The Riebeek Valley will transform into an art lover’s paradise this weekend as Solo Studios celebrates its 10th anniversary with three days of exhibitions, workshops, garden tours and culinary experiences.

Running from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October, Solo Studios X has grown from an intimate gathering of artists into one of South Africa’s significant art festivals, drawing collectors, creatives and visitors to the historic Swartland towns of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West.

“When Solo Studios began 10 years ago, we never imagined the extraordinary community that would grow around it,” said Ashley Stone, co-organiser of the event. “Solo Studios X is both a celebration of that journey and an invitation to imagine what the next 10 years might hold.”

Limited edition anniversary collection

To mark the milestone, 10 artists from the original festival have each created 10 original prints for a limited edition collector’s box. The participating artists include Emma Willemse, André van Vuuren, Solly Smook, Sharon Bischoff, Wiehan de Jager, Riaan van Zyl, Gordon Williams, Lizette Visser, Tamlin Blake and Kevan Moses. Only 10 boxes will be available for purchase.

More than 60 artists open their studios

The core experience remains unchanged: visitors can meet artists in their own creative spaces across five studio loops. This year features more than 60 artists, five galleries and numerous exhibitions spanning painting, sculpture, ceramics and other media.

First-time participants include The Collective, a group of 16 female artists from Kommetjie working around the themes Solo in Colour and Where is Home?, and the Creative Kin Collective, an intergenerational family art practice based in Riebeek Kasteel.

Brazilian art makes its Solo Studios debut through NOSSO gallery’s curated collection of handcrafted pieces celebrating Latin American creativity.

Hands-on experiences

Two workshops offer visitors the chance to create their own art. Ceramic artist Antoinette du Plessis will guide participants through designing and painting blue and white decorative plates, while artist Judy Woodborne will teach drypoint etching techniques.

For those interested in gardens, The Valley Potager opens its gates for the first time. The one-hectare vegetable and fruit garden, designed by Jan Seidel in the style of a European kitchen garden, features everything from multi-coloured beetroot to Thai limes.

Artist Louis Jansen van Vuuren will conduct guided tours of his sustainably built home EcoPlace on Friday, offering insight into the cement-free structure completed in 2024.

Talks, walks and tastings

The programme includes guided walkabouts through village studios, an architectural walking tour of Riebeek West led by architectural historian Dr André van Graan, and talks on art collecting by specialists from Strauss & Co, who will also conduct art valuations.

Wine tastings at Riebeek Valley Wine Co and local estates including Kloovenburg, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, Allesverloren Wine Estate and Marras showcase the Swartland’s winemaking reputation.

Long table dinners and Sunday send-off

Evening highlights include the Night of the Long Tables, featuring gourmet dinners by chefs including Cheyne Morris of SAISEI and Giuseppe’s Big Fat Italian Table. Pre-booking is required.

The festival concludes on Sunday afternoon with The Art of Music at The Valley Potager, where a classical quartet, youth steel band and DJ Cool J will perform.

Pre-booking is recommended for most events. Click here for tickets and information.

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