The work of an inspiring South African artist is set to be exhibited in Presteigne at the end of this month.

Art enthusiasts will get the rare chance to see a collection of work by Cecily Sash (1924 - 2019) in Presteigne Assembly Rooms, over three days this May bank holiday weekend: Saturday, April 30, Sunday, May 1 and Monday, May 2.

Born in South Africa, Cecily Sash studied at Wits College of Art and later with Henry Moore at Chelsea Polytechnic. She lectured at Witwaterstrand University in Johannesburg and undertook many prestigious commissions in public spaces in South Africa, as well as exhibiting both at home and abroad (including the Sao Paolo and Venice Biennales).

In the 1970s, feeling threatened by the apartheid regime, the artist settled in Britain and spent the rest of her life in the Welsh Marches, and lived in Presteigne for the last 30 years of her life. Here she continued to work as an artist and exhibit internationally, as well as teaching adult and children’s classes across the area.

Her teaching style was vibrant and dynamic, and her lifelong commitment to art was an inspiration to her students. Some of the work left behind by children is also available to take home at the exhibition – so if your child never bought a piece home, it might be on display!

A spokesperson for Mid Border Arts, who organised the event, said: “If you were ever taught, either as an adult or a child, by this inspiring art teacher, or whether you knew her as a friend, or if you are interested in the arts in any way, you will definitely want to see this exhibition of paintings, drawings, lithographs and pastels from Cecily’s vast collection of work.

“Also books, prints and postcards will be available. Now is your chance to buy a piece of work by this internationally renowned artist - ranked as one of the 100 best South African artists.”