Fish Hoek Community Rallies Together to Keep Sand Artist on the Beach
Cape Town’s talented sand artist Michael Myekwa (33) will be back on Fish Hoek beach, South Africa, tomorrow morning, thanks to the support of the local community – particularly a fellow artist – who have rallied together to ensure Michael obtains the all-important permit allowing him to do so… The community had been devastated when […]
Cape Town’s talented sand artist Michael Myekwa (33) will be back on Fish Hoek beach, South Africa, tomorrow morning, thanks to the support of the local community – particularly a fellow artist – who have rallied together to ensure Michael obtains the all-important permit allowing him to do so…
The community had been devastated when Michael, who creates beautiful sand sculptures on Cape Town’s beaches, was told he could no longer produce his creations and accept donations on the Fish Hoek beach, which he had been visiting recently.
A week ago artist Colleen Ross Brand, who makes textile jewellery, posted photos of Michael and his art and said: “What an amazing sight on Fish Hoek Beach today. Michael Myekwa uses sand and talent to create these sculptures on beaches, bringing nothing but pleasure to and admiration from EVERYONE including busloads of tourists.”
Local councillor Felicity Purchase, who has been incredibly helpful throughout the process, explained to SAPeople that as the recipient of donations, Michael was obliged to have a busker’s permit. The problem was he didn’t know how to go about it.
Luckily Colleen stepped in and has helped him every step of the way. SAPeople has been in touch with Colleen all week… waiting, watching and hoping!
On Sunday it seemed dismal: “Still no permit or even any info. Michael trying hard from his side. I’m trying to find info online but it’s really difficult… BUT huge public support!”
But by Monday Colleen had received the application forms and info brochure from the Arts and Culture branch of Social Services Directorate. On Wednesday Colleen met with Michael, and took along the documentation for busking from the City of Cape Town (Tourism, Events and Economic Development Arts and Culture).
Michael decided to go ahead, Colleen scanned and emailed the forms, and yesterday the good news came: “We have the letter!!!! He’s legit!!!!”
Maria Wagener, Fish Hoek Beach’s Facebook and Instagram administrator (where locals were very vocal about their support for Michael) told SAPeople: “Thanks to members of the community, he received it yesterday and will be back on Fish Hoek Beach tomorrow morning.
“He is extremely grateful for the help and support from the Fish Hoek community, and we are thrilled to have him here.”
As for Colleen – who specialises in making textile jewelry from isiShweshwe, African wax fabric and handmade beads from all over Africa – she says she’s in awe of Michael.
“His dream is to one day have his own studio,” she says. Her own dream is to be able to help him reach that goal…
#ThankYouFishHoekCommunity #ThankYouColleen #ThankYouFelicity #GoMichaelGo! #VisitFishHoekBeachThisWeekend
Take at look at Michael’s sand creations on “FISH HOEK BEACH” Facebook & Instagram pages:
https://www.facebook.com/FishHoekBeach/posts/1433072086776128
https://www.facebook.com/FishHoekBeach/posts/1434580659958604
https://www.facebook.com/FishHoekBeach/videos/1442284522521551/
https://www.facebook.com/FishHoekBeach/videos/1443055779111092/
https://www.facebook.com/FishHoekBeach/posts/1444956872254316
https://www.facebook.com/FishHoekBeach/posts/1447667501983253
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Visit Colleen Ross Brand’s website – AfricanBaroque – to see her jewellery which combines African beads mostly handmade by recycling glass and metal, antique African trade beads and a mixture of African handmade indigenous textiles and Eurocentric textiles such as silk and velvet.