The recent "Picasso and Africa" exhibition at Iziko SA National Gallery may have been an eyeful to the 56 000 visitors who flocked to view it but, thanks to the dedication of special needs facilitator, Sandra Eastwood, it was an even more enriching experience to the blind and visually impaired learners from the Pioneer School in Worcester.

Picasso Man with three heads, four arms and two legs - collage by D J Breitenbach, blind, aged 11 from the Pioneer School for the Visually Impaired

Sandra, who last year received the prestigious annual Molteno Gold Medal of the Cape for lifetime achievement in the visual arts, was instrumental in organising a special needs programme around the "Picasso and Africa" exhibition. Workshops for children with a range of disabilities included drawing classes, creative movement, music and discussions. Astounding results were generated by these youngsters who, despite being deprived of certain faculties, lack for nothing in enthusiasm, creativity and imagination. Their artwork, now proudly displayed in the Iziko SA National Gallery Annexe in an exhibition entitled "Thank you Picasso", is on view to the public until 20 October, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00-17:00.

"Thank you Picasso" is a superb accomplishment on the part of these feisty youngsters and their facilitators and is well worth a visit.

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