Top Billing girls go Artjamming

Joburg Child Welfare (JCW) has solicited the help of 100 celebrated artists from various genres - music, acting, fine art, comedy, etc.- to interpret and express 100 real-life stories of hope on actual doors, "New Beginnings: The 100 Doors Project". The doors will be auctioned off in February, 2011, to raise much-needed funds to continue with the vital work they do in areas including the Johannesburg CBD, Soweto, and Eldorado Park.

Even use a hairdryer

At Artjamming, you simply walk in and let your imagination take hold of the paint brushes and create your own work of art on canvas. Artjammers can paint, sponge and even use a hairdryer, choosing from a menu of 45 acrylic paints. "We first learned about the project when Jo-Ann contacted us to use Artjamming as a venue for her to paint her door and when we heard what it's all about, we wanted to sponsor the paints and materials, and invited JCW to offer Artjamming as a venue to all participants in Cape Town and in Gauteng," said Leora Israel co-owner of Artjamming.

Bassie Khumalo and her kids, and two children from Othandweni Children's Home in Soweto, decorated doors at Artjamming on 28 October at the trendy Blubird Shopping Centre in Birnam Johannesburg.

In August, Zolani and Kayla from Freshlyground, Lee-Anne Summers and Michelle McLean decorated their doors at Artjamming in the Cape Quarter as well.

Still to come

Later this year, amongst others, Edith Venter, Bernelee Daniels, Gerry Elsdon, Bruce Fordyce and Reuben the Screwman, and Stoned Cherry designer Khensani will also be decorating their doors.

"We've just been overwhelmed by the positive response we've received from artists and celebrities around the country. We're especially grateful for the support Artjamming has given to the project. All the doors that have been produced so far are absolutely stunning. I think some of our celebrities were worried about painting, but surprised themselves. We're sitting with some real masterpieces," said Sarah Mendell, project coordinator at Jo'burg Child Welfare.