Artists Represented by Zimart

ZimArt is committed to fair trade practices and to building positive and respectful relationships with the artists it represents. Owner, Fran Fearnley, travels to Zimbabwe each year discovering the work of new artists and renewing friendships with artists with whom she has worked previously. She works with Biggie Chikodzi who has represented ZimArt in Zimbabwe since 2003, and who travels to Canada annually to attend ZimArt’s major exhibitions.

They travel around the country visiting established art centres and art co-operatives and sculptors’ individual studios – sometimes in remote parts of the countryside. ZimArt buys the work outright from the artists. In addition ZimArt assists with gifts of tools, supplies and transport of stone.

ZimArt has been sponsoring an artist-in-residence program since 2001. Over the years the goals and objectives of the program have been refined. They include: the artists should be at the right stage in their career, where the experience will take both their art and their life to a different level; the financial goal is that they will be able to buy a home when they return. While in Canada they are guests of ZimArt, living at the gallery with all expenses associated with the trip provided. The artists take home a portfolio of promotional materials and a brochure to promote their work. They offer sculpting workshops at Rice Lake Gallery in August, where Canadians can learn to sculpt Zimbabwean style, using only hand-tools and carving in stone from Zimbabwe. The artists receive 100% of the sculpting workshop fees.

Stewart Mudzimurega (deceased 2009) from the Tengenenge Art Colony near the Zambian border was the artist-in-residence in 2001. Chitungwiza artist, Elvis Mamvura, son of Nathan Mamvura, one of the founders of the Shona sculpting movement, travelled to Canada for the 2002 exhibitions. In 2003 one of Zimbabwe’s most internationally recognized artists, Dominic Benhura, took up residence at Rice Lake. In 2004 an award-winning young woman artist, Perlagia Mutyavaviri , was the artist-in-residence. In 2005 Walter Mariga, son of Joram Mariga, who is often described at the father of Shona sculpture, travelled to Canada for Rice Lake VI. Andamiyo Chihota, was the artist-in-residence in 2006. His distinctive sculptures have sold to collectors here in Canada, and in Holland, Germany, Belgium, the UK and the US. Simon Chidharara, the 2007 artist-in-residence, also offered sculpting workshops in August at the Rice Lake Gallery. Simon is the first artist of his generation from the Nyanga region to travel overseas to represent his work directly to an international audience. Authur Manyengedzo, was the 2008 artist-in-residence. His sculptures have been described as "sinuous, sleek and stylized" and reminiscent of the work of Constantin Brancusi. Singi Chihota, 2009 artist-in-residence, is both a gifted artist and teacher. He moves effortlessly between abstract curved forms and more representational work. Givemore Mashaya, is ZimArt's choice for 2010. His sculptures celebrate human relationships and explore connections between man and nature and the spirit world.

ZimArt represents over 50 Zimbabwean sculptors. ZimArt clients who purchase a sculpture receive an authentication certificate and biography of the artist.

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