What does a visual representation of Stellenbosch look like?

This is the question various local artists sought to answer through their work for the inaugural Art of Origin Stellenbosch art competition and exhibition.

Visit Stellenbosch, in partnership with Art Association Stellenbosch, issued an open call to artists to interpret Stellenbosch on their canvases.

The organisers said they were overwhelmed with the response in artwork, from various age groups and experience levels. Artists entered more than 90 artworks across three age divisions – seven to 18 years, 19 to 65 years, and 66 years and older – for each of the thematic categories.

The winners of the Stellenbosch Art Association was announced on Thursday 18 June at the PJ Olivier Art Centre.

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Creativity wins

Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch, said the event was more than merely announcing winners; it celebrated creativity, community and the extraordinary people that makes Stellenbosch a world-class destination.

“We wanted to create something that has never been done in Stellenbosch. A platform where the entire creative ecosystem could come together and tell one collective story,” she explained

“A place where every generation, every community and every artist would have a voice.”

Artist Amanda Miti took the top prize for the taste category with her depiction of local “culinary culture, food artisans, markets, and local produce”.

Her winning work, Coffee Café Caffeine, depicts Stellenbosch’s coffee culture in mixed medium.

In the “stay” category Jared Christopher Delport of Blackheath won for his oil-pastels work Stellenbosch Dutch. It depicts the Cape Dutch architecture that can be seen in and around Stellenbosch.

“I was inspired when a few of us jogged through Stellenbosch University Botanical Gardens,” he said. “It is such a beautiful, light style that makes up so many of Stellenbosch’s homes and buildings.”

The Calling Academy learner’s proud father, Christopher, was surprised by Jared’s win as he had been part of the art centre for only a year, but he is happy see to his son’s passion move to successful levels.

Judith A Hapgood’s Crag and Bone won in the “experience” category, with a depiction of Stellenbosch’s picturesque hiking trails.

In the “wine” category, Sheulyn Raine Hobbs won with Sips of Stellenbosch and in the “community” category Beatrice de Villiers’ drawing of Church Street took top spot.

Each category winner was awarded R10 000.

Diversity inspires

Given the “exceptionally high calibre of submissions” the judging panel presented an additional award for the competition. The judges’ award went to KwaZulu-Natal-born Jade Lubbe for her acrylic work entitled Kuluntu.

“I started with a different drawing,” Lubbe said. “I did a really intricate drawing of a vineyard with proteas in it and worked on it for maybe a month.”

But as a waitress and through her experiences of working in the hospitality industry, she found the town to be a melting pot of people.

“That is what I know Stellenbosch as being now; this amalgamation of different cultures – from Afrikaans to Xhosa and Shona. To me this is what makes Stellenbosch feel like home; the fact that everyone belongs.”

And so Kuluntu was created. Lubbe has been invited to showcase her art in a special Women’s Day exhibition by the Stellenbosch Art Association.

All the winning artworks will be featured in the 2027 Visit Stellenbosch Visitors’ Guide, for visitors from far and wide.

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