2005 has been a really successful year for Ardmore. The move to Lavendula, Cavesham has brought a new creative energy that has resulted in both studios producing excellent ceramics surpassing any works seen in the past. Awarding AAA certificates has generated a new performance enthusiasm, which has resulted in greater creative thought, care and attention to detail. Ardmore has become far more sculptural and much more exciting as an art form. Proudly through long and, successful negotiations, the lives of the Ardmore artists and their families have improved firstly, through the acceptance of Ardmore into the USA Government “Pepfar” HIV/Aids programme that, in conjunction with pharmaceutical giant Bristol Meyer-Squibb’s “ secure the future” protocol, has made available every resource to preserve the quality of life for the artists. Moses Nqubuka is leading the training in collaboration with Dr. Johan During, the area doctor appointed to the programme. Well done on your outstanding commitment to hard work, care and love to such a heart rendering cause with terrific results! Secondly, the realisation of life, death and disability cover for those 55 artists who have met the criteria to be part of the mammoth policy secured by the Ardmore Excellence Fund, who now pay’s monthly for each artist. A major achievement. In May this year, Ardmore had a sell out exhibition hosted by the South African High Commissioner Dr Lindiwe Mabuza in her London residence, “Highveld”, 71 Campdon Hill, High Kensington. Victor Shabalala, Christopher and Somandla Ntshalintshali were sponsored by South African Foreign Affairs to represent Ardmore at this exhibition. It was really great to catch up with all the notable Ardmore collectors most of whom supported Ardmore at Christies 2003 and again in 2004. I guess by now you would all have seen our new website. Already nearly a database of 1000 collectors around the world. A wonderful way for us to keep in contact with the Ardmore family. I’m sure you have seen the section on the Excellence Fund that has drawn VERY favourable donation interest from our collectors and businesses nationally and internationally. Thank you so much. A major fundraising programme is envisaged and being planned for right now! We have so much more that we wish to do! Two new exciting artists have appeared this year! Roux Gwala, husband to Virginia Xaba joined Ardmore Champagne studio as a painter and two of his works have already been taken by Els Klaasen of “My Own Choice” Gallery fame in Amsterdam. The other is Wiseman Ndlovo who has joined the Lavendula studio. These two are serious painters worth watching out for and collecting their work. Fun news from Mickey Chonco! He entered a Spar competition and won himself a car! Now he commutes from Howick, his home to Lavendula in GREAT style in his Opel Corsa Lite!!!! Angeline Mathebula has returned to Ardmore via Lavendula. She has completed her nursing studies and is proving to be a major support with some of the ailing artists.
As this year begins to draw to a close, I want to “thank you” all the Ardmore supporters, collectors and fans for your love and enthusiasm for our work. Have a great holiday and festive period and a fantastic 2006 to you. Remember our commitment will always be, to continue producing to the excellent standard already being achieved. My very special love to you all.
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