Jutta Faulds’ mixed media Mandala 1, one of the artworks already received for this year’s Fabulous Picture Show

THE Friends of the Tatham Art Gallery (FOTAG) are gearing up for the 2016 edition of The Fabulous Picture Show, FOTAG’s major annual fundraising auction and fun event, now in its seventh year.

Due to the generosity, first of the wonderful participating artists,  and then of the buying public, last year’s auction sold over 200 donated artworks and raised over R83 000. The money goes towards the buying of new works for the gallery’s permanent collection, making sure it keeps its place as one of the finest in South Africa.

FOTAG would love to see that figure exceeded this year when the always lively auction takes place on Friday, November 25.

It is an event not to be missed, and, of course, a chance to buy that special piece of original, proudly South African art.

Last year’s top seller – Heather Gourlay-Conyngham’s Portrait Sketch – sold for R5 700, but there is always plenty of affordable, original work to be snapped up. Great for collectors, with the added bonus that it is for a good cause.

All the artworks are sold on the night, with a reserve price of R200 on each piece. The format is a silent auction – though things do get pretty lively – up to R800. Works that get bid up to that level are then sold by live auction.

The call is out for artists to donate up to three unframed, original artwork – artists can check details and dimensions on the FOTAG website at http://www.fotag.co.za.

The deadline for  submissions is Saturday, October 1, but work will be accepted on Tuesday afternoons during September. All works in the prescribed size will be framed by FOTAG before the auction.  3D works are welcome, but not bigger than the A4 dimensions.

For more information, visit the FOTAG website at www.fotag.co.za or contact Bryony Clark at bryony.clark@msunduzi.gov.za or 033 392 2825 (mornings only).