Open Studios Makes Fish Hoek & Clovelly into a Walking Art Festival

This October, the Deep South once again becomes a walking art festival as Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly returns for one weekend only.

After a successful launch last year, 20 locations across the two coastal suburbs invite the public to view the work of over 30 local artists, from painting and printmaking to ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media. Here’s everything art lovers need to know.

More about Open Studios

Nearly doubling the number of featured artists from last year, Open Studios is expanding to new locations and mediums. A dedicated curatorial committee selects each creative, ensuring the work is among the best the Mother City has to offer.

Collectors and enthusiasts are welcome to join the ticketed preview event, where curious professionals get a sneak peek at the exciting artworks on display before the event is opened to the public. The preview takes place at the family-run department store AP Jones and includes live performances, a bespoke installation, a complimentary coffee voucher, a wearable badge, and a glass of Lubanzi wine.

All proceeds from the preview go to support Pink Flamingo, a South African nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing life-saving interventions for breast cancer patients who are often failed by the national healthcare system.

From Saturday, Open Studios gives the public a chance to view inspiring artworks throughout the morning and afternoon and even buy them directly from the artists. Interactive activities are also available, including a DIY Post-it note exhibition that everyone is invited to contribute to. Finally, featured artists were challenged to design an exciting eco-friendly wine container, and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourites, with prizes for both the public and the winning concept.

Full artist profiles are available on the website, along with a detailed map, route guide, and event updates.

*Mosaic* by Mel Miller (left) | *Lapis* by Mandy Lake (right)

Who’s featured

Open Studios 2026 features several exciting new names, all working across different themes, motifs, and mediums. Photographer Angela Buckland‘s work, which has exhibited at the Iziko National Gallery and Durban Art Gallery, includes portraits of Abakwetha, Xhosa boys undergoing the traditional ritual to become men. Bold linework illustrator Nicolene Louw has had work exhibited across Europe, while ocean painter Mandy Lake offers a unique, colourful perspective on South Africa’s beloved coastlines.

Other newcomers include Chris Bladen, whose love of fly-fishing and birdwatching is reflected in his detailed sculptures, and multidisciplinarian Jasper Wolfeman, whose oil paintings of flowers and queer intimacy are gentle and quietly moving.

There are many other highlights at this year’s edition, including Mashilo Magongoa‘s captivating depiction of township life, Gabriela Gonsalves‘ tranquil watercolour paintings of the human form, Ross Turpin‘s irreverent tattoo design style, and the distinct metal-clad mirror frames that Sue Jowell, Akhona Mposelwa and Posent Ncube have become known for.

How to visit Open Studios

The preview event gives those already interested in the artists and their work an early look at what’s on display. Afterwards, the public showing gives everyone the opportunity to experience Cape Town’s immense visual talent, while connecting with and purchasing works from the artists themselves.

Cost: Free (public viewing) | R150 per person (preview event). Book now on Quicket. Tickets are not needed for the open exhibitions during the weekend.

When: Friday – Sunday, 9 – 11 October 2026 | 10am – 4pm | From 9.30am (preview)
Where: AP Jones, 98 Main Rd, Fish Hoek, Cape Town (preview) | The full map of participating studios can be found online.

Website: www.openstudios.org.za
Instagram: @openstudiosfishhoekclovelly