Fee Halsted and Dr Lindiwe Mabuza

Lollos Rodseth & Thrower Lovemore Sithole

Janet Ntshalintshali, Fee Halsted, Gwen Ntshalinshali

Happiness Sibisi welcoming guests

Dr Lindiwe Makuza recieiving patronage of the Caversham CreActive centre from Jabu

Punch Shabalala, Gwen Ntshalintshali, Nhlanhla Nsudwane, Ozolo Ntshalintshali

Rhino and Leopard Vase sculpted by Nkosinathi Mabasi and Petros Gumbi and painted by Thila Moyo

Lollos Rodseth & Thrower Lovemore Sithole

Daniel and the Lions by Bonnie Ntshalintshali

Gwen Ntshalintshali in front of Bonnie's sculture of Daniel and the Lions

Senzo Ntshalintshali cutting the ribbon to open the museum with Fee Halsted

Elephant Tureen thrown by Lovemore Sithole, sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali and painted by Thila Moyo

Opening of the Bonnie Ntshalintshai Ceramic Museum

20 September 2008

We had a wonderful celebration for the opening of the Bonnie Ntshalintshali Ceramic Museum on September 20th. Dr Lindiwe Mabuza, the South African High Commissioner in London made a heartfelt speech praising Bonnie for her commitment to her art and her family who were present, including her father, mother, sister and son for all their support to Bonnie during her life. This was followed by a moving praise poem by Octavia Buthelezi before Bonnie Ntshalintshali’s son Senzo Ntshalintshali cut the ribbon.

The Bonnie Ntshalintshali inspired collection was well received with many of the major pieces being sold including the beautiful Elephant Tureen thrown by Lovemore Sithole, sculpted by Sondelani Ntshalintshali and the Rhino Vase sculpted by Nkosinathi Mabasi and Petros Gumbi. Both these pieces were painted by a new-commer to the studio Thila Moyo. Her interpretation of Bonnie Ntshalintshali’s clean and vibrant style is masterful. A few pieces from the collection are still available from the online shop.

Our neighbours and partner, the Caversham CeaACTive Centre curated an exhibition to showcase their creative initiatives and activities amongst communities around KwaZulu Natal. The charity auction held to raise funds was a highlight of the day and has to date raised R95,800. There are still some prints available, most notably the Bonnie Ntshalintshali Daniel and the Lion, and further bids would be welcome. Click here for the results and open bids. Thank you to all who supported this.

Ardmore artists had formed choirs and practiced hard so as to provide entertainment for the crowds. Sadly the rain and eventually snow prevented them from making use of their outdoor stage but all was not to be lost and eventually they performed inside the gallery. The Ardmore choir under the leadership of Roux Gwalo raised the roof with their rousing rhythms and the church choir led by Wiseman Ndlovu danced amongst the ceramics and included a performance by his young son – who stole the hearts of the audience.

Thank you to all who traveled a long distance to celebrate with us, especially Dr Lindiwe Mabuza and to all at the Caversham Centre, Cavesham Mill and Ardmore who made this event such a resounding success.