The group started to meet in 2003 after Leonie van Loggerenberg & Sue Erasmus took over The Frameyard Art Gallery & Framers in Vermont, Hermanus. Local artists could exhibit their work in the gallery by invitation and it was decided to hold exhibitions at certain times. A group of interested artists then started meeting regularly to plan the events and pool ideas and administration.

Bid & Buy exhibitions were held for periods of 2 weeks in Autumn & Spring for a few years, though of late for shorter periods due to lack of exhibition space.  Other exhibitions have been held at the Station Gallery, Europa courtyard at Village Square, the Old Library, Hermanus, Hermanuspietersfontein Winery & Hornbill Gallery. In 2008, they also exhibited with the Annual Wine & Food Fair held by the Wine Village, Hemel-en-Aarde Village complex.In 2009, they held a Bid & Buy exhibition at Sandbaai Stationery & Art in April and from August to November were invited to exhibit regularly at La Vierge Winery & Restaurant in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley.
A very successful exhibition was held in October 2010 at Hornbill Gallery. The new year has seen some members leave and new members join. Several outings are planned, the 1st to Tay Dall’s studio in Vermont, for a demo. It has been decided to have our Annual Exhibition at Hornbill Gallery, Hemel-en-Aarde Village complex, from 14 --22 October 2011. Once again, an interseting variet of work was shown in this large gallery space. The group has received wide coverage in the local media of late.

They meet to paint together & encourage one another in their work, plan outings to other artists studios eg Titia Ballott, Charles van der Merwe in Kleinmond, Hennie Nieman in Onrus  & have critiques by the likes of Glenda Pope. Dale Elliot held a very successful painting demonstration on Volmoed for members and guests. Recently we held a Mixed media workshop for members led by Estelle Valkenberg.

The latest venture has been to start The Little Gallery in Eastcliff Village Centre, Main Road, Eastcliff, Hermanus. Twelve members exhibit their work and sit duty in tyhis small space but also utilising outside easels & stands. Much interest has been generated here.

Members at present are Adli Naude, Ester de Wet, Daria Nedelcu, Margaret Wright, Leonie van Loggerenberg, Isobel de Gruchy, Dulcie Beebe, Monica Bonthuys, Ruanda de Clerk, David Boobyer, Audrey Hickman, and Alyson Guy. Newest members are Susan Karalis, Carol McLennan-Smith, Carol Carver, Christa Clark, Maryna Visagie, Faith Botha & Lucia Lamprecht

Several of the group have work on display at other galleries, see individual profiles.
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NEWS

DALE ELLIOTT DEMO: 9 SEPTEMBER 2010
The group has arranged for this well known artist from Villiersdorp to present a demonstration on Thursday 2/9/10 at 2.30pm at VOLMOED, Farm 11, Hemel-en-Aarde valley, Hermanus. Members R25.00 Guests R40.00. Tea served. Book your space by contacting Annette 083 357 5495
This event was very well attended & most enjoyable.

VELDDRIFT ART GROUP: 6 & 7 OCTOBER 2010
A joint workshop will take place on VOLMOED again when the Velddrift artists meet the Vermont artists. The first day will include a competition where members can enter 1 or 2 artworks(fee R50 each), prizes will be awarded after the guest judge has made the selection. The various artists will also spend time painting together, inside & outdoors. Members only. Bring own lunch but tea & coffee provided.
This event had to be cancelled unfortunately.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION: 22 - 30 OCTOBER 2010, HORNBILL GALLERY

The artists will exhibit again this year at Hornbill Gallery, Hemel-en-Aarde Craft Village for the period above with the Official opening on Friday 22/10. Come & view the wide selection of artworks by this talented group of ladies.
A large crowd attended the opening night and several sales were made then & during the week that followed.

GROUP COMPETITION: JUNE 2011

The members were invited to produce a work in same size (30x40cm) in their chosen medium on the theme “Fynbos”. Entries were judged by Louis van Heerden one afternoon in June on Volmoed. After an enlightening talk by Louis, during which he discussed pros & cons of different techniques etc, he finally selected a work in pastel by Adli Naude as the winner for its originality of subject matter and treatment. Runner up was a watercolour selection by Monica Bonthuys. It was agreed that they all found the competition stimulating and worthy of repeating.

MIXED MEDIA WORKSHOP: JULY 2011

Estelle Valkenburg came to Volmoed to lead a mixed media workshop with members one afternoon. An interesting time was had, as we learned not to get too attached to our creation which underwent several changes, though with surprising results. Always an challenge to try something new.

NEW EASTCLIFF GALLERY: 1 AUGUST 2011
Several of the members are participating in an intimate gallery space to showcase their affordable art. The little gallery opened on Monday 1 August and is run by the 11 artists & 1 photographer represented. We look forward to having many visitors come to see the diversity of styles and subjects. Those of the group represented are Leonie van Loggerenberg, Dulcie Beebe, David Boobyer, Ruanda de Clerk, Ayson Guy and Adli Naude

ANNUAL EXHIBITION: 14 - 22 OCTOBER 2011, HORNBILL GALLERY
Another jam packed exhibition was held with a nice lively crowd for the official opening by John Dry. We tried a ‘Budget Corner’ which did not entice buyers except 1. Several sales were madeon opening night from the large variety of works on display.

*GROUP COMPETITION APRIL 2012
The competition for members this year will be with a limited palette & the theme chosen is ‘Hermanus & Surrounds’ Each member has a ‘mystery’ choice of 3 or 4 colours to use in this challenge to think out of the box and create a pleasing artowork with tonal variations. A second entry can be an ‘open’ choice of same subject, size range is between 20x20cm & 100x120cm. Venue & judges & dates still to be finalised.

Please view our website for information on the individual artists or contact vermontartcircle@gmail.com