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About Elfriede

Elfriede is an artist, curator, mentor and Unisa Extraordinary Professor. She has worked for more than 30 years in the art industry, both nationally and internationally. Her artworks have been exhibited at major galleries, museums, universities and art festivals. From May to August 2023 she presented a solo of her own work in Bages, France, and curated an exhibition at the same gallery. She was the overall curator of the KKNK in 2015; curated exhibitions in Belgium, France and Canada; and she has adjudicated at most of the national competitions including Absa l'Atelier, Sasol New Signatures, and the Portrait Award. In 2015 she founded the CAP Institute for Contemporary Art Practice that offers workshops, curated exhibitions and online academic courses in Visual Arts. She continues to receive grants from prestigious institutions, for instance the Presidential PESP Award in 2021. Elfriede is widely known as an empathetic and supportive mentor who has the ability to develop artistic talent in others. She has completed study guidance to more than 30 masters and doctoral students, but also works with professional and upcoming artists to develop technical, conceptual and professional skills. A key strong point is her complex and interdisciplinary frame of reference due to her academic qualifications in various disciplines.

Workshop details

The workshop is suitable to all artists, with or without training, and from beginner to advanced. Over the years I have worked with a range of artists from beginners to outsider artists from isolated areas and international artists with postgraduate degrees.

Part 1: Assessment of artworks

On Day 1, (30 July) the day before the practical workshop starts, you will have a chance to have your art assessed.. Present any one work that was done prior to the workshop, to be assessed in terms of idea and execution. The purpose is to learn and grow.  Everyone should attend whether you present work or not. I believe in the development of each artist’s individuality, no matter who you are and where you are from. Some of the world’s greatest art has been produced by people from the most unexpected backgrounds and surroundings, and often by people without academic art training. The important factors in becoming a successful artist is your vision, dedication and marketing skills. All of these will be addressed during the workshop.

Part 2: Practical workshop

Days 2-4:  For three days there will be a workshop on the theme of OBJECT, dealing with the identification and selection of content for artmaking; the development of ideas; and the practical execution of ideas. Advanced experimental thinking and creativity will be cultivated and developed. There will be focus on each participant’s individual art production, techniques and thought processes. The workshop’s theme of OBJECT is concerned with finding content in the things/objects that surround us. You will select an object to work with, and consider everything associated with it, such as memory, history, culture, identity and context. Once you have registered for the workshop, you will receive information regarding your preparation and homework for the workshop. You can work in any medium and form of expression of your choice, including painting, dry graphic media or sculpture. Be mindful that the work has to be completed during the 3 days. Paintings don’t have to be framed and it is advisable to work on stretched canvas or paper. If you want to do sculpture you need to work in assemblage or quick-drying media.

Part 3: Exhibition

Each participant will produce several artworks during the workshop and the best thereof will be go on exhibition at the PlaashUYS Gallery. Each artist will have the opportunity to exhibit work on this exhibition. Work will be for sale. On Friday afternoon we will set up the exhibition to open on Saturday at 10 am.

Preparation and Materials

After you have booked for the workshop you will receive a document outlining your preparation for the workshop. Your preparation will include some reading; some thinking; and putting together your art materials.

Programme

Bring all your materials to the venue on the first day of the practical workshop (Day 2). Every day our activities will start at 9am.

DAY 1: Tuesday 30 July, 9am – 12pm; 1pm - 5pm

Crits on existing works.

DAYS 2 – 4: Wednesday – Friday 31 July – 2 August, 9am – 4pm

Practical workshop

Friday afternoon: Setting up of the exhibition.

DAY 5: Saturday 3 August 10 - 12: Exhibition opening

Cost and booking

Workshop: R3800. Payable to Elfriede. Banking details Elfriede: FNB current account 62170130836, code 259745.

Accommodation: R480 per day per person with meals. R350 per day per person, accommodation only. Payable to Martie Uys.

Bookings close on 20 February 2023. elfriede.dreyer@gmail.com +27 83 271234. Send POP to one of these, ref: You name +Volksrust.