Art without limits

In a light-filled room at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Irma Stern Museum, the walls are alive with colour and imagination. The bold brushstrokes, playful shapes and inventive patterns are a testament to creativity without limits.

The artists are children aged eight to 11, learners from Glenbridge Special School who grapple with barriers to learning, but flourish in a space where artistic expression is open and encouraging.

Now in its third year, the museum’s weekly art programme with Glenbridge continues to grow, both in size and impact. Known as Open Art House, the initiative is part of a broader effort to make art accessible to all children, especially those often marginalised in mainstream education.

At its heart, the project echoes the inclusive spirit of Irma Stern herself, whose expressive work forms the backbone of inspiration for the classes.

“This is truly one of my passion projects,” said Nobukho Nqaba, curator and coordinator of the Irma Stern Museum, addressing the young artists and their families, who braved the cold and rainy weather to attend this year’s celebratory exhibition on Saturday, 7 May. “We’ve created two streams, with Art House for All catering to mainstream learners, and Open Art House specially designed for those with barriers to learning.”

Artistic growth

“With Glenbridge, we work with a core group of about 17 learners, and I’ve seen their artistic growth firsthand. From colour mixing to composition, they’ve come such a long way,” she added.

“We follow the principle that ‘nothing is wrong in art’. It is a warm, non-judgmental space where learners can be themselves.”

Nqaba’s philosophy is simple but powerful: there are no mistakes in art. In her classroom, erasers are off-limits. Instead, learners are encouraged to draw new lines over old ones, learning, adapting and gaining confidence with each new attempt.

“In my class, I pay attention to what each learner enjoys. Some love colour mixing, others are drawn to patterns. Even if we’re working on a still life, I allow them to express themselves freely. We follow the principle that ‘nothing is wrong in art’. It’s a warm, non-judgmental space where learners can be themselves,” she explained.

For Glenbridge’s Karen Fraser, the programme’s benefits extend far beyond the museum walls. “When we first heard about Irma Stern, one colleague said, ‘Our kids will benefit from this’. And they truly have,” she said.

“We started with 10 children; now there are 17. That growth speaks volumes.” Nqaba embraces presumed competence. She never turns a child away. Even learners considered ‘too difficult’ by others find a place here and thrive.

Learning through joy

The impact has been transformative. Some children who once struggled to engage are now focused and confident. At school, teachers have noted improvements in behaviour, speech, and self-esteem. One father shared how his daughter, often misunderstood in other settings, has finally being seen for her strengths. “That’s powerful,” said Fraser.

For many parents, the programme has been an unexpected revelation. Tasneem Herman recalls bringing her son to his first exhibition, unsure of what to expect. “He’s always liked drawing,” she said, “but before, he couldn’t draw full figures. Now, I can see characters, shapes and stories. And the play stations? They’re so helpful. It’s not just fun, it’s learning through joy.”

“It’s not just about art. It has helped her speech, her handwriting and her confidence.”

Another parent, Alexa Peterson, whose daughter Raye Petersen was among the exhibiting artists, described her excitement each week. “She’ll say, ‘It’s Irma Stern today!’ She’s so happy to go. It’s not just about art. It has helped her speech, her handwriting and her confidence. She even watches YouTube tutorials to learn new techniques!”

For these young artists and their families, seeing their work displayed in a professional gallery was a moment of joy, recognition and pride. This exhibition not only celebrates their creativity but also reflects the museum’s inclusive vision.

“This programme has opened a whole new world for our children,” said Fraser. “The creativity, the joy – it’s all thanks to a space where they’re recognised and nurtured. Let’s continue to grow this. Let’s see how far their talent can take them.”