Here’s what we’re looking forward to at Open Studios Kommetjie 2024.
Open Studios Kommetjie is back for its highly anticipated 6th year, inviting visitors to explore the vibrant creative community and meet its artists. Taking place over three days from Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December 2024, the annual event provides a unique opportunity to experience the work of over 30 curated artists in their own studios. From painters and illustrators to photographers and ceramists, this weekend promises to be an inspiring celebration of all things art.
In addition to artists’ home studios in the village itself and a few working from the industrial Heron park nearby, this year’s event also sees a number of exhibitors located in the adjoining hub of Imhoff Farm, just 2 minutes drive from Kommetjie village.
Then there’s the exciting fundraiser project and art raffle to look forward to, with the ‘Tiny Art Gallery’ of 32 miniature works being hosted at Seeff, the official event sponsor, in the village, which one lucky winner will take home.
As always, there is exciting new talent to discover joining the roster for the first time, along with the opportunity to witness the evolving works of returning artists, ever flourishing in the coastal haven of Kommetjie.
New Artists at Open Studios Kommetjie 2024
The 2024 edition of Open Studios Kommetjie is proud to introduce nine new artists to the agenda, adding fresh perspectives to the already vibrant art route. Our exciting newcomers are (above from top left) mural artist Jean America, painter Ruth le Roux, illustrator Astrid Blumer, painter Michelle van Reenen, sculptor and sound artist Jenna Burchell, sculptor and multidisciplinarian Chip Snaddon, photographer or ‘light artist’ Odette Howell, mosaic artist Reagan Rubain and painter Rufus, each bringing their own unique vision to Kommetjie.
Golden Oldies: A Tribute to Longstanding Artists
Open Studios Kommetjie has grown exponentially since its inception, and much of this success is due to the dedication of artists who have been with the event from the start. These “golden oldies” have been instrumental in shaping the event into what it is today.
Artists like printmaker Kristen McClarty, mixed media artist Gill Allderman, ceramicist Michele Koch, painter Joanne Milne and sculpture Nic Bladen have been central figures in the initiative along with founding member Laurel Holmes, ensuring that the spirit of collaboration and community continues to thrive. Their continued participation speaks to the enduring nature of Kommetjie as an artistic hub.
Exhibitions at Imhoff Farm: Collaborating Artists and HopeTown
This year, Open Studios Kommetjie brings its creative spirit to Imhoff Farm, the historic homestead that has been rejuvenated to house a number of tenants including restaurants, galleries and shops, and a new sports centre with putt-putt, padel, yoga and more.
Visitors can explore three groups of artists exhibiting together within this hub: environmental artist and sculptor Janet Ormond at her new Imhoff Farm gallery space with Shaune Rogatschnig‘s abstract mixed media landscapes and Astrid Blumer‘s whimsical illustrations; Chip Snaddon together with painter Karen Elkington and art photographer Sharday Swanepoel; and muralist and painter Jean America with mosaic specialist Reagan Rubain, showcasing their art at the Hope Town Collective. Each artist brings something unique to the Imhoff collective, promising a thought-provoking and visually immersive experience.
International Stars: Worldclass Talent at Heron Park
Open Studios Kommetjie continues to attract talent not only renowned within South Africa but also globally acclaimed artists. This year, four of these artists are based in Heron Park. Wim Botha, a celebrated sculptor, returns to the event after last year’s guest appearance with a series of ceramic works this year. Joining him is Jenna Burchell, an award-winning artist who works with a fusion of sound, digital and natural elements like rock and animal bones to create archives of memory, and Nic Bladen, a world-renowned jeweller and sculptor who creates extraordinary lifelike botanical reproductions in bronze and silver, who shares his space with Jane Eppel, etching artist who creates incredible, detailed works on paper inspired by natural phenomena.
Spotlight on Featured Artists
As always, Open Studios Kommetjie highlights the incredible creative talent and artistic diversity that makes this event so special. Here are a few standout artists we’re looking forward to visiting:
- Leah Rolando: Known for her bold approach to photography, Leah uses light and colour to create captivating optical illusions that transform ordinary spaces into mesmerising visual experiences.
- Kim Black: A master of expressive painting and social media queen, Kim brings her passion for life into her large-scale floral works, filled with vibrant colours and a sense of joyous freedom.
- Michelle Beattie: A dedicated advocate for the environment, Michelle uses beach plastic to craft evocative sculptures that draw attention to the critical issue of ocean pollution.
- Adrian Owen: An incredibly talented illustrator and painter, Adrian combines charcoal and gouache to create dynamic portraits and figurative works that evoke a deep emotional resonance.
- Mariette Momberg: An experimental printmaker known for her graphic, thought-provoking and challenging works. Predominantly working on paper, often working in linocut and mixed media, her varied body of work explores themes often presented from a feminist perspective or probing environmental issues.
The Tiny Art Gallery: Give-Back Project 2024
Open Studios Kommetjie is not only about celebrating art but also giving back to the community. The Tiny Art Gallery (TAG), an integral part of this year’s Give-Back Project, showcases tiny artworks donated by all 32 artists participating in the 2024 event. These petite masterpieces represent the diversity of the artists’ main works and provide a unique opportunity to engage with their creativity in a compact form.
The Tiny Art Gallery launched on 1 November at Bluewater Café and will be on display at the Seeff offices at The Village Place at 5 Erica Road. Anyone can purchase a ticket at the event or online for just R100 for a chance to win the entire collection of 32 miniature artworks. All proceeds go towards supporting HopeTown, a community-focused initiative in Ocean View.
Where it all began…
Looking Back: The History of Open Studios Kommetjie
Open Studios Kommetjie began in 2019 with the goal of showcasing the artistic spirit of this coastal village. Founded by Laurel Holmes, along with Noeleen Kleve and Sue Conradie, the event quickly grew in both size and reputation. Over the last five years, the platform has fostered an amazing sense of community among Kommetjie’s artists. Its informal, collective nature has allowed for new partnerships, exhibitions and collaborations that continue to enrich the creative culture of the village.
Says Laurel:
The unanticipated spinoff has been a unifying of this creative community in the village. Exhibitions and collaborations outside of the village have also been the result of this initiative. It’s an informal collective, where a changeable steering team has developed, guided and marketed the event over the years.
– Laurel Holmes, Open Studios Kommetjie founder
Join Us in Celebrating Kommetjie’s Artist Community
Open Studios Kommetjie 2024 is a celebration of the village’s thriving artistic community and the deep connection between artists and their creative spaces. Visitors will not only be able to view incredible works of art but also engage with the artists themselves, gaining insight into the creative process. Whether you’re an art collector or simply someone who enjoys exploring local talent, this year’s event promises to be a truly immersive experience.
Don’t forget to download a map (or pick one up at Seeff), explore all the artists on the Open Studios Kommetjie website to plan your route, and support the community-driven Give-Back Project to help fund HopeTown’s vital work.
Tag us on social media @kommetjielife and invite us to collaborate on Instagram to feature on our feed and stories.
We can’t wait to see you at Open Studios Kommetjie, where art and community come together in a vibrant celebration.
