Sip, paint and learn
Imagine attending an arts event where beginners are given all the materials and freedom to paint what their imagination says.
Many would argue that this would be disastrous as visual art is looked at as a form of art that needs years of practice.
But this is not the case with Kaliso Art Gallery’s Sip and Paint sessions.
Hosted by Kaliso Art’s founder and director Evelyn Chisambiro, the sessions are a platform where beginners are given a blank canvass to work on and come up with whatever their mind tells them.
This is a platform that gives everyone who loves visual art a chance to paint their imaginations into reality.
“It is a platform that gives a chance to visual art lovers to try their hands at painting. It is said that we are all born artists in the same way that we all can sing, but are at different levels. So, art is in all of us, we just need to explore it more,” said Chisambiro.
During Sip and Paint sessions, everyone, regardless of their painting experience, is given a canvass, brushes and paints to explore.
“We have assistants who help beginners who need direction. But we let everyone be as creative as they can be. Many do struggle the first few minutes, but eventually they settle and require little or no assistance at all,” said Chisambiro.
She said the idea will help discover their skills in painting.
Chisambiro said in the past year they hosted booked closed sessions, but now since four months ago, they host group sessions.
She said: “The platform has surprised even me as we get beginners who are able at their first attempt to produce beautiful artworks within a two-hour window. Now, we have some who are becoming regulars just because they want to keep exploring their creativity.”
Chisambiro said they keep the environment fun where participants are kept in a relaxed mood as they sip a drink of their choice while painting.
“Participants have so far painted portraits, landscapes, flowers and some abstract art,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries of the initiative is Maseko Ngoni leader Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V who attended a recent Sip and Paint session in Blantyre alongside his wife.
He wrote on his Facebook page: “Sip and paint session went so well. Thanks to the organisers. A new talent of mine has come to light.”
The traditional leader painted a sunset silhouette while his wife painted a portrait of a woman with a head wrap in Malawi flag colours.
Before you know it, Malawi will have a new crop of visual artists.
At the weekend, the sessions were in Blantyre at Mandala La Carvena that involved painting on canvass or pottery.
