AnneArtz: A Story of Creativity, Resilience, and Inspiration

Chartered client Anne Holden has always been driven by her passion for creativity. With a BA in Fine Arts and a PGCE from Unisa and Wits, she began her career coordinating events and designing decor for weddings and corporate functions. Later, Anne transitioned to teaching Visual Art to Grade 10 to Matric and Arts & Culture to Grades 8 & 9. After dedicating 15 years to teaching, she retired in 2021 at the age of 65, ready to explore new artistic ventures.

Unfortunately, in late 2021, Anne was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, which led to her spending a significant portion of 2022 in and out of the hospital. Despite these challenging circumstances, in between medical treatments, Anne found solace and a means of self-expression through her creative pursuits, specifically mosaic work and painting.

In 2023, Anne decided to embrace her passion fully and established her own art business called AnneArtz. She now teaches painting in retirement homes, provides private lessons, and hosts monthly workshops at her home in Risidale. These workshops explore mosaic work and ceramic painting, offering participants a chance to create their own artwork to take home.

Anne’s commitment to nurturing young talent led her to host a delightful kiddies’ holiday workshop featuring various art activities over five mornings.

Beyond teaching and workshops, Anne showcases her art at Lifestyle Garden Centre and Hadeda, offering ready-made products such as pots, plaques, and stepping stones. She also takes on commissions and recently transformed a nursery school’s firepit with beautiful mosaic scenes. She is currently working on a large mosaic garden “dance floor” for a client.

As a personal project, Anne created a stunning Mexican-inspired wall in her garden, painted in a brilliant blue and adorned with her own mosaic work.

Please visit Anne’s Facebook page for more details about her workshops and art.