A chance meeting with a retired artist from Fish Hoek has led to art classes for seniors at the Yizani Sibonisane Seniors' Club in Masiphumelele.

The club is part of the CareCompany’s Heart Zones, which are seniors’ clubs led by community carers where the elderly can socialise, share meals, take part in activities and get health care.

Artist Lorraine Handel said she met CareCompany community project manager Dimitre Vigis by chance last year at an end-of-year function and that was how she had found out about the Yizani Sibonisane Seniors' Club.

She volunteered and was “delighted” when the club’s project manager Thabisa Manyase called her earlier this year to get the ball rolling.

The first art class took place on Wednesday January 15 at the Masiphumelele library, where Ms Handel addressed about 25 seniors before working closely with three on painting and pastel drawings.

Ms Handel, a former occupational therapist, has experience working with the elderly and people with disabilities.

Ms Manyase said the new art classes, to be held on Wednesdays, would be combined with the club’s current craft program.

Ms Handel said she planned to work with small groups of six, providing each senior with a sketch pad, pastels, and paint. Each group would have 12 sessions, with each senior creating 12 paintings.

The club needs to raise R1350 per group of six for the necessary art supplies.

Ms Manyase said the experience had been therapeutic for the club members.

“We’ve never had anything like that, and they were eager and excited to start.”

If you want to help, call Ms Manyase at 076 571 2511.

Artist Lorraine Handel with Yizani Sibonisane Seniors' Club member Noxolo Meyi and her painting.

Artist Lorraine Handel with Yizani Sibonisane Seniors' Club member Mzwandile Dlongwana and his painting.

Artist Lorraine Handel with Yizani Sibonisane Seniors' Club member Simphiwe Donker and his painting.

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