Congratulations to everyone for the wonderful work that was exhibited on the Members' Exhibition 2008 at the Sanlam Hall in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. We had very good fortune with the weather on the opening day of the exhibition, and we had a fantastic turnout. What a pleasure, too, to have the renowned artist and teacher, Ryno Swart, open the exhibition.

 He had much praise for the outstanding quality of the exhibition and had many encouraging words to say! We were urged to continue to pursue seriously what we love, and to continue the struggle, learning to draw and to see. As Ryno said, "One is an artist or not, there is nothing in between!" and "Art is not a hobby, and has never been nice!"

He commended the high standard of the work, and drew attention to the mastery by certain artists in colour, draughtsmanship, light, tone or the application of paint.
 
For the first time, no formal selection day was held, but instead, everyone was asked to self-select their own work, and to bring one work to the hanging day. The fellows, naturally, maintained their privilege of entering an additional two works into the exhibition.

No work was turned away, and 176 artists, of the 400-odd SASA members, were represented at the exhibition. The high quality and number of works submitted have ensured that the Members' Exhibition shall be held without a selection day next year, again.