What started out as a daydream in an art studio some five years ago has been realised as the Christian Art Global Network – also known as CAGN. With its headquarters in Durban, CAGN creates a solid infrastructure for artists and an effective form of therapy in the wider community. The organisation promotes its members in several ways – one of which is an annual art exhibition. The organisation has adopted St Thomas’, a children’s home in Durban as one of its benefactors representing the forerunner of projects in each region in Southern Africa.

The plan for the home hinges on the support of artists, art schools and creative people in the greater Durban area. Workshops will be held to train volunteers to interact with children through the medium of art. Involvement is encouraged from community or church based sewing groups, patchwork and banner makers and interior designers

St Thomas’, trained volunteers will help the children create their own living space by being taught creative wall painting techniques and stenciling, after which their bedroom walls will be painted and stenciled. Another skill to be taught is fabric painting, after which the fabric will be sewn into pillow cases, duvet and lampshade covers. The volunteers will also attempt toy-making, mural painting and other creative projects. For the volunteers as well as the children, this exciting programme opens up new vistas in their creative development.

The CAGN also offers courses, seminars, motivational retreats camps, art classes, creating workshops and opportunities for volunteer work at centres for the physically and mentally challenged and places of safety for the abused and the abandoned.

More details from CAGN national director Neville Naidoo on (031) 563-4526 or write to him at CAGN, 606 Kalbarri, 7 Bradley Road, Umgeni Park, Durban North, 4051.