Proudly Porterville arts and lifestyle weekend

The fifth annual Proudly Porterville arts and lifestyle weekend will take place from Friday 30 September to Sunday the 2rd of October. Proudly Porterville offers visitors the chance to view and purchase a wide variety of art from both emerging and acclaimed artists. Artwork ranges from paintings, jewellery, and ceramics to bespoke tableware, woodwork, mosaics, crochet, quilting, beading and more. In addition to the arts, the event also offers up an itinerary of live music, workshops, culinary experiences, outdoor activities, fun children’s events and more.

Held in the beautiful country town of Porterville, this popular art experience has become a firm favourite on the events calendar. Each year sees new and exciting additions to the line-up of artists, venues, exhibitions and activities. This year visitors can expect a picnic under the stars on the Friday night. The Saturday offers an artisanal gin tasting experience, a community market selling a myriad of local crafts and foods, and a cooking show and dinner hosted by Jenny Morris.

Must-visit venues

The Porterville community rallies together to take part in this exciting event, and multiple venues throughout the town will be showcasing the work of a myriad of local and visiting artists. Many of these venues are in the artists’ own studios and homes, where visitors can view and purchase art straight off the easel.

New on the line-up of venues to visit this year is The Cowshed, a beautifully restored and revamped old working cowshed in Frank Avenue, which will be showcasing the ceramic work of artists such as Amelia Jacobs, husband and wife duo Jacques and Adelaide Uilenbosch, Karin Schimke, and James Retief. Visitors will also have a chance to try their hand at throwing a small vessel on a wheel or to glaze a ready-made cup for a raku firing.

Other must-visit locations are Die Lighuis, Poppie and Picasso, The Red Tricycle, and the Jan Dunckaert Museum.

Artists to anticipate

Some of the artists to anticipate at Proudly Porterville include Alna Prodgers, Andre du Toit, JP Meyer, Anneke Pasque, Carin Dorrington, Joey Koen, Katja Abbott & Paul Kristafor, Maria Van Graan and many, many more.

Also, look out for work by artists such as Marietjie Nieuwoudt, Wilna Crafford, Yoko Reijn, Anya Lourens, Arend Louw, Clare Menck, Annelie Janse van Rensburg, Stephanus du Toit, Lynn Joubert, Amelia Keefer, Amelia Jacobs, Andries Samuel, Karin Schimke, James Retief, Con-Li Halvorsen, Estelle Haward, Kevin Stanley, Cathy van der Westhuizen, Anneke Smuts, Maria van Graan, Jerald Blaber, Isobel Knox and Eleton Jagels.

Food, fun and more

This highly anticipated weekend provides an opportunity for art lovers, foodies, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an escape from the city to get out and about, make memories, and have fun. There truly is something at Proudly Porterville for everyone. Invest in some art; stock up on fresh local produce and other delicacies; enjoy a delicious meal at one of several top restaurants in town; go mountain biking or running on the beautiful local trails; taste the locally produced gin; relax and savour small town life – the list goes on.

Nearly all the attractions are within walking distance of each other, so visitors can park and stroll through the town. Enjoy the art exhibitions, stop for a meal, and buy local fare.

Porterville nestles at the foot of the Olifants Mountains with a beautiful mountain backdrop. The town is only 150km from Cape Town, so close enough for a day trip. However, visitors are encouraged to stay over for the entire weekend to make the most of the experience. Tickets are not required for the Proudly Porterville arts and lifestyle 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).