The Meisel Gallery of Art presents:
From the Heart & Soul of Africa

The collection will be on display through October 13. It features paintings by African artists, many of whom have discovered that through art, they can express bold forms and colors of their environment and life, and escape from the harsh realities of living in poverty and struggling with day-to-day living. Most of the artists have had no formal training and paint Africa as they see it. These are all exciting original paintings that present an opportunity to experience something of the life and soul of this magnificent and complex land.

This exhibition was made possible by Anne Belcher, who lived in South Africa for eight years and witnessed what appeared to be an almost insoluble problem of poverty and unemployment. Anne began to see a way of helping by purchasing the artwork of many artists she came across in order to encourage them to paint more and to improve their self-esteem, as well as providing them with extra money to live on and buy paint and canvas.  

This project started with a few artists but she is hopeful that as word gets around the townships, other artists will make themselves known to her and will be included in this project. A foundation is being formed: New African Artists Foundation NAAF.  All monies received from this exhibition will be put back into the foundation in order to expand and promote the talents of African artists to the world, offering the artists opportunities for a much-needed source of income.  

We are grateful to Anne for bringing us this artwork to enjoy and to experience something that truly comes from the heart and soul.

The Harris & Fredda Meisel Gallery is located within Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital at 2415 De la Vina Street in Santa Barbara. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm and weekends, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. For more information, call 687-7444.