New media centre opens artistic doors
ST GEORGE'S Preparatory School in Port Elizabeth opened its new Carol Arts and Media Centre this week, which, among other things, paid tribute to the late South African artist Jack Lugg. His daughter donated one of his oil paintings to the school.
In honouring her father, who has been dubbed a "grand master", Pippa Lugg Verster on Tuesday handed over the precious work of art, which will be on display at the centre.
"I believe St George's is a fantastic school and deserves support. The Carol Arts and Media Centre is an exciting development for the school.
"My father dedicated his life to art. He passed away last year, so part of the reason for the donation is as a tribute to him and his life as an artist," Verster said.
She hoped the painting would inspire all the up and coming artists of the future who passed through the doors of the centre.
"We also hope that by having an artwork by a South African 'grand master' – as Jack Lugg has been referred to – it will encourage the pupils to do everything to the best of their ability, with passion."
"We are committed to continuously strive to provide quality education to our children in appropriate facilities and to ensure we stay at the forefront of education," campus head Jonathan Liss said.
With sponsors from the school's current parent body and alumni, the school managed to complete the centre, which boasts a state of the art library, drama centre, two computer labs and an art centre that includes a kiln for pottery.
"By encouraging our children to become responsible citizens, we need to lead by example and it is with this in mind that one of the key focus areas of this new building would be to share our facility with the broader community."
The centre, designed by Imbono FJA Architects, is positioned adjacent to the music department and will be used by pupils at the pre-primary and preparatory schools.
It will be used to conduct effective training programmes in drama, arts and computer skills for teachers from disadvantaged schools in the area, and will be made available to the broader Port Elizabeth community through hosting evening workshops and exhibitions. - Chanice Koopman
