Artist shares the power of painting

SANDPOINT — Clari Van Niekerk knows a thing or two about the transformational power of art — it’s certainly made a difference in her life.

As a South Africa native who grew up under the country’s apartheid regime, music and art provided her with comfort during the most trying of circumstances. Now she’s sharing that power with Sandpoint seniors in an upcoming series of classes called “25 Days of Painting.” Thanks to grants from several philanthropic groups, the classes will only cost $5 a session for individuals 65 and older.

“I hope we can use the time to make some art that will beautify their surroundings,” Van Niekerk said.

Starting Oct. 17, the artist will kick off her second residency project with the Sandpoint Arts Alliance by teaching senior center visitors the finer points of painting with acrylic on masonite. The classes will run 1-3 p.m. five days a week at the Sandpoint Center for the Arts, 518 Oak St. The event will culminate with a reception for participants at Redtail Gallery on Nov. 28 from 5:30-8 p.m. Register for classes at the Sandpoint Senior Center.

The classes are available at a low price point thanks to grants from the Inland Northwest Community Foundation, the Equinox Foundation, the Idaho Commission on the Arts, the Wishnick Foundation and private donations.

Van Niekerk hopes to engage a variety of students during the upcoming classes, from those with some painting experience to those seeking a new hobby. When teaching individuals with no experience, she said there’s always room for some surprises.

“They might uncover a talent they never knew they had,” she added.

Regardless of the natural aptitude for the art style, however, the most exciting element of teaching new painters for Van Niekerk is watching individuals discover the enthusiasm of creativity for the first time.

“So many times, people grow old without having tapped into that creative voice,” she said, later adding, “I’ve seen people who have been sad and detached become excited and full of joy.”

Van Niekerk knows that experience firsthand. Growing up in South Africa under the deeply corrupt and racist apartheid regime, she used her passion for creativity to bring joy during a difficult era.

“It was terrible at that time,” she said. “Friends disappeared — doors were kicked in.”   

She began a career in music, eventually joining fellow artists in a band and winning a Grammy. She eventually left South Africa, moved to the United States and started an art career. At that point, she met current Arts Alliance director Carol Kovalchuk. Their friendship formed the basis for their current collaboration in bring art to Sandpoint residents.

“What better way to get the creative juices going then to bring someone in who can show what art can really accomplish?” Kovalchuk said.