Ann Bryant Art Gallery Newsletter Aug Sept 2026
Ann Bryant Art Gallery Newsletter
August / September 2026
Editor’s Note
September – Keeping the Creative Juices Flowing!
Well, September is about to arrived and, as usual, things at the Gallery are certainly not standing still! We have exhibitions, competitions, auctions and plenty of opportunities for you to get your creative thinking caps on — and hopefully there will be a few opportunities to make some money from all that creativity too!
Thompson Property Auction
For those artists who entered artworks into the Thompson Property auction, the auction is expected to get underway in approximately two weeks’ time.
I will keep you posted as things develop and will share more information as it becomes available. Fingers crossed that the bidding gets competitive and that your artwork finds a new home — preferably at a price that makes you smile!
The Peep Show is Coming!
The Gallery is also putting out a Call for Entries for this year’s Peep Show Exhibition.
Yes, it is time once again to get those creative minds working. You may enter a maximum of 10 artworks, so start thinking about what you would like to put on display.
And now for the boring-but-important bit...
PLEASE remember to put eye screws on your artworks!
We love your art, but unfortunately our walls do not yet have magical powers that allow paintings to hang themselves!
Please also remember to write your name and the title of the artwork on the back of each piece. This makes our lives considerably easier when we are unpacking, sorting and trying to match artworks with labels. There is nothing quite like standing in front of 100 artworks wondering, “Now, whose is this one?”
These little details may seem insignificant, but they save us an enormous amount of time and help make the installation process run smoothly.
Most importantly, though, we are really looking forward to seeing your new creations. The Peep Show is always an opportunity to experiment, have some fun and perhaps surprise us with something we weren't expecting!
So get creating!
More Opportunities to Get Involved
If you scroll further down in this newsletter, you will find details of two exciting exhibitions/competitions that you can participate in.
The Recycle Competition looks like it could be great fun. It is also a wonderful challenge for those of you who look at something destined for the rubbish bin and think, “Hmmmm... I could make something out of that!”
This competition gives you the chance to transform discarded materials into something imaginative, creative and perhaps even thought-provoking.
I am particularly looking forward to seeing what creatures emerge from this challenge. Knowing artists, they could be anything from wonderfully bizarre to downright frightening — and probably both!
An Opportunity to Make a Difference
And finally, I have recently been approached by a member of the public regarding a fundraising initiative and would like to ask whether our artists would be interested in becoming involved.
The initiative would require artists to donate an artwork, but it also offers the possibility of considerable exposure for participating artists. Your name and artwork could be seen by a number of high-profile people and influential individuals from the top echelons of South Africa.
For an artist, exposure is always valuable, and this could be an interesting opportunity to support a worthwhile cause while also getting your work in front of people who may not otherwise encounter it.
If you are interested please contact Leon on
083 501 3392 or 043 722 4044
So, as you can see, there is plenty happening and plenty of opportunity to get involved.
Keep creating, keep experimenting and, most importantly, don't throw anything interesting into the rubbish bin until you've asked yourself whether it could become a work of art!
I look forward to seeing all your wonderful — and hopefully slightly eccentric — creations at the Gallery.
Until next time, Keep making art!
Leon du Preez Curator – Ann Bryant Art Gallery
East London Fine Art Society Peep Show Exhibition 2026
CALL FOR ENTRIES
For this exhibition artists are invited to submit artworks that must measure not more than A5 format (148mm x 210mm) or preferably smaller.
ARTISTS PLEASE REMEMBER:
Closing date for entries is Monday 28 September 2026 at 16h00
All works must be properly framed with eye screws attached ready to be hung as well as the artist’s name and title placed on the back of the work.
A maximum of ten entries are allowed per artist.
Entry forms can also be collected from the gallery or downloaded off the website.
Cost for entry is R15.00 per entry for a non-member and R5.00 per entry for members.
EXHIBITION OPENING
DATE: FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2026
VENUE: Ann Bryant Art Gallery Coach House
Exhibition concludes Saturday 24 October 2026
The Adopt-a-School Foundation is proud to host its Annual Fundraiser, the 17th Back to School Party
The Adopt-a-School Foundation is proud to host its Annual Fundraiser, the 17th Back to School Party, taking place on 19 September 2026 at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre.
Over the years, this flagship event has become one of the most anticipated gatherings on the corporate social investment calendar, welcoming more than 800 distinguished guests representing over 110 leading companies across South Africa. While the evening serves as a critical fundraiser for the Foundation, it is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, meaningful networking opportunities and memorable entertainment experience.
The event is predominantly attended by CEOs, senior executives, business leaders, philanthropists and influential decision-makers from some of South Africa’s most respected organisations. Guests can expect an elegant evening featuring a formal dinner, live entertainment, comedy, inspirational stories, fundraising auctions, pledges and performances by top South African artists, culminating in a celebratory evening of music and dancing.
This year’s theme, “The Future of Education”, places a strong spotlight on STEM education, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence, technology, mathematics and science. The theme reflects the urgent need to equip young South Africans with the skills, knowledge and opportunities required to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
9 St Marks Road, Belgravia, Ku Gompo
043 7224044
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