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Dominic Benhura with Tynwald Primary pupils as he teaches them how to carve

Swagga T
“Catch them young” is the phrase often used by people who want to sharpen the skills of talented young people. And in the majority of cases this has worked since it’s been said you cannot teach an old new tricks. Children are the future and investing in them is one way of passing skills to the next generation.

Such is the drive behind Dominic Studios located in Greendale where sculpture and painting workshops for resident and non-resident sculptors are being conducted.

Owned by award winner sculptor Dominic Benhura, the art studio has so far played host to a number of schools including Churchill, Harare International, Eaglesvale, Heritage and most recently Tynwald.

The workshops are held for pupils as young as ECD Grade zero to Grade 7 with each group getting hands on experience under the watchful eye of Benhura himself.

Tools and stones are given to would-be sculptors while fine artists are supplied with paints and materials. Last Tuesday, Tynwald School pupils took a trip to Dominic Studios to put theory into practice in line with the new curriculum. At least 30 pupils including their art teacher Rita Matika toured the studio before getting down to business.

“It was part of the integration that children do at school in line with the new curriculum which emphasises on hands on activities like art,” she said. Asked why they chose Dominic Studios, Ms Matika said, Benhura was a well-known sculptor who was living from sculpting.
“He is someone who has made it in life through sculpture and he also started out at an early age like the kids we have from who are in grade zero up to Grade 7.

“The children also had a feel of how a studio operates and were given the tools of the trade to use of which we don’t have at school.
“Remember children need inspiration and we believe Benhura is able to influence them to take art seriously and take it as a career,” she said. Ms Matika also said this was their second time to engage Benhura after their first encounter with the award-winning sculptor at Pakare Pake Arts Centre where he also conducted workshops.

However, Benhura explained how his studios had become a creative space for school children.
“I believe it is important for children to visit the studio and have a hands-on experience of how to work with the stone or canvas.
“We are working with several school in and around Harare that come to visit on educational tours and mentorship programmes that we offer.

“So far we have worked with schools that include Churchill, Harare International, Heritage, Eaglesvale and Tynawald,” Benhura said. He said he enjoyed working with children since he started out his career at the tender age of 12.

“I’m 48 years-old and still working on stone and that is the same thing with the children that are coming to the studio.
“They are welcome to come anytime since we have the tools and the materials to use.
“It reminds me of my formative years. I would do my homework first and when I finish I would start carving stones.
“The studio really helps in that we are able to pick the ones with a passion for sculpting at an early age and then we nurture their talent,” said Benhura.

He also praised the new curriculum saying it is aimed at building more creative minds who would eke out a living from art. Benhura reiterated that teaching the young generation to appreciate art forms, was met with negativity from peers and parents who may not see the importance of the subject.

To date, Benhura is one of the foremost and successful sculptors of his generation with his works being exhibited in prestigious galleries and airports across the world.