The second of October was the perfect excuse for the UCT Irma Stern Museum to throw a party complete with fabulous birthday cake made and designed by Cape Tarts Caterers.

The occasion was Irma Stern's birthday (she was born on 2 October 1894) and the launch of a Birthday Calendar that features treasures from the collection that are not always on display, as well as some of the grander pieces collected and created by this remarkable artist, collector, personality and legendary art figure. The style of the calendar is informal, asymmetrical and is meant to be celebratory - why keep a birthday calendar anyway if not in celebration?

The calendar is on sale at the Museum for R180 and is A3 in format and the buyer is assured of 13 gorgeously illustrated pages.

Members of the UCT community who have not visited the Irma Stern Museum should do so as it would surprise them. Where else can one find a superb collection of African art collected personally in the Congo in the 1940s, ancient European furniture and artefacts, the artist's own masterful paintings and drawings, as well as the unique painted cupboards that all add up to a unique museum experience.

The museum is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10h00 to 17h00, and regularly features contemporary art exhibitions in its upstairs galleries.

The museum website at www.irmastern.co.za always features the latest shows.

Members of the UCT community who wish to be on its mailing list should send their details to Christopher Peter.