Gabane Pottery hosted a groundbreaking event in Maun, this past weekend offering locals a chance to experience an exciting pottery painting session, dubbed Brushes, Bottles & Pottery Bliss. The event provided attendees with an immersive blend of art, good music, and creativity set against a vibrant backdrop.
Chongo Kabue, a representative from Gabane Pottery, explained the motivation behind this novel event. “We have been operating for several years and felt it was time to expand beyond our usual area. Maun seemed like an ideal location to share the joy of creating pottery,” he shared. “We wanted people to experience making their own pottery piece, which would then be glazed in a kiln and returned to them.”
The session was a refreshing experience, allowing participants to decorate pre-made pottery items, including flower pots, plates, spoon holders, and cups. Equipped with multiple brushes and a wide selection of colors, attendees unleashed their creativity to personalize each piece. As aprons were donned and paintbrushes lifted, the atmosphere quickly shifted from a mere art class to a shared experience that encouraged connection, relaxation, and creativity in a substance-free setting.
“The clay we use is locally sourced, and we aim to uplift our community through the pottery we create,” Kabue said. “That’s the gift we like to share with our customers.”
Founded in the early 2000s, Gabane Pottery has become a mainstay in Botswana’s local art scene, specializing in high-quality clay products crafted from locally sourced materials.
Looking ahead, Kabue expressed hopes for the company’s growth and global reach. “We envision Gabane Pottery becoming an international brand that represents not only the art of pottery but also the communities it has helped support. Our next event is scheduled for late this month or early December,” he added.
For a Maun resident and participant, the event was a welcome escape. “This was a therapeutic and lovely experience,” they said. “After the week I’ve had, I realize I needed this. I loved the service and the people I met.”
While another stated, “I think there should be a lot more of these types of events that would grow and encourage a different type of culture in this area.”
As the event wrapped up, participants departed with bright smiles and a sense of accomplishment, many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to unwind and create something personal.
