The Hout Street Gallery�s popular Summer Salon will showcase work by some of South Africa�s top artists as well as a selection of emerging names and new pieces.

Now in its thirty-third year, the annual exhibition has run every summer since David and Gail Zetler opened the Gallery, which was the first commercial gallery to be established in Paarl. The Gallery exhibits works by both eminent and up-and-coming local artists and offers a wide range of gifts and ceramics, bronzes and hand-blown glass as well as a comprehensive selection of Carrol Boyes functional art.

�We have put together a delightful selection of works by local artists and ceramicists which I think will be pleasing to a wide audience,� says David Zetler. �Over the years we have strived to give a platform to new talent and this year among the masters will be a number of new faces.�

These include Diane Mclean, a de Rust-based painter whose ultra-realistic paintings have to be seen to be believed, says Zetler. �Diane�s use of light and texture to capture the natural world is incredible and her work is an exciting addition to our collection.�

Several artists will be presenting new works as part of the Salon. Johannesburg artist Ann Lindsell-Stewart will be exhibiting five new paintings and Conrad Theys will show a selection of new pastels. �We will also see new work from rising star Kobus Louw and a new series of intimate interiors from Jeffrey Appollis,� says Zetler.

Zetler says other highlights include a vibrant oil of a woman with crayfish by Jan Vermeiren, a series of oils by graphic designer David Toua, two new drawings in mixed media by Pieter van der Westhuizen and stunning, atmospheric pieces by Henk Serfontein.

�We are honoured to also be exhibiting a collection of paintings on board and canvas by Solomon Siko who sadly passed away last year,� says Zetler. �His talent was multi-faceted and his works are of significance importance,� says Zetler.

�A coup for the Gallery is having secured a Paul Emsley work for inclusion in the Summer Salon. SA-born Emsley has won numerous awards, is represented in public collections throughout the world and is renowned for his brooding drawings of animals and people,� says Zetler. �In his own words, Emsley sees animals as walking landscapes and his use of shade and light create a sense of mystery around his subjects.�

Paarl-based author Stephanie Redelinghuys will open the exhibition on 4 December where copies of her book, A Life Interrupted will be for sale. The book is a celebration of the life and works of her bi-polar, artist daughter Sara Michelle, known as Misjke, who expressed her extreme emotions through etchings and drawings.

Venue: Hout St Gallery, 270 Main St, Paarl. Tel: 872 5030.
Gallery Hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 5:30pm, Sun: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Duration: 4 Dec - 28 Feb 2009