CHAIRPERSON

René, an artist passionate about colour, embarked on her creative journey post a Radiography diploma in 1990. Practicing as a Radiographer, she later pursued an Interior Decorating diploma. Her accomplishments include establishing Radiology practices together with her husband after moving to George in 1994, Radiology practice management, Chief Financial Officer, and studying Italian during the pandemic.

René's passion lies in art, influenced by van Gogh, showcased in an acclaimed exhibition: “A Vincent van Gogh 125 year commemoration."

She became a member of SCAVA in August 2015. Her art also supports Breast Cancer Awareness by producing prints and scarves as gifts for mammography patients in the Southern Cape, together with encouraging words, “May you always find light…”

Since 2023 René spends her time fulltime in the world of art and became chairperson of SCAVA in June 2023.

"For the Love of Colour" defines René's artistic journey, and she continues to inspire and engage with fellow artists and art enthusiasts through her monthly "Coffee with local Artists" gatherings.

SECRETARY

Liezel Rachelle du Toit, born in the Cape, spent her childhood years growing up in South Africa around the regions of Durbanville, Kimberley, and George. She was quite an imaginative child and has enjoyed creating objects from day one, be it in the form of a mud pie, manicuring the garden shed’s garden as a play place, to repurposing old furniture.

It was in high school where Liezel affirmed her love for art where she took Art higher grade as a subject.

She current serves the health sector as a diagnostic sonographer by profession, capturing data about patients ‘inner worlds’, this data being centred around their physical wellbeing.

Liezel strays from reality by favouring semi-abstract themes and colours as her primary genre of play. She is a multidisciplinary artist who has experimented in photography, furniture design, clay sculpture, and recycled materials. She currently predominantly practices acrylic painting while serving as the secretary for SCAVA.

Liezel is passionate about and appreciative of all other artists and art forms and aims to support the industry in whichever shape or form available to her.

Liezel expresses that Art is a means of therapy, she believes it to be a healing medium, as well as a practice of self-discovery. According to Liezel, “Art is a safe haven where colour echoes an inner world and beauty serves as an uplift. Everyone has an artist within them”, according to Liezel; “we simply need to be willing to discover the creator within.”

TREASURER

Kala Combrink, originally hailing from Namibia but raised in South Africa, embarked on her artistic journey in 2008 when she relocated to George and embraced painting as her full-time pursuit. Specializing in impressionistic oil paintings, she skillfully captures the essence of the world around her, focusing primarily on seascapes, florals, and street scenes. Occasionally, she also delves into portraiture.

In 2018, Kala's dedication to her craft led her to complete a rigorous four-year Apprenticeship program offered by VirtualArtAcademy.com. Throughout the course, she enthusiastically engaged in various plein air projects, igniting a passion for outdoor painting.

Notably, Kala's artistic pursuits have taken her to the enchanting city of Paris on two occasions. In both 2015 and 2018, she was chosen for residencies at the prestigious Cité Internationale des Arts, affording her two-month sojourns in the captivating City of Light. During these stays, she meticulously captured the light and mood of Paris, The City of Light, drawing inspiration from the simple beauty of everyday life.

Kala is a regular contributor to exhibitions alongside fellow artists in George and its surrounding regions. Her creations have found homes in private collections spanning across the USA, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, and her home country of South Africa.

Currently, Kala resides in the scenic Garden Route with her husband, Japie. she can often be found painting of the beach along the awe-inspiring coastline.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Colin Burgess, an artist with a fascinating journey. Born in Cairo in 1946 and raised in the UK, Colin's passion for drawing was ignited by his mother's influence, and he began sketching during his junior school years. Throughout secondary school, he excelled in art classes, consistently ranking among the top three students.

In the early 1960s, Colin joined the Royal Navy (FAA) as an aircraft maintainer, where the limited space on air stations and ships meant he had to set aside his art pursuits. Despite dabbling in oils later, he found them too slow for his taste, and his focus shifted to his other passion of scale model making.

After leaving the Navy, Colin worked as an industrial model maker, contributing to projects in Johannesburg, South Africa. Although he continued to collect art materials, time constraints from long work hours left little room for his artistic endeavours. However, he did manage to take a City and Guilds course in Technical Illustration during this period.

Moving to Sedgefield in 2010 for a quieter lifestyle, Colin started exploring acrylic paints, a faster medium. After two years, he found an opportunity to rekindle his passion for art by joining Sheila Cooper's art classes. He continued to nurture his artistic skills until his recent move from Sedgefield to George in 2022.

In recent times, Colin has embraced the challenges of working with watercolours and gouache, proving his dedication to mastering various art forms.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Gill Dodington, born in 1941 in Cape Town, is a passionate artist residing in George, Western Cape. Her love for art began at the age of 7, inspired by watching George Pilkington paint in his studio near False Bay. Over the years, she pursued her artistic journey, studying figure drawing in Paris in 1959 and attending graphics classes at the Ruth Prowse Art Centre in the 1960s.

Before delving into watercolour painting 11 years ago, Gill engaged in various artistic endeavours, designing and painting scarves on silk and exploring different crafts. She particularly enjoys the free flow of water paint and working with pen and ink. Gill aspires to return to etching and woodcuts in the future.

Her art was exhibited at the Chameleon Gallery in Kalk Bay and has been featured in group exhibitions across the Garden Route, Johannesburg, and Limpopo. Her works have garnered admiration from both South Africans and visitors from Europe, the UK, Americas, and Australia. Some of her paintings have received recognition and acceptance from the Watercolour Society and others earned prizes at SCAVA competitions.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Tersia Hoffmann, a South African born artist, has dedicated over four decades to her artistic journey. While she has worked with various mediums like pottery and sculpting, her true passion lies in oil painting, specifically focusing on Romantic Art for the last two decades. Her creative haven, the Tersia Hoffmann Art Studio, has been based at 43 The Dune in Wilderness for the past 20 years.

Tersia's commitment to honing her craft is evident through her active participation in masterclass sessions at the Wilderness Art Club. Under the guidance of art teacher Liz Stumke, she attends these sessions four times a week to continue refining her skills.

Her artistic accomplishments include several awards earned at SCAVA exhibitions, showcasing her remarkable talent. Tersia had a shared gallery at the Queens Hotel in Oudtshoorn and still has her solo gallery at Xanadu Guest Villa in Wilderness, Western Cape, South Africa.

Tersia's art resoantes with collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, finding its place in prominent collections such as the Endangered Wildlife Trust of South Africa in Johannesburg with Mr. Ackerman, and the collections of individuals like Marc Leipsig, Jack Pearson, Klaus-Peter Wennemann from Germany, Prof. Dr. Richard Grosse from Berlin, Raul Källo from Germany, Dr Mark Asche Prinz from Germany, Marlies and Gunter Liebhardt Dusseldorf in Germany, Eaenna O’Brian from Dublin Ireland, Gys Oosthuizen of The Art Shop Menlyn in Pretoria, Dr.N.Truter, MT de Bruin Attorneys, and others. Her paintings have also been cherished by institutions like Harold Thomson the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland, Amazulu Guesthouse & Safaris in Hluhluwe KZN, Xanadu Guest Villa in Wilderness, and the Beach Villa in Wilderness.

Tersia Hoffmann's legacy as an artist extends far and wide, with her captivating creations leaving a lasting impression on admirers and collectors around the globe.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Susan Alexander, an artist based in George, specializes in the mediums of oils and glass. Her artistic journey began with formal education in art at the University of the Freestate, refining her skills and techniques.

Displaying her creations in exhibitions held in George and Grahamstown, Susan's art encapsulates themes ranging from the beauty of nature to captivating portraits and glimpses of various animals.

Among her passions, she finds joy in the innovative process of glass fusion. By repurposing materials like old window glass, bottles, and even shattered car windows, she crafts both functional and decorative artworks.

Her captivating pieces often grace the displays of SCAVA exhibitions and local art festivals, offering viewers a glimpse into her creative vision.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Hannelien hails from the charming town of Ermelo, where her roots run deep, and her journey began. As a dedicated farmer's wife for 37 years, she consistently nurtured her creative spirit. Eventually, she ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing herself as a skilled Taxidermist. Over the course of 20 years, her artistic talent flourished, and she proudly shared her creations with customers around the world.

However, she decided to embrace change and explore new avenues after two decades in the field. For three years, she delved into various artistic mediums, including resin, woodwork, steelwork, pen making, pottery, mould making, beading, and airbrushing, among others. Then, when the lockdown descended upon the world, she seized the opportunity to pursue online painting courses. Ever since, painting has become her daily passion, shaping her artistic journey with each stroke of the brush.

She joined SCAVA in May 2022 and is now an active member of the committee.