Irma Stern Children’s Book – From Ugly to Beautiful: The Story of Irma Stern – written by Katherine Graham, and illustrated by Nicola Smith, takes place on Saturday 24 June. And it promises to be a fun start to school holidays!
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From Ugly to Beautiful – that’s quite a challenging title for young readers from ages 5 to 9 years old. In fact the age could be younger and Katherine explains that the book is intended to show that if you have a dream, you need to persevere, as Irma Stern had done. Although her first exhibition in Cape Town had been severely criticised as ugly, with her determination and vision, within 10 years, she had established herself a South Africa’s leading artist.
Katherine takes us through her process in terms of both information about Irma Stern and her artwork – with the Irma Stern Museum being her starting point. Then working with illustrator Nicola Smith, there needed to be a marriage of Irma Stern’s work and Nicola’s illustrations.
Illustration by Nicola Smith
On Saturday 24th the launch will be a combination of a reading by Katherine, an art lesson by Nicola, a breakaway session for drinks and snacks, followed by time for drawing and also to walk about the museum.
“Don’t underestimate kids” is Katherine’s message. Personally, she starts treading to her children from 2 years old. She believes that children will get the message of Irma Stern’s life experience. Do not be afraid, which is reflected in Irma’s bold, bright colours.
The book will be available for sale at the Irma Stern Museum for R160.00. And Katherine Graham and Nicola Smith will be there to sign your copy!
All this makes a great start to school holidays!
WHAT: Irma Stern Children’s Book Launch – From Ugly to Beautiful: The Story of Irma Stern
WHERE: Irma Stern Museum, 21 Cecil Road, Rosebank, Cape Town 7700
WHEN: 10.30 –12.00 Saturday 24 June 2023 | Booking essential: Please contact Portia at irmastern@uct.ac.za | 0608270787 | 021 650 7240
INFO: T 021 650 7240 | E irmastern@uct.ac.za | Visit | See also From Ugly to Beautiful: The Story of Irma Stern
“Thanks to funding by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, numerous learners helped by the literacy NGOs ‘Learning in Reach’ and ‘Read to Rise’ will get their own copies of this beautiful book.”
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