I've heard people lament something like the following, "You know, years ago, Knysna was a thriving arts town and it was a joy to be a part of. But it seems much of that is gone." I don't know if you share that sentiment or not, but I know that it is a goal and passion of GRACE to ensure that quality music and art that appeals to the family and home is discovered, talked about, and highlighted.

We desire to enrich the lives of the Knysna and Garden Route through the arts--that marvelous, creative, and heartfelt expression that sometimes needs more than just words to explain. As Beethoven said, "God gave us music, that we might pray without words." 

Along with the Mello family and other teammembers from Knysna Hope, We have been on the committee of the Knysna Arts Festival, performed throughout the region, and administer the yearly Leisure Isle Carol Sing near the Christmas season! We act as judges for school competitions, performers for Christmas programs in local churches, and active supporters of the school programs  our children attend locally. Our church life shares its music with congregations weekly in our own gathering as well as lend a musical helping hand to several other sister churches in Sedgefield, George, and our northern suburbs. 

We have hosted and highlighted touring groups both nationally and internationally to almost 20 local schools as part of advocating the musical arts here. 

We also are developing the Garden Route Academy of Fine Arts (GRAFA). Terrah Mello and Phil Golson both train local students in voice, piano, guitar, brasswinds and woodwinds instruments at 6 different schools currently! We want to see more become musicians and music teachers across our area. See more about the Mello family here. ​