Proudly Porterville Art Weekend 2021The Proudly Porterville Art Weekend will take place once again in the picturesque town of Porterville in the Bergrivier from 1 to 3 October 2021.

The 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 throws open its doors to visitors over this weekend – welcoming the public into their studios.  Art ranges from paintings, jewellery, and ceramics to bespoke tableware, woodwork, mosaics, crochet, quilting, beading and more.

15 venues throughout the town – including the brand-new custom-built studio of renowned ceramicist Carin Dorrington – will be showcasing the work of a myriad of artists. In addition to this, several artists will also be offering ceramic and painting workshops over the course of the weekend.  Some of the acclaimed artists to anticipate are John Bauer, a ceramicist and materials engineer; Clare Menck and Arend Louw, both painters; as well as Annelie Janse van Rensburg, a ceramicist.

Also worth visiting is the Mosaic Route which features the mosaic art of several talented youth from Monte Bertha, a neighbourhood that is a legacy of the former apartheid dispensation.  The route tells the story of historic moments and sites in mosaic and the full detail of each site can be read when scanning the OR Code on the mural.

FRANCOIS VAN COKE en VRIENDE

More on the Proudly Porterville Art Weekend menu

The festival will also include live music – with Francois van Coke (pictured right) performing on the Friday night – outdoor events, culinary experiences, and family fun.  For foodies there are a myriad of coffee shops, restaurants, and eateries – as well as a popular weekly Farmers Market. Gin fans can enjoy a gin-tasting and tapas experience at the boutique distillery in the mountains above Porterville.

Outdoor enthusiasts are also in for a treat with a visit to Porterville, which offers a variety of hiking trails. There is also an uphill waterfall trail dotted with 22 waterfalls snaking their way down the mountainside, interspersed with crystal clear pools for a cooling dip.  Mountain-bikers will love the many trails that wind their way through the surrounding countryside.

Nearly all the attractions at Proudly Porterville are within walking distance from each other, so visitors can park and stroll through the town, enjoying the art exhibitions, stopping for a meal, buying local fare – all with a beautiful mountain backdrop.

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 the time due to demand.  For more information visit https://porterville.bergriviertourism.co.za/ or contact Porterville Tourism Office (022-931 3732).

What: Proudly Porterville Art Weekend

Where and when: Porterville, 150kms from Cape Townfrom 1 to 3 October 2021

WS