The annual A4 Art Exhibition presented by Ningizimu School for the Severely Mentally Handicapped recently opened in the Playhouse Drama Foyer. Included in this exhibition of work by SMH and mainstream students is a selection of beaded, braided and buttoned banners. These gloriously fantastical creations have come to be a trademark of Ningizimu’s art students under the guidance of their innovative art teacher Robin Opperman.

The idea of the A4 exhibition, now in its fourth year, is to use paper that is readily available and inexpensive. Therefore, apart from the banners, all works must be produced on A4 sized paper. This year, the exhibition’s theme deals with AIDS. But Ningizimu decided not to dwell on “Dying of Aids” but rather of “Living with Aids” and the department of health supported the project theme. Huntsmann Tioxide sponsored the printing of the full colour brochure as well as a banner and all Ningizimu’s graphic designs are provided by Michael McFaddyean of Sheer Design. Michael has also designed Ningizimu’s website at http://users.iafrica.com/a/a4/a4exhib/

The exhibition is dedicated to the memory of scriptwriter Delphine Lethbridge who was a great supporter of Ningizimu School. Don’t miss this triumph of art over disability - although if you do, two of the banners will be around in the complex for a long time as they have been commissioned by the Playhouse Company and will remain on permanent display in the complex.