PORTERVILLE – Art lovers, families and visitors can look forward to a weekend of creativity, food and country hospitality when Porterville Art for All returns between Friday 2 and Sunday 4 October.

Formerly known as the Porterville Art Weekend, the event is celebrating its ninth year under its new name, with about 30 artists exhibiting across 10 venues throughout the town.

The main exhibitions will be open from 09:00 to 17:00.

Friday’s programme will kick off with a selection of creative workshops, including pottery sessions hosted by ceramicist Alna Prodgers and an upcycled printmaking workshop with visiting artist Clare Menck. Spaces are limited, and visitors are encouraged to book early.

On Saturday, artist Jannie Jordaan will host a three-hour painting workshop at the Jan Dunckaert Museum in Mark Street, from 09:30 to 12:30. Participants will work with acrylic underpainting and oil on top to complete a painting.

During the weekend, artists will open their homes, studios and other spaces as pop-up galleries, allowing visitors to meet the artists and view and purchase paintings, ceramics, photography, textiles and mixed-media works.

Artists exhibiting include Clare Menck, Carin Dorrington, Joey Koen, Alna Prodgers, Jannie Jordaan, Katja Abbott, Fanie Terblanche, Anneke Smuts and photographer Eddie Coleman.

At Howzit Growing Nursery, visitors can explore the garden, enjoy lunch and view work by Eddie Coleman, Katja Abbott, Frederick Bezuidenhout and textile and mixed-media artist Nell-Louise Pollock.

The Jan Dunckaert Museum will feature works by Jannie Jordaan, Joy Louw and Annemarie Visser, while acclaimed ceramicist Fanie Terblanche will exhibit at 60 Voortrekker Street.

The Library Exhibition will showcase works by Anneke Smuts, Harry Louw and Nichola Blomerus, with visitors able to enjoy locally roasted Berg Coffee from Green Piketberg.

Food will also form part of the experience, with Porta Taverna Restaurant at 39 Basson Street serving its regular menu and wood-fired pizzas. At 27 Rose Street, visitors can tuck into freshly baked cakes, pancakes and boerewors rolls.

A popular feature is the weekend passport, which includes a map and venue information. Visitors can collect stamps at participating venues before entering their completed passports into a lucky draw, with prizes including accommodation for two at Pampoenfontein Guest Farm and an original artwork.

Organisers encourage visitors to make a weekend of it, with attractions including hiking in the Groot Winterhoek, 22 Waterfalls, mountain biking and outdoor activities at Beaverlac, as well as wine tasting at Org de Rac Organic Wine Estate.

Porterville Art for All offers visitors an opportunity to experience the town through its artists, food, scenery and community spirit.

For more information, visit Berg River Tourism for the programme.