Frank Rosen Born in Bethal 1918, Frank Rosen is an Englishtrained artist, having studied at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, where he lives and works. He has travelled extensively and exhibitions of his paintings have been held in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the USA. One-man exhibitions of his works have been held in London, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Johannesburg and Los Angeles, where a retrospective exhibition covering 35 years of his art career was held at the California Museum of Science and Industry. His paintings have been exhibited in national and group shows at: Biennale, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Grand Prix International Bosio, Monte Carlo; Kunstzaal Plaats, The Hague, Holland; City Museum, Amsterdam, Royal Academy, London; Paris Salon, France; Arts Association, Munich; and throughout Yugoslavia. And at the following private art galleries: L’ Obelisco Gallery, Rome; Reid Gallery, London; Leicester Gallery, London; and Grosvenor Gallery, London. His works are in the possession of collectors throughout the world. Johan van Heerden Johan van Heerden Johan van Heerden was born in 1930 in the Bethal District, but during the time that he should start schooling, his parents moved to Free State. At age 16 he went to Bloemfontein where he studied engineering at the Technical College. One day he glanced at an art class, so he started a part-time class in the field. He later worked as a photographer at the same time as a commercial artist. He coloured among others, photos in order to raise money to go to Paris for further studies. In June 1952, he travelled with his meagre savings money to Paris, where he studied first at the Académic dela Chaumére, then at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Later he learned that Ossip Zadkine at the former institution lectures and he returned there to study under the great master. Initially, Van Heerden did painting and drawing in Paris and later etching and sculpture under Zadkine. In 1955 he returned to South Africa, but realised that public here did not understand his abstract work. He worked as a bartender to keep alive. Later however, his work came into recognition. Because his sculpture did not sell as desired, he began in the same materials – stone and metal – jewellery design. With this, he was very successful. Today he lives in a house he designed himself, and which he continues to build. It stands high above the Crocodile River at Broederstroom where he is engaging in full-time sculpture. He was especially known for his monumental works in yellow and red brass and stainless steel. He also works in stone and wood. The renowned sculpture that is handed to Nel Erasmus 113 winners of the SABC Arts competition was designed by him, and every year it is casted for this event, by him.
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