Newsletter 3/24: Winter edition
The second quarter of 2024 at the Irma Stern™ Museum (ISM) was chock-full of exciting activities. We had numerous school groups visiting – with learners from as far afield as Zimbabwe and KwaZulu-Natal. All showed a keen interest in renowned South African artist Irma Stern and her residence.
In May, third-year photography students from the Michaelis School of Fine Art embarked on a three-day field trip designed to enhance their craft. This excursion to the ISM offered them the opportunity to apply the skills they have acquired in a real-world setting beyond the confines of the Hiddingh campus. The museum’s ambience, characterised by vibrant colours, antique furnishings, and the captivating artworks of Irma Stern, provided an inspiring backdrop for their photographic endeavours.
June has been a bumper month for events.
The museum marked the third anniversary of its collaboration with Glenbridge Special School on 1 June with a special exhibition of the learners’ work. This ongoing collaboration, inspired by the vibrant works of Irma Stern, provides a unique platform for learners aged eight to eleven years to explore and express their creativity in a nurturing and non-judgmental environment. For these young artists and their families, seeing their work displayed in the esteemed ISM was a proud moment, providing validation and an opportunity to appreciate their achievements. This exhibition stands as a testament to their talent and the inclusive ethos of the museum, reinforcing the importance of providing equal opportunities for all to express and celebrate their artistic potential.
The June–July school holidays also saw a holiday programme being organised for Generosity for Humanity, a humanitarian relief and sustainability organisation founded in 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were transported to and from the museum and were provided with a lunch pack during their break.
Another June highlight was the ‘Amen & Stuff’ Podcast, which was held at the museum on 10 June. Host Letho Khumalo facilitated a series of discussions covering topics about God, life, and important aspects of society that are often overlooked in conversation.
Despite the winter chill, the ISM team’s hearts have been warmed by the wonderful activities and interactions over the past few months, and we look forward to welcoming more guests to the museum!.
Picture: Photography students of Michaelis School of Fine Art at the museum, picture supplied
