Eat at a long table, sip award-winning Swartland wines, listen to world-class music, learn to make your own linocut, or take a walk through vineyard-lined country roads. There’s much more to explore beyond art galleries at Solo Studios 2025, taking place across Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West.
This annual Swartland art event blends culture, cuisine, and creativity in one unforgettable weekend. Here are 11 ways to experience the best of Solo Studios 2025.
1. Art, Art and More Art
Art remains the beating heart of Solo Studios. With over 60 artists, four galleries, and multiple special exhibitions, visitors can connect directly with creators in their personal workspaces.
Highlights include:
- LANDscapes[s] – works from the private collection of Modern Art Projects South Africa (MAPSA)
- FEAST – a group show by three artists from Porterville
- Red-Hot Pink Spot – a collective of 13 Kommetjie-based female artists
2. Pottering Around Town
Ceramics take centre stage on the Village Square, curated by chef, stylist and author Isabella Niehaus. Fifteen ceramicists will showcase functional art pieces alongside a food and drink selection that includes oysters, bubbly, jaffles, pastries, and coffee.
Visitors can also paint ceramic cups with Three Potters and a Painter, a renowned Stellenbosch family of ceramicists.
3. Musical Wrap: From Vivaldi to Gypsy Jazz
On Sunday, 26 October, World Café and Veronica Bell present Vivaldi, The Movies and All That Jazz at the NG Kerk. Expect an inspired blend of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, film scores, and gypsy jazz.
Performers include Schalk Joubert (bass), Stanislav Angelov (accordion), and Veronica Bell (violin). Tickets are available on the Solo Studios website.
4. Al Fresco Sculpture
At Huis van RAAF, curator Ilse Schermer presents 10 Sculptures by 10 Artists in an intimate garden setting. Schermer, also the curator of the IS Sculpture Garden at Tokara, brings together contemporary works that merge nature and artistry.
5. Talking Collecting
Learn how to build and understand an art collection in The Art of Collecting, a talk by Elmarie van Straten from Strauss & Co. The session explores how to recognise value, cultural significance, and personal meaning. Takes place at EcoPlace on Saturday, 25 October.
6. MAPSA on the Map
The Northern Cape’s Modern Art Projects South Africa (MAPSA) brings its acclaimed LANDscapes[s] exhibition to Die Kunshuis. Curated by Miné Kleynhans, it reflects on time, history, and human impact.
MAPSA, founded by Harrie Siertsema and Abrie Fourie, has been a creative hub since 2007, fostering community-based art in Richmond and beyond.
7. Art and Ardmore in an EcoPlace
Visionary artist Louis Jansen van Vuuren will host guided tours of EcoPlace, his cement-free, sustainably built home and studio made from recycled plastic and fabric.
The exhibition includes works by Louis Jansen van Vuuren, Ardmore Ceramics, Ashley Ogilvy, Linda Weaver, and Ruan Huiseman. Tours take place on 25 and 26 October. Pre-booking required.
8. The Long Tables Are Set
Gastronomy meets fine art at the Night of the Long Tables, a highlight of the weekend. Choose from several long-table dinners:
- Emporia: Three-course menu (R695) with wine and coffee.
- The Royal Hotel: Eight-course dinner with seven wine tastings on Saturday, 25 October.
- Café Felix: Creative Feast co-hosted by Louis Jansen van Vuuren, five courses with wine (R900).
Expect dishes such as trout tartlets, duck confit, faux camembert with figs, and other gourmet delights.
9. Hands-On Lino
Printmaker Theo Paul Vorster leads two linocut workshops on Saturday, 25 October (09h30–12h30 and 13h30–16h30). Participants will learn relief printing techniques and the creative process behind the art form. Sessions limited to 12 participants.
10. Walking, Talking Art
Join guided art walkabouts throughout the weekend for deeper insight into artists, techniques, and collections. Led by experienced guides, these intimate sessions are available to premier ticket holders only.
11. Moving Pictures: Vintage Cinema and Wine
Artist Riaan van Zyl and film curator Marko Pellis present Vintage Cinema and Wine on Friday, 24 October at 18h00. Enjoy four original vintage films screened on a museum-piece projector, paired with a four-course finger food menu and Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards wines.
Booking essential: Tickets are available and can be purchased via the Solo Studios website at www.solostudios.co.za and www.quicket.co.za.
A Weekend to Remember
Solo Studios 2025 offers a rich tapestry of art, food, and conversation in the Riebeek Valley. Whether you’re an art collector, a foodie, or a traveller looking for inspiration, this creative weekend invites you to colour outside the lines.
