March 2026
SCAVA News
Chairperson
“Colour is the language of the soul – unspoken, yet powerful enough to turn emotion into something the world can see”
René
From the Chair
Dear SCAVA members,
As we move confidently into 2026, I would like to warmly welcome you to this edition of the SCAVA newsletter. Reflecting on the past year, I feel an immense sense of pride in what our art community has achieved together. From inspiring exhibitions and growing participation to the strengthening of new and existing partnerships, SCAVA continues to flourish because of the passion, commitment, and creativity of its members.
The past year has shown us not only the resilience of our artists but also the power of collaboration and shared vision. Our exhibitions and art sales were well supported
Looking ahead, 2026 holds exciting opportunities and fresh inspiration. Our membership continues to grow, and the sense of community within SCAVA is stronger than ever. It is deeply encouraging to see how our collective efforts continue to elevate visual arts within our region.
A little bit of news from my side, in May, Tersia Hoffmann and I, will have the privilege of visiting the Venice Biennale alongside Prof. Elfriede Dreyer, an experience I look forward to sharing with you upon my return. Exposure to global artistic dialogue always brings renewed perspective and energy
With new exhibitions, projects, and initiatives already on the horizon, I encourage each of you to remain engaged, curious, and boldly creative. SCAVA is not only a platform for showcasing art, but a living, growing community that thrives on your participation.ar of artistic expression, inspiration, and shared success.
Scribante
SCAVA provides its members the opportunity to take part in exhibitions in the Southern Cape and beyond.
SCAVA’s SUMMER ILLUME Exhibition
The opening evening of “Summer Illume” was nothing short of electric, as art lovers, artists and friends gathered at the George Museum to celebrate the creativity of the members of the South Cape Association for Visual Art (SCAVA). The space was alive with conversation, connection and the shared joy of experiencing original art together.
Mayor Marais Kruger delighted all with saying a few words to open the exhibition, adding to the significance of an evening that truly celebrated the power of the arts in our community.
This year’s exhibition featured an impressive 201 artworks by 52 artists, that filled the Sayers Auditorium with a rich variety of styles, mediums and stories. From bold contemporary pieces to delicate, thought-provoking works, there was something to captivate every visitor.
Another exciting highlight of “Summer Illume” was the strong presence of new members exhibiting for the first time with SCAVA, but also actually for the first time ever. Their participation reflected the growing energy within the SCAVA art community a creative family that continues to expand, evolve and welcome new talent.
The exhibition will run until 16 April, giving collectors and art enthusiasts the opportunity to take home something truly special and locally created
Upcoming Exhibitions
SCAVA’s Newest Exhibition is on its way!
SCAVA Exhibition – “Winter Wonderland”
SCAVA’s Annual General Meeting took place!
SCAVA Annual General Meeting
The SCAVA Committee gave notice of the Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday 24th January 2026 at 10:00 at the George Museum.
The AGM allowed our members to re-elect new committee members.
Gill Doddington stepped down from the committee. We would like to thank Gill for her dedication, hard work and wisdom. We are going to miss Gill on the committee and wish her well.
Anelma du Plooy was elected as secretary and the rest of the current committee has been unopposed re-elected, ensuring another year of dedicated service.
The committee is as follows:
René Scribante – Anelma du Plooy – Secretary, Kala Combrink – Treasurer, Hannelien Hattingh, Tersia Hoffmann and Susan Alexander.
Biscuits with coffee and laughter filled the post-meeting celebration!
Congratulations to the committee upon being re-elected and to our new secretary elected!
In Memory of Founding Member Ken Smith
“In the vivid tapestry of my life, the formalities written pale in comparison to the vibrant hues of my social journey. At school, the canvas of my existence expanded through extra-mural activities visual art, music, singing, and team sports a source of enduring satisfaction that weaves through the fabric of my present. In the corridors of education, I imbibed the mantra to "do better," shedding the superfluous with a resolute "Just do it!" People, I learned, are the essence of business, and understanding one's weaknesses is a prerequisite for success. Above all, the guiding light of Lord Jesus walks beside me, and His commandments are the compass steering my course.
In March 2010, I added a new stroke to the canvas of my life by founding the George Artist Club. This artistic endeavour later transformed into the South Cape Association for Visual Arts (SCAVA) in 2012, as a branch of SANAVA (South African National Association for the Visual Arts). I assumed the role of Chairman, steering the association with passion and commitment.
Amidst these creative pursuits, Bella, the then-secretary of SCAVA, and my partner in both art and life, graced our endeavours with her invaluable contributions. However, the echoes of sorrow reverberated in 2017 when she passed away.
I tendered my resignation as the chairperson, navigating the ebb and flow of life's chapters. May 2020 brought a new beginning as I married Jan, weaving the threads of companionship and shared dreams into the fabric of my journey. Each stroke on the canvas of my life tells a tale of resilience, transformation, and the enduring spirit of embracing new chapters with an open heart.”
Ken Smith, will be deeply missed. When I became Chairman of SCAVA, I had the pleasure of meeting Ken for coffee a few times, and I truly loved listening to his stories, his advice, and his enduring enthusiasm for the arts. He spoke with great passion and pride about SCAVA, and his commitment to its vision was inspiring. Thank you, Ken, for the time you generously spent with me and for the remarkable legacy you leave behind.
In memory of Ken Smith
SCAVA Member News
Share your news of Exhibitions that you are part of and more with SCAVA, we would love to share them in our Newsletter!
SANAVA Newsletters
Links to SANAVA News Letter of the last 3 months.
January 2026
https://mailchi.mp/da233ac9ca6f/sanava-matters-january-19880046
March 2026 https://mailchi.mp/368508f7bcde/sanava-matters-march-19880558
April 2026 https://mailchi.mp/2680052f5f5d/sanava-matters-april-19880614
The End "Creativity take
courage."
– Henri Matisse
Inspirational Quote
Pablo Picasso
“Colour is the language of the soul – unspoken, yet powerful enough to turn emotion into something the world can see ”
KKNK Festival Artist NomThunzi Mashalaba’s artworks