From 27 October to 3 November, it’s all about the arts in Franschhoek. Franschhoek Creates is a week of curated gallery exhibitions, interactive showcases and a variety of visual storytelling.
Here’s what you can attend:
Everard Read:
The week begins with the renowned Everard Read, Franschhoek’s presentation of Swain Hoogervorst’s latest solo exhibition. Hoogervorst is a Cape Town-based artist who specialises in intimate still-life works and more recently, larger abstract paintings.
The exhibition opens on 29 October at 11am.
Great Heart Wines is partnering for this exhibition as a staff empowerment project of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines.
- Address: 20 Huguenot Road
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 5pm
Everard Read at Leeu Estates will also be presenting a solo exhibition by Nic Bladen. Bladen is known for his extraordinary botanical sculptures. Surrounding the gallery is a sculpture garden featuring monumental works by various artists amongst the fynbos at the estate.
- Address: Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Road
- Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm
Ebony/Curated:
Ebony/Curated will be presenting two exhibitions: ‘The Point’ and ‘New Paintings.’
The Point, by Lisa Ringwood, focuses on large-scale ceramic works showcasing baboons and their relationship with the local environment. This exhibition will open on 29 October at 12pm.
New Paintings is Oliver Scarlin’s fifth solo exhibition and explores perception, form and colour.
- Address: Bordeaux House, 4 Bordeaux Street
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 6pm
Art In The Yard:
Art In The Yard, a contemporary space showcasing South African artistry, presents ‘We Wear Culture.’ The exhibition explores the connections between art and fashion and highlights wearable art by local fashion designers and organisations who dedicate their craft to the celebration of South African culture.
The gallery space is one filled with energy, beauty and art.
Also on display at the gallery is the latest solo exhibition by Thembaletu Manqunyana. Manqunyana showcases an original visual voice through his art, reflecting who he is, where he is from, and what he wants to express as an artist.
- Address: Shop 1, Heritage Square, 9 Huguenot Road
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 6pm
Click here for more information.
Also read: Spend the sunny season at Avondale Wine Estate and FABER restaurant
Grande Provence Gallery:
Grande Provence, a wine estate that houses a custom-designed gallery, will be hosting a sculptural exhibition – the type of art the gallery is renowned for. Attendees of the exhibit are invited to enjoy a Cap Classique and Oyster pairing after viewing the art.
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
- Cost: R180 per person
Kumanov Perfumery:
Kumanov Perfumery hosts an interactive ‘Perfume Prive’ workshop for guests to enjoy. You can also explore the extensive permanent collection that includes antique masterpieces at its Franschhoek Museum.
- Address: 2 Huguenot Road
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm
The workshops take between two and three hours, and there are four different packages to choose from:
- Gold: R520 per person
- Platinum: R650 per person
- Diamond: R750 per person
- The Ultimate: R2300 for two
Babylonstoren:
Babylonstoren museologist, Elsa Vogts, invites you on a guided walk through the new wine museum, The Story of Wine, which will be followed by a special tasting. The walk is interactive and showcases a visual documentary of the history and cultivation of wine.
- Address: Klapmuts – Simondium Road
- Dates: 27 October, 31 October, 1 November
- Time: 1oam
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Cost: Free
Only 15 guests per tour. Booking is essential, which you can do here.
Carol Thorns @ Franschhoek Pass Winery:
The Franschhoek Pass Winery cellar will be hosting a performance by award-winning cellist, Carol Thorns, on 28 October. The event will include a private Morena Cap Classique Tasting with Nick Davies.
- Address: Franschhoek Pass Road
- Time: 11am
- Cost: R750 per person
The maximum number of guests is 30. Booking is essential and can be done via [email protected].
Culinary Collective:
‘Culinary Collective’ – a four-course experience at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards – will be hosted by Franschhoek’s top chefs. The dining will take place on Friday 28 October, and invites guests to a conversation around good food with local farmers and suppliers.
- Time: 11 for 11.30am
- Cost: R1250 per person
Deux Lions and Dalewood cheese artisanal art:
Dalewood Fromage also has crafted cheeses and perfect picnic platters available on-site.
Another thing to try is Deux Lions‘ olive tasting, where you will experience four different styles of olive – smoked, marinated, dried, and a tapenade) at the estate restaurant. This tasting costs R120 for two people.
- Address: Excelsior Road
Open gardens:
October is also Garden Month, and to celebrate this ten local gardens, ranging from small village to large farm, will be on show over the last weekend of October.
- When: 10am to 5pm daily
- Cost: R200 per person
Come celebrate all things artisanal, visual and musical in a week that displays incredible local talent.
For more information click here.
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Picture: TIME