What do forgotten charity shop paintings, talented local artists and seven rescue dogs waiting for loving homes have in common?
This July, they’ll come together in one of Cape Town’s most heartwarming fundraising events, where creativity is helping to save lives.
The annual RePAWposed TEARS Art Exhibition and Auction, hosted by Noordhoek Art Point Gallery, returns from 25 to 31 July 2026, inviting the public to experience an extraordinary collection of artworks that all began their lives in an unlikely place – the shelves of TEARS charity shops.
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 result is an eclectic exhibition of around 40 one-of-a-kind pieces, each carrying not only a fresh creative story but also the promise of making a real difference.
The exhibition culminates in a live auction on Friday, 31 July from 6pm 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.
Adding an unforgettable new chapter to this year’s exhibition are seven very special guest artists.
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.
“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. Seeing these rescue dogs create artwork that will now help other animals is something incredibly special, and we hope the community will come out in force to support the exhibition.”
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. With dozens of transformed artworks on display, exclusive paintings created by TEARS’ four-legged artists, and the opportunity to directly support animal welfare, this year’s exhibition promises to be one of the most memorable yet.
For more information, please visit www.noordhoekartpoint.co.za
