Mariëtte van de Werken

Two budding young local artists recently did the city proud when they won first prizes in their age categories at the recent ‘South Africa welcomes Greece to the 2010 Fifa World Cup’ art competition. The competition was part of the ‘My 2010 School Adventure’ Project aimed at promoting education and increasing awareness about the importance of hosting the 2010 Fifa World Cup tournament among South African children.

Tshepho Nalane won first prize in the 10 to 14 years category. He received a soccer ball signed by all the players selected to represent Greece in the tournament. He also received an advanced laptop and schoolbag. Karleen Conroy (category 15 plus), was selected the national winner and won a trip for two to Greece as well as tickets to the match between Greek and Argentina.

Their tutor, Ms Merna Meyer received special recognition for her tuition and an award for participation by the organisers. Meyer holds an Honours Degree in Art from the University of Pretoria. She has participated in ten group and three solo exhibitions and produced graphic work while working for the SABC. Some of her work has been published in Quantel Paintbox and she has been awarded at both the Ekhuluweni Visual Art Competition and Polokwane Art Museum. She was selected as one of the 20 finalists in Microsoft’s Innovative Teacher’s Awards in 2008.

The competition was organised by the Lyceum Club of Greek Women under the auspices of the Embassy of Greece South Africa and in cooperation with the Office of the Education Attaché.

Meyer is ecstatic about the recognition her students received in the competition. Only 100 works out of 1 000 entries from all over the country were displayed. The learners were required to combine the cultures of Ancient and modern Greece with the cultural heritage of South Africa.

The winning artworks will be used to compile a commemorative 2011 calendar.

Meyer’s message to art students: "Art competitions give recognition to learners that are willing to participate. It also showcases talent that is sometimes overlooked in the school systems and gives learners the opportunity to exhibit and display their work."