Artist Andrew Verster receives honourary Doctorate
Andrew Verster is receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
Concurrent with the award, the DUT Art Gallery will be showcasing Verster’s artworks, from 21 April to 18 May, which are part of the university’s art collection. Last year Verster, who is turning 72 this year, launched his recent publication/book, edited by Carol Brown in celebration of his 70th birthday. Verster has been a practising artist for over 50 years, leaving teaching in 1976 to become a full time painter.
Born in 1937 Johannesburg, he was trained at the Camberwell School of Art and Reading University. He has lectured at the University of Durban Westville (then University College, Durban) and Technikon Natal (now DUT) until 1976 when he gave up teaching to become a full-time painter.
Andrew has been a member of the Film and Publication Review Board, Trustee of the Durban Art Gallery, the Arts Work Trust, Very Special Arts, Artists for Human Rights Trust and the African Art Centre. He also served on the Committee of the Grahamstown Festival.
He has had over fifty solo exhibitions, is represented in many major public and private collections, and has been awarded two retrospective exhibitions organised by the Durban Art Gallery. To learn more about the artist visit his website www.andrewverster.co.za

Lynette Marais, recieves honorary Doctorate
Rhodes University will be conferring honorary doctorate degrees on Lynette Marais, who was the National Arts Festival director for 20 years, will be receiving a Doctor of Laws (LLD) honoris causa. Marais has been recognised as one of South Africa’s most accomplished arts administrators. Her advice is constantly sought out by festival producers, arts funders and the government. Since taking over the leadership in 1989, she has grown the National Arts Festival to become the largest arts festival on the African continent.

John Meyer – Schloss Gottorf Museum Award, Germany
The South African painter John Meyer has won a prestigious comtemporary art award from the Museum Schloss Gottorf in Germany. The prize is one of the most important international art awards in Germany, and the museum will host Meyer at their International Museum’s Day on May 17th this year, when up to 20,000 visitors are expected. Gottorf Palace is the largest museum complex in northern Germany and is the headquarters of Schlesgwig Holstein’s state museums. They regularly enjoy 650 000 visitors visiting a single exhibition. The award was established by the German entrepreneur Gunter Fielmann in 2000, after his donation of 200 lime trees for an avenue in the Gottorf Baroque Gardens at the museum. The prize is regarded in Germany as a prize of honour. He has been commissioned by the director of the Gottorf, Professor Guratzsch, to produce two works this year for the museum. http://www.everard-read-capetown.co.za

Dale Yudelman gets Profoto Prize
Dale Yudelman was among the top professional photographers who were honored at the Sony Profoto Awards held recently in Sandton, Johannesburg. Yudelman, who lives and works in Cape Town, won six awards - including Gold’s in the Advertising and Fine Art categories. His series of images , “ i am…” was awarded ‘Professional Portfolio of the Year’

Kentridge hits the top of the Times Magazine “100 Worlds Most Influential People” pops
Our William has hit the top top of the media pops with being selected as one of The Worlds Most Influential People (under artists).
see www.time.com for more details.(Thanks to Artheat fot the tip-off)

Moving on - Suzelle Kriel- Director of The US Museum and Art Gallery Moves on
After nearly six very happy years at the US Museum and Art Gallery is leaving for Robertson to pick up on exciting projects.
Colijn Strydom will be acting Gallery Manager until an appointment has been made.

Peter Hayes is the new Director at Vansa Western Cape.
Peter has emerged from a cutting edge theatre background, and as a writer, actor and director with Hearts & Eyes Theatre Collective has earned his reputation. Amongst his many talent he has worked in film, owned Gorgeous Restaurant for a number of years and was the creative director for MCQP for 2 years. As he says in his own words “ I feel fantastically out of the loop! I don’t know who’s in and who’s out, who’s hot and why and why sleeping with so-and-so is the fastest way to the top. But I do know who I think is hot and I’m a passionate, if under resourced, collector of contemporary South African art. I want to help facilitate more networking opportunities, workshops and training, market platforms. Making your lives easier and your careers more sustainable is our mission here at VANSA and I am mightily excited to be here”.