CRAFT

SHONGOLOLO ARTS

This month's Shongololo Crawl, which takes in about 22 outlets in the Amanzimtoti area, will be held on April 6 unless otherwise stated on the map under individual venue information.

Maps are available at Durban Arts or from Amanzimtoti Publicity Association.

For details write to Shongololo Crawl, 41 Mimosa Drive, Dooneside, 4126.

OPEN-AIR ART

Open air art exhibitions are held on alternate Sundays at the Pavilion Site on the Snell Parade, both offering their proceeds to charity.

Art Alfresco

will take place on April 6 and 20 and will benefit the National Cancer Association.

Durban Child Welfare is the charity chose by Art by the Sea held this month on April 13 and 27.

NORTHERN MEANDER

April 27 is the date set for the Durban North/Umhlanga Meander. Maps are available from Umhlanga Publicity or Durban Arts offices.

Contact HelŠne Griffiths on 52-6732.

KZN WINS

KZN submitted the biggest numbers of entries (94) for the FNB Vita Crafts 1997 competition. The African Art Centre submitting 23 of these entries and two of the artists have won prizes.

First prize of R10 000 went to Julius Mfethe, sculptor for his work called Jockey and Horse.

A self-taught carver, Julius combines indigenous woods to create life-like people and animals. He captures a realistic sense of movement and fine details in his delicate carvings. He began whittling wood as a boy and for many years carved only with a pocket knife.

Julius has taught his style to others in his area, including his brother Bathade.

BASKET

Master basket weaver Reuben Ndwandwe won R1 000.

Reuben Ndwadwe's life changed when he contacted TB and was admitted to Hlabisa Hospital. Boredom drove him to weave baskets from the ilala palm, ikhivane and umsingi grass. Because he could not obtain the dyes from roots and berries, the baskets were not decorated with a pattern other than the grass itself which he developed into various patterns.

When he was discharged he began making baskets for sale, using roots, berries and leaves to dye the fibres. An early contributor to the Vukani Associa-tion in Eshowe, Reuben learnt basket-making techniques from his mother and grandmother and has now taught his wife and several of his 11 children to continue in the tradition.

WELL

Other KZN winning works on FNB Vita Craft were Fiona Kirkwood's painted Durban chair, a handpainted cloth from Pakhamani, a telephone wire basket from Ntombifuthi Magwaza and a basket from Ilala Weavers of Hluhluwe.

The Crafts Council's branch chairman, Sue Greenberg, organised the entries with help of Anthea Martin of the African Art Centre.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

The Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritz-burg will hold a Light a Candle for Easter holiday workshop on April 3 and 4 at 10h00. Phone (0331) 42-1804.

HOWICK FALLS MARKET

The next Howick Falls Craft Market will be held on April 13 in its picturesque setting above the Howick Falls.

For details phone (0331) 66958.

MARITZBURG MARKET

The Maritzburg Oval Arts and Crafts Market in the charming setting of Alexandra Park in Pietermaritzburg only concentrates on genuine craft items. Its ambience and quality puts it as one of the top craft markets in the country.

Market organisers are proud to have been approached by a top national magazine as to what they believe gives the market its respected reputation which has remained solid since its inception.

The next two markets will be held on April 6 and May 4.

For details phone or fax 0331: 65055.

ALEX UPMARKET

The Alex Arts and Crafts Upmarket will take place on April 27 in the plane tree avenue of Alexandra Park, off Commercial Road, in Pietermaritzburg, from 09h00 to 16h00.

More than 150 stalls offer a wide variety of home crafts as well as factory goods. Whatever the weather the market's "on".

Phone (0331) 45-0122.

CAMP'S DRIFT MARKET

The Camp's Drift Craft and Fleamarket is situated on the banks of the Duzi River and takes place on the first, third and last Sunday of every month. This month's dates are April 6, 20 and 27 and the market is open from 08h30 to 16h00.

Contact Erna Aken on (0331) 45-479 or Jackie Webb (0331) 61313 (a/h).