Beyond the Gallery Walls: A Weekend of Art, Artists and Open Studios in the Riebeek Valley

by the light of the moonflower – Laurel Heritage

Beyond the Gallery Walls: A Weekend of Art, Artists and Open Studios in the Riebeek Valley
24–26 October 2025 | Riebeek Kasteel & Riebeek West

In a world where we often experience art through the polished lenses of museums and galleries, Solo Studios 2025invites you into something far more intimate: the personal space of the artist.

From 24 to 26 October, the Riebeek Valley becomes a living, breathing gallery. More than 60 artists open their private studios across Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see where the magic happens — and to connect with both the creators and their creations in a deeply personal way.

According to Ashley Stone, co-owner and project manager of Solo Studios, “This event is about giving visitors more than just something to look at. It’s a way to experience the place and the people who make it special — and to understand how the landscape itself inspires the work.”

Studio Visits and Artistic Immersion

The core of Solo Studios remains its studio visits, where guests can explore the working spaces of artists across a wide variety of mediums, from painting and sculpture to ceramics, mixed media, and installation. This is art unfiltered — not curated behind glass, but encountered where it is created.

In addition to local talent, this year’s programme leans into the power of creative cross-pollination, welcoming artists from across South Africa to collaborate and exhibit in the valley.

Louisa Gerryts ‘Beeskloutjie 1’ 2025 Digital Painting and Collage 29 x 42cm

Curated Highlights

LANDscape[s] at Die Kunshuis
Featuring works from the private collection of Modern Art Projects South Africa (MAPSA), this exhibition is curated by Miné Kleynhans and explores themes of time, memory, and future relics. Originating in Richmond in the Northern Cape, the exhibition provides a powerful meditation on South African land and legacy.

EcoPlace: Sustainable Living, Inspired Art
Visionary artist Louis Jansen van Vuuren and his partner Hardy Olivier open the doors to their newly built EcoPlace— a home and studio built entirely from recycled plastic and fabric. The space will host an exhibition featuring Jansen van Vuuren, Ardmore Ceramics, Ashley Ogilvy, Linda Weaver, and Ruan Huisamen.

Red Hot, Pink Spot
This all-female exhibition brings together 13 artists from Kommetjie, reflecting a growing artistic exchange between the Cape’s Deep South and the Swartland. Held at the Church Hall in Riebeek West, the works range from ceramics and monotypes to sculpture and paintings.

Blacksmith Yard Gallery
Recently opened in Riebeek West, this gallery will spotlight ceramic and bronze works, including pieces by the late Nicolene Swanepoel, who was mentored by acclaimed ceramicist Wilma Cruise.

FEAST from Porterville
This group exhibition at the Old Post Office in Riebeek Kasteel showcases three artists from Porterville, further enriching the event’s theme of regional collaboration.

Village Square Ceramics Collective
Fifteen ceramicists will create and sell their work at the Riebeek Kasteel Village Square, turning the heart of the town into a bustling centre of craft and creativity.

Conversations and Performances

The Art of Collecting
Presented by Elmarie van Straten of Strauss & Co., this talk explores the nuances of collecting art — from understanding cultural value to building a meaningful personal collection.

Bricks and Books: Building with Contemporary Art in the Karoo
A fascinating session on the integration of contemporary art into architecture and life in South Africa’s remote regions.

Vivaldi, The Movies and All That Jazz
End your weekend with an unforgettable live performance by World Café, featuring violinist Veronica Bell. From Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to film soundtracks and gypsy jazz, this concert promises to be the perfect close to a vibrant cultural weekend.

Fill Your Weekend with More Than Art

While the studio and gallery visits are the heartbeat of Solo Studios, there’s much more to explore. Enjoy fine Swartland wines, indulge in long-table farm feasts, browse local markets, and soak in the easygoing country charm that defines life in the valley.

With so much on offer, it’s worth staying for the full weekend to truly experience the magic of the Riebeek Valley.

Event Information

Dates: Friday 24 – Sunday 26 October 2025
Location: Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, Western Cape
Tickets: Available at www.solostudios.co.za and Webtickets
More Info:
Website: www.solostudios.co.za
Instagram: @solostudiosrk
Facebook: @solostudiosriebeekvalley

Participating Artists and Galleries Include
Louis Jansen van Vuuren, Ardmore, Kristen McClarty, Astrid Dahl, Emma Willemse, Solly Smook, Riaan van Zyl, Willie Bester, and over 50 more talented individuals and collectives.

Beyond the gallery walls lies a world of art, heart and connection. Come and see what happens when the studio door is left open.