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Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
TOP Zimbabwean sculptors Dominic Benhura, Simon Kavanze and Edward Chiwawa are set to take part in a major art exhibition to be held on December 7 at Pamvura Lodges in Mvurwi. The exhibition, put together by Mvurwi Town Council and its partners, seeks to promote local artists in terms of market exposure and also help the community appreciate art as a career. On show will be stone sculptures, wood art carvings and paint drawings.

There are a number of female sculptors among them Alice Musarara, Apronia Mususa, Maudy Muhoni, Angasa and Kilala Malola.

Other sculptors include Tutani Mugavazi, Jackie Jonas, Albert Wachi, Takawira Chikwanyanga, Benjamin Musendami, Josiah Manzi, Wilfred Tembo, Cloudious Muhomba, Cosmas Chifamba and Stabben Masakar.

Tafanana Chirikumarara, the spokesperson of the show said the art exhibition was an on-going event and an investment promotion for Mvurwi Town.

“We are in a bid to promote investment in our town, create employment and eradicate poverty in line with Government policies.

“We have realised that art is also one of the key economic drivers of Mvurwi Town Council.

“The objective is to expose our artists to the real world of art, open new opportunities for them and eventually improve their standards of living. We also wish to create jobs for the youths, add value to local products or stones and improve on beneficiation,” said Chirikumarara.

He said the artists will benefit in terms of exposure and also earn a bit of cash for each piece sold.

“The community will benefit through improved income and if artist’s standards of living improve it means, in the long run, council will also benefit through paid-up rates.

“We have artists from Mvurwi town and surrounding districts including Chiweshe communal lands, Guruve and also from Tengenenge who will be participating in the event. We are also inviting artists from the province including Rushinga and Mount Darwin. From

Tengenenge we have more than 80 artists plus those from the other communities,” he said.

Chirikumarara said plans were underway to make the art exhibition an annual event and make Mvurwi a sculpture town with the largest gallery in the world.

It is also hoped that the exhibition will help educate residents including children on art as they see the artists at work and develop a passion for art.

“The event will help residents and other delegates to see the beauty and value of art.

“People will become conversant with Shona art culture.

“As the passion for art develops, some members of the community will either buy art pieces which will improve domestic tourism.

“The process will unlock job opportunities and help improve household income, improve food availability and nutrition and eventually eradicate poverty,” he said