THE SA Navy recently ferried 28 art students from Durban’s Maris Stella Girls School around the port, giving them in-depth preparation for a maritime art project that will result in 25 harbour landmarks being captured on canvas. The paintings will go on auction at Durban’s first Grand Maritime Ball, with proceeds going to the International Sailors Society (ISSSA). The project - the first of its kind in South Africa - teams up-and-coming local talent with a seafarer’s charity that has a 125-year history in Durban’s port. For most of the Maris Stella girls the tour of the port proved fascinating and was the first time they had been inside the harbour. A judging competition and art preview in September will precede the auction at the Grand Maritime Ball on October 17, which is being organised by the ISSSA. “We want to bring the maritime family together and celebrate the ISSSA’s 125 years of service to the port of Durban, as well as raise some much needed funds,” said Barry Haley, chairman of the ISSSA.
