The last time I updated this section, I shared the thrill of my first safari through Akagera National Park. But a couple of months before that epic journey, I had wandered into a different kind of wild—a world of texture, color, and tradition—at Imigongo Art Center in Kayonza.
This visit took place back in 2019. If you’re reading this in 2030, consider yourself a bit of a history scholar. Then again, this platform was never meant for breaking news—it’s a space for preserving memories. And memories, much like fine wine, tend to grow richer with time. Take my father’s trip to Idjwi Island in 1963, for instance—still more captivating than my own visit in 2025. Stories, it seems, don’t expire. They evolve.
Located in Mukarange Sector, Kayonza District, Imigongo Art Center is where heritage meets creativity. I remember arriving a few minutes early for my meeting with Charles Ashimwe, the center’s co-founder. The air was thick with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee—an invitation I couldn’t resist. As I waited, cup in hand, I wandered around the cozy space where art pieces stood on proud display: handwoven baskets, ceramic pots, wood and stone sculptures, and of course, the famous Imigongo paintings—all handcrafted and locally made.
The center itself is a vibrant social enterprise. More than just an art hub, it’s a place where dreams are shaped and livelihoods are rebuilt. It houses a café, an art gallery, and a colorful studio. Under its roof, young apprentices sharpen their craft through a Workforce Development Authority (WDA) program aimed at bridging Rwanda’s skills gap. Creativity here is not a pastime—it’s a career path, a community lifeline.
Charles and I had an engaging, insightful conversation. I kept our meeting brief out of respect for his packed schedule, but not before I learned about the center’s mission to transform lives through art. Afterwards, I made my way to the studio, where I found Dolph Kayinkore—a focused figure bent over his canvas, painting a rhinoceros in sweeping, confident strokes. For Dolph, wildlife is more than inspiration—it’s a gateway that connects his art to the pulse of tourism, turning brushstrokes into livelihood. Tourists drawn to Rwanda’s natural wonders often leave with his paintings rolled up in their luggage.
Dolph’s story is one of resilience and persistence. For over a decade, he honed his craft in different art centers across the country before settling in the Eastern Province. Nearby, Bonfils Ngabonziza was working on a commissioned portrait. His resume is equally impressive, with works exhibited at Ivuka Art Center, Niyo Art Center, and Morocco’s Association Arkane in Casablanca. Another artist sat quietly, fully immersed in his creative flow—I didn’t dare interrupt.
Together, these three artists work under the umbrella of Rural African Art, which is affiliated with Imigongo Art Center. Their shared vision breathes life into canvases and revives ancient traditions for modern appreciation.
On the other side of the gallery, four artisans—two of them women—were shaping the signature Imigongo art pieces. Rooted in Rwandan culture, these works originate from the Gisaka region in present-day Kirehe District. Their origin dates back to the 18th century when Prince Kakira introduced the technique. The process remains remarkably faithful to its roots: cow dung is mixed with ash and glue to form raised patterns on wooden boards. After drying, the pieces are painted in black, white, and earthy reds, creating bold geometric designs that are both ancient and modern.
Cows, the source of the key ingredient—dung—are revered in Rwanda, symbols of wealth and prosperity. Traditionally used for manure, cow dung now fuels electricity in rural homes, and at Imigongo Art Center, it fuels creative expression. It's remarkable how a material most would discard becomes a tool for economic empowerment and cultural preservation.
Visitors to the center can do more than observe. The Imigongo experience allows travelers to roll up their sleeves and craft their own art. Spending a day here isn’t just about learning a new skill—it’s about connecting with local artists, supporting a community, and walking away with a self-made souvenir rich in personal meaning.
As I wandered through the gallery, I found myself drawn to paintings of everyday Rwandan life. One canvas captured market women bartering with clients. Another showed children racing to school with backpacks bouncing. Birds soared above tranquil lakes; giraffes roamed golden plains; women balanced jerrycans on their heads as they walked along dusty footpaths, embodying both grace and resilience in the rhythm of daily life.
Interpreting these works required more than a passing glance. Unlike the instant recognition we give to billboards or social media posts, art demands stillness and reflection. I paused before one painting of women carrying buckets of water. Was the artist addressing lack of running water in their households? Was he showcasing the spirit of working together? Could it be both?
Colors clashed and blended. Shadows whispered of deeper stories. With each painting, I felt like I was entering the artist’s thoughts, decoding their silent language one brushstroke at a time.
Charles believes that art is more than decoration. It sharpens the mind, sparks curiosity, and enhances our ability to think differently. After spending a day at Imigongo, I couldn’t agree more.
As I moved from one piece to the next, I realized the gallery wasn’t just displaying art—it was narrating Rwanda’s everyday poetry. Each stroke of paint spoke of movement, memory, and meaning. These weren’t just paintings; they were windows into lives lived with quiet strength and communal rhythm. In that creative space, surrounded by color and texture, I wasn’t just a visitor—I was a witness to stories that didn’t need words to be understood.