Parys Artists Unite to Celebrate Creativity & Community

Parys, known for its vibrant art scene and scenic charm, has officially launched its own Arts Association – a long-awaited platform to unite creatives and art lovers alike. From painted walls and gallery pieces to handcrafted pottery and poetry, art has always lived in Parys – and now, it has a home.

Local gallery owners and passionate art advocates, Lourens and Elzaan van Wyk, noticed the gap and took the initiative to establish the Parys Arts Association. With inspiration from arts bodies in Pretoria and Klerksdorp, their vision was simple: to bring the town’s creative heartbeat closer to its people and visitors.

This non-profit association is open not only to artists of all disciplines, but also to anyone in the community who believes in the power of the arts to uplift, inspire, and connect. The goal is to support artists, enrich the cultural landscape of Parys, and strengthen its tourism appeal.

Workshops, exhibitions, poetry nights, live music, book readings, art demos, and even a dedicated Parys Arts Festival are among the many ideas proposed during the launch event held at Plum Tree Restaurant. The association also hopes to collaborate with existing markets, venues, and local businesses to create more exposure for artists and provide visitors with unforgettable cultural experiences.

As Elzaan, who now serves as chairperson, says:
“Parys is filled with beautiful spaces and creative people – it’s time to bring that energy together.”

A great example of how art can uplift a town is the 2023 ‘Art a Drum’ Project, where 12 local artists painted iconic Parys scenes onto dustbins across town – blending art with community and tourism.

To join or find out more, contact Elzaan at 064 308 4764 or email:
parysartsassociation@gmail.com / elzaanvanwyk21@gmail.com