Melvyn Minnaar: Initmate art encounters in Riebeek-Kasteel

With Swartland acknowledged as the modern classic appellation of the art of wine, it is no surprise that a cute village like Riebeek-Kasteel is a hub for artists of many persuasions. In fact, the visual arts bloom throughout the valley. It may be inspired by the delights of the fine, handcrafted wines at hand, but the geography has its own undulating, bright charm.

Then there are the villagers, the people nearby, living in the panoramic country reality.

Over the past decade an annual mini arts festival has been crafted that exemplify and suits harmoniously the community of Riebeek and surroundings: the way they live, work, make art and wine. The romance is real, if the vocation is hands-on and focussed. The tourism appeal is genuine and, yes, great fun.

The special ‘art weekend’ goes by the title of Solo Studios, a delightful headline for a programme in which local artists perform solo by opening their studios for art inspection by visitors. If the ‘solo’ suggests individuality, the reality is that each contributes to a whole lot of arty pleasure over the weekend – powered, no doubt, by the splendid wines from local wineries.

This year, celebrating the tenth anniversary, Solo Studios X has enhanced the draw. It takes place over the weekend of October 23 – 25 and the programme is jam-packed (a premier weekend pass is R450 plus booking fee per person).

The organisers are boasting with more than 60 artists, five galleries taking part with numerous exhibitions, walkabouts, talks and workshops. Gardens have temporary installed sculptures to admire. And something unique to experience this year is a special garden.

Over the years, the artistic endeavours have held up a tradition of variety, engagement and ingenuity – with a strong local root. At the same time, over the years, artists from elsewhere have found the friendly environment of the weekend inviting to participate and show up.

Sophisticated paintings and sculpture sit easily next to works produced in community spirit. This is art for joy.

Ashley Stone, one of the organisers, summed it up. “It is about creating moments of connection – between people and place, artists and audiences, creativity and conversation. There is indeed something special about experiencing art in the Riebeek Valley.”

As a regular in recent years, I can confirm that special upbeat feeling. (And we always seem to have boxes of Marras and Riebeek Valley wines in the boot for the return route.)       

What I like about the project is the local collaboration and professionalism – no highbrow attitude in operation here. Sharing the spirit is a solid foundation for this successful project.

How playful, for example, to join Antoinette du Plessis for a ‘blue and white’ ceramic plate painting workshop? Or make your own print under supervision of well-known artist Judy Woodborne. She hosts a printmaking workshop on dry point etching.

Just talking to artists in their studios, viewing their process, is both educational and enriching – much like a glass of, say, Marras Chenin Blanc.

Every year a new twist surprises, and this year it’s a ‘Garden of Edible Delights’ on offer by the Valley Potager. Designed and created by Jan Seidel in the style of a European vegetable and fruit kitchen garden in the centre of the valley, visitors are invited along its paths to see, smell and admire.

The star of the upcoming event is unusual and special: a commemorative limited edition box set of ten original prints by local artists who have participated since the first Solo Studios event ten years ago. 10 Years, 10 Artists, 10 Boxes were compiled as both as artwork and archive of the festival’s milestone year, destined to be a collector’s item. It will be available for sale during the festival.

No doubt this year’s Solo Studios in one of my favourite villages, together with some of my favourite wines will once again send weekend visitors home with – if not an artwork or two, that fine portfolio of prints and cases of local wines – cheerful memories of a very cultured community.

• Melvyn Minnaar has written about art and wine for various local and international publications over the years. The creativity that underpins these subjects is an enduring personal passion. He has served on a few “cultural committees”.