The annual RePAWposed TEARS Art Exhibition and Auction, hosted by Noordhoek Art Point Gallery, returns from Saturday 25 July to Friday 31 July this year, inviting the public to experience a new collection of artworks straight from the shelves of TEARS charity shops.

TEARS Animal Rescue is a non-profit organisation (NPO) based in Sunnydale, Cape Town. Founded in 1999, it rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes abandoned, abused, and injured companion animals. It operates a veterinary hospital and mobile clinics providing free sterilisation and subsidised care for low-income communities.

Fundraiser

Each year, artists and members of the public are challenged to select a thrifted painting and transform it into something completely new by adding their own artistic vision.

The exhibition features 40 one-of-a-kind pieces, each carrying not only a creative story but also the promise of making a real difference.

This event culminates in a live auction on Friday, 31 July from 18:00 at Noordhoek Art Point Gallery on Noordhoek Main Road, where every rand raised is donated to TEARS to support its ongoing rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming work. The event is free to attend, with bidding available both in person and via telephone.

Over the years, the exhibition has become one of the gallery’s most anticipated annual events, consistently raising more than R50,000 for TEARS.

This year, organisers hope to surpass R60,000, providing even more support for animals in need.

A new addition to this year’s exhibition are seven very special guest artists.

Rescue dogs

Rescue dogs Patra, Bullet, Demi, and Evalyn, together with playful puppies Lady Freckleton, Lady Wigglebutt, and Bear, swapped kennels for canvases under the guidance of Noordhoek Art Point owner and artist Aimee Kruger.

With their paws gently dipped in paint, the dogs happily wandered across canvases, creating colourful abstract compositions that are as unique as the personalities behind them.

Each painting tells a story of hope, resilience, and second chances, with the proceeds helping more animals like them find the loving homes they deserve.

Tinka Shapiro, Head of Fundraising & Marketing at TEARS and contributing artist, says it will be the second time as a contributing artist at the TEARS RePAWposed Auction, having been involved with helping at the auction since it began.

“Last year was nerveracking but I’m excited for this year. I love seeing all the TEARS supporters who come out to support us and all the art lovers too. Often they are one and the same! The event has a wonderful vibe, it’s always a lot of fun and it’s amazing to see what other artists have come up with on their donated art. The imagination and interpretations of others is part of the charm of this event,” Shapiro said.

Changing lives

“Art has the incredible ability to change lives — not only the lives of artists, but also the animals waiting for a second chance,” says Kruger.

“What makes this exhibition so special is that every artwork has already lived one life before someone reimagines it into something completely different. It’s a beautiful reminder that things, and animals, that may once have been overlooked can become something truly extraordinary when someone sees their potential.”

Fellow painter Wendy Scheepers says she is constantly inspired by the incredible work of the other artists.

The exhibition has steadily grown into far more than an art event. It has become a celebration of community spirit, sustainability, and compassion, bringing together professional artists, first-time creatives, collectors, and animal lovers under one roof for a common purpose.

By giving unwanted artworks a second life, the exhibition also encourages creative recycling while proving that beauty can emerge from the unexpected, she added.

For more information, please visit www.noordhoekartpoint.co.za.

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