Thanks to Charlie Vettori’s vision for what Sir Lowry’s Pass Village could look like, the village that was once an eyesore has now turned into an artistic haven:
Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, South Africa (26 April 2024) — After Charlie Vettori moved to the Western Cape during what she dubs her “semi-retirement”, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village caught her eye.
This was not because of its beauty or for any reason’s areas usually grab our attention. But for the artist, it wasn’t about what it looked like when she passed it daily as an eyesore. It was about what it could look like.
As an artist who had enjoyed a decades-long career as a professional Decorative Artist in Joburg and London, Charlie knew she could sprinkle some magic if she got her hands on a few paintbrushes.
Somewhere in that imagining, her ‘Paint SLPV’ project was born, and slowly but surely, become a mission of joy both for her and the Sir Lowry’s Pass Village residents. It’s something of a physical makeover after the severe October floods last year, and something of a community makeover with a new zest for life brushing through the village.
In expressing her paint project to the public, Charlie shared that the goal was to work with local community leaders and displaced children from the Home Learning Centre who are artistically inclined, as well as with local artists to transform and uplift the village; making it a tourist attraction too.
And, we’re over the moon to report that the project has come along spectacularly!
As Carmen Arico, who put the story on Good Things Guy’s radar shares:
“Charlie Vettori has been working tirelessly with local villagers to uplift their community through community expressions, joyous and vibrant artworks and creating a sense of community and uBuntu by painting buildings, bollards and open spaces.”
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The sign that once stood as a disheartened welcome now stands proudly surrounded by proteas. Brick towers have become rainbow towers, walls have turned into vibrant murals and even bridges don bright makeover! The artistic transformation has been nothing short of magic thanks to all the hands that let their creativity flourish, and of course, the artist who saw the vision when no one else did.
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Keep up with Sir Lowry’s Pass updates here, and take notes of inspiration for your own community who might need a little artistic TLC.
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