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Time to grab your artsy friend and the one who keeps saying they want to get into art culture because there’s an entire art weekend on the horizon in the little town of Porterville. And if they aren’t into the art, there’s a little something-something for almost every kind of person (food, Francois van Coke and waterfall hikes) so you have an arsenal to convince your people to get in the car and go on an adventure to this hidden gem. 
The art
This highly anticipated art experience – now in its fourth year – provides an opportunity to view and purchase a wide variety of art from both emerging and acclaimed artists who have made Porterville their home.The art community opens its doors to all visitors over this fateful weekend – welcoming the public right into their studios. In the studio? You’ll turn into an artist yourself. 
Now, there is a wide variety of art, curious grasshopper, ranging from paintings to jewellery,tasteful ceramics to bespoke tableware (imagine being able to boast that you’ve seen bespoke tableware). There’s woodwork, mosaics, crochet, quilting and beading art curiosities. 

The weekend will host 15 venues throughout the town – including the brand-new custom-built studio of renowned ceramicist Carin Dorrington, set to showcase the works of a variety of unique artists for you to fall in love with art all over again.
In addition to this, there are also workshops on the cards. Any creative knows that spark of inspiration you feel when admiring another’s work, but this weekend will allow you to flourish in learning and creating as soon as you’re ready. 
Several artists are offering painting and ceramic workshops, with the acclaimed likes of John Bauer (ceramicist and materials engineering guru), painting’s divine Clare Menck and Arend Louw and ceramicist queen Anelie Janse van Rensburg all stopping by.
There’s even a Mosaic Route to wander through, and one which tells the story of historic South African moments and sites.
Beyond the art
If the art isn’t enough to sell your companions on making the drive, try sweet-talking them with other offers that the town has in store for the weekend. Live music (Francois van Coke for one is going to be performing) and if Mr. van Coke isn’t enough, there’s an entire foodie haven to feast upon. Coffee shops, restaurants, eateries and the Farmers Market. 
The music and food combination didn’t work on your tough to crack pal? Resort to alcohol bribery. Gin fans can enjoy a gin-tasting and tapas experience at the boutique distillery in the mountains above Porterville.
If all of this still hasn’t been enough to sway the unswayable, we have one last resort to convince your people to enjoy Porterville. Waterfall hikes, mountain biking trails and a nature experience. 
So unless the people you’d like to enjoy the Proudly Porterville weekend with don’t enjoy art, music, food, alcohol or nature, there’s really very little reason to say no.

Tickets are not required for the Proudly Porterville weekend as entry is free, but accommodation bookings, restaurant reservations and workshop bookings are recommended ahead of time due to demand. For more information visit https://porterville.bergriviertourism.co.za/ or contact Porterville Tourism Office (022-931 3732).

A cheeky recap

What: Proudly Porterville Art Weekend
Where: Porterville, 150km’s from Cape Town
When: 01 – 03 October 2021
Info:https://porterville.bergriviertourism.co.za/; 022 931 3732

They can’t wait to see us all (especially that friend who said yes at the last minute after your incredible persuasion techniques).

Picture: Instagram: @rogerdelaharpe

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