States.
