A NOT SO HIDDEN GEM THAT WE WON’T BE GATEKEEPING: Rust-En-Vrede Through Our Eyes and Sculpted By Your Memories

By Tamaryne S. P. Bimray – September 2025

To have a nuanced understanding of the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery + Clay Museum’s heritage is to acknowledge its value and look beyond its mere exterior, which many have called a hidden gem. Rust-en-Vrede may be tucked away in Durbanville, but if you’ve been around the community long enough, you’ll know it’s anything but a secret. Maybe it’s the art, maybe it’s the positive energy, perhaps even its historic exterior, or maybe it’s the smell of good coffee drifting through the courtyard. Whatever it is, people keep coming back.

Within its inner-most design, the gallery spaces referred to as SALON A, B and C of Rust-en-Vrede, hold many complex layers of meaning. In its classical definition, “Salon” (and I am not talking about hair) refers to a large exhibition space where people gather to share ideas, debate, and engage in conversation around art, literature, history and other socio-cultural issues that grapples their community. Based on this, the conception of the new SALON Shop in our front of house will be a vibrant contemporary ongoing/ rotating exhibition. Clients or visitors can immediately adopt their forever art or ceramic piece. I recommend feeding it regular compliments, placing it in a special place and maybe even give it an occasional dust bath one in a while. The first time I really looked at a piece of art, I ended up talking to it in my head, and thought: “Wait… are you looking at me or am I looking at you?” No answer obviously. Ten minutes later, I was still there. Moral of the story? Art gets deep, even weird (in the best way) when you spend time with it.

A deep focus is placed on mentorship to preserve the dynamic socio-cultural memory that continues to illuminate the intergenerational stories of our proud connections to our local art forms. Featuring both established masters who push the boundaries while honing their craft and emerging artists who inspire us to discover what else is possible. This motivates our Rust-en-Vrede community to continue to network, collaborate, celebrate, and curate a richly diverse contemporary collection. This is what allows creativity to thrive in our space.

For instance, the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) has recognized an abundance of talent, innovation and skill in South African ceramics by granting Rust-en-Vrede Gallery + Clay Museum affiliated membership status. Emerging from this was the inaugural biennial South African Clay Awards in 2024.  The versatility of clay as a medium lends itself to be moved and altered. It is through this alteration and making, that the creation becomes the ceramist’s signature, which in turn becomes recognised by esteemed judges, ceramic experts and renowned potters through this prestigious award. I once tried pottery and made something that looked like a lopsided blob. It then cracked after firing and I felt so dejected. I might say leave it to the experts, but seeing the Clay Awards, it is evident that one can only get good at something with practice, patience and a lot of love for your craft.

Likewise, with Rust-en-Vrede as the Portrait Award’s home, alternating with the Clay Awards, artists and art lovers alike are brought into community with increased entries pouring in as the competition successfully matures. In this way, I believe that home is more than just where the art is, but it is where the heart and soul of each creative individual and their story lives. It is where vision comes to life, connections are wholly formed and where masterpieces unfold from one’s imagination. It is also a fantastic way for the genre of portraiture to garner attention. Not only via the public’s gaze, but through the symbolic nuances and emotions that emanate from the artist’s sitter within the portrait itself.

We, as humans, gravitate towards a sense of creativity at its humblest core – connecting to natural elements and becoming satisfied and grounded when working with one’s hands. That being said, the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery + Clay Museum is for all those who enjoy art; both, life-long learners of their craft, as well as anyone curious enough to find themselves lingering, reminiscing and experiencing the outward pull of creativity. This fostering of community is central to what makes the gallery a living memory in the heart of the public. Being a small gallery team allows us to personally connect with those who visit and share in their story, while our curators continue to inspire with every passing exhibition. So go ahead… leave your worries behind, explore the art freely, and welcome whatever emotions and opinions arise when you immerse yourself in our gallery and museum space.