This has long been a popular gathering of art-loving families and friends who congregate and chill out on a laid-back Sunday outing.
Originating as a one-time fund-raiser, it has continued ever since. The delightful Detema Jazz Band, a regular fixture for this enjoyable winter’s day, provides relaxing background music, and refreshments and a wine bar are all laid on. This festive artistic event is an annual highlight on the arts calendar.
Launched to raise funds for Emerald Hill Children’s Home while providing an excellent platform for rising Zimbabwean artists, the first Verandah Gallery event was so well-received that Anna Fleming, whose own garden is its outdoor setting, decided to do the same again the following year.
Soon this happy meeting of many clans was a yearly event eagerly anticipated by all. Many art lovers and business people make this the day in the year that they stock up on art for their walls and offices. Conveniently found all in one place at one time and of excellent quality, the art displayed offers a wide array of styles to suit all tastes, and you can chill out and socialise all day while you ponder what to buy.
Prices are always reasonable and 25% of proceeds go to Emerald Hill Children’s Home and Emerald Hill School for the Deaf. Artists exhibited hugely benefit through this opportunity to establish their names and boost their incomes.
Verandah Gallery celebrates values we cherish — community, artistic expression, assisting those in need, and the great Zimbabwean spirit, for this event has survived the economic ravages our country has faced. Verandah Gallery is also a brand, with a popular, proudly Zimbabwean annual calendar and range of greetings cards. The calendar is launched at the event each year with a different theme, this year’s being “Children’s Africa”, with illustrations by Zimbabwean children.
Many talented rising artists have made their names at Verandah Gallery and continued with successful artistic careers. The relaxed ambience enables people normally intimidated by the idea of an art exhibition to develop a real taste for art in a leisurely, informal environment. The 20th edition is on July 31 from 10am to 4pm at 16 Woodholme Rd, Emerald Hill, Harare.
