Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly (OSFHC) returns for its 2026 edition from Friday 9 October to Sunday 11 October. More than 30 artists will open their studios to the public across 20 locations.

The self-guided trail takes visitors behind the scenes of working studios in Fish Hoek and Clovelly. The work spans painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and mixed media.

Since its inaugural edition last year, the event has grown from 19 artists to more than 30. Two new shared studio hubs, Mothership Studios and Fish Hoek Studios, each house a cluster of artists working across painting, sculpture, illustration and mixed media.

A dedicated selection committee puts forward every participating artist, maintaining the curatorial standard set in the first edition.

New faces on the trail

Newcomers include bronze sculptor Chris Bladen, whose finely detailed fish and bird sculptures draw on his fly-fishing and birdwatching. Oil painter Mandy Lake joins with ocean-inspired abstractions shown in galleries from George to Ballito. Photographer Angela Buckland brings work exhibited at the Iziko National Gallery and Durban Art Gallery and published in three books.

Illustrator Nicolene Louw joins the trail with pen-and-ink work shown as far afield as Switzerland and Portugal. Multidisciplinary artist Jasper Wolfeman rounds out the newcomers with paintings and sculptural floral arrangements shown in Cape Town, Barcelona and the USA.

Preview supports Project Flamingo

A ticketed preview on Friday 9 October gives collectors and art lovers the chance to explore the studios ahead of the free public days. Tickets cost R150 per person and are available at Quicket.

Proceeds will support Project Flamingo, an organisation providing holistic care to breast cancer patients in the public health care system.

The opening function takes place at department store AP Jones on Fish Hoek Main Road (M4) at 09:30 on the Friday. Guests will see an installation and live performance, receive a complimentary coffee voucher from Peak Café, a glass of Lubanzi Wines wine at the artists’ studios, and a wearable badge from Project Flamingo.

Free public days

Studios open free of charge to the public on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, from 10:00 to 16:00, giving visitors the chance to buy original artworks directly from the artists.

At Peak Café, visitors can create their own mini artwork on a Post-it note and add it to a live, growing exhibition. Post-it notes and drawing materials are supplied by The Write Shoppe.

OSFHC artists will also compete to create an eco-friendly wine container, with the designs on show at studio stops. Members of the public can vote for their favourite Lubanzi Eco Wine Bucket Challenge creation, with prizes for both the public and the winning concept.

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Finding your way

A full map with the route guide, studio locations, points of interest and artist profiles is available at openstudios.org.za. Regular updates will be shared on Instagram at @openstudiosfishhoekclovelly.

OSFHC 2026 is supported by Property Peninsula, AP Jones, Peak Café, Zip Print, Novus, Lubanzi Wines and The Write Shoppe.

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