The International Sailors Society needs to raise R1,5 million to maintain and improve its services to over 100,000 sailors visiting South African ports each year. The first 'eThekweni Maritime Ball will take place on October 17 and one of the fundraising elements is an auction of contemporary paintings of the Durban port.

As the aim was to showcase up-and-coming Durban talent, the ISS approached the Maris Stella school and the art students responded magnificently. The girls volunteered their artistic skills to help the ISSSA and the result is 25 paintings in a variety of mediums. Subject matters include scenes of the port such as the yacht mall, Wilson's Wharf, the Esplanade, ships and general harbour scenes.

The project will form part of the art students’ year-end marks and the artworks will be on show at the Mercury's Wine Week from September 17 to 19.

More details from Sheelagh Antrobus on tel/fax 031 564 4154 or 082 4327466 or e-mail: sheelagh@netactive.co.za