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Western Cape
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Napier will once again turn itself into a walkable gallery when the sixth Creative Napier Art Route takes place from Saturday 25 to Monday 27 April, bringing a multidisciplinary mix of artists, performances and workshops into homes, studios and venues across the village.
Timed to coincide with the Freedom Day long weekend, the three-day event features ten artist venues, with visitors able to move between open studios showcasing ceramicists, sculptors, landscape painters, photographers and mixed media artists. Maps will be available throughout town, making it easy to navigate the route at your own pace.
The strength of Creative Napier lies in its variety. Alongside established local artists, this year includes guest exhibitors and collaborative spaces, offering a layered experience that shifts from intimate studio visits to more social, shared venues. On Instagram, artist Ashley Heron, who will be exhibiting with Carl Becker, describes a sense of excitement building in the village as the event approaches, with plenty for visitors to experience across the weekend.
Beyond the visual arts, the programme extends into music, performance and hands-on experiences.
Workshops and events include:
- The Mandala Art Experience by Louise Milan, hosted at 8 Jubileum Street, is open across the weekend. While participation is free, donations are welcome.
- Djembe drumming workshops take place on Saturday 25 April at Windhorse Ranch and again on Monday 27 April at the Napier Hotel, both running from 11am to 1pm. The sessions cost R200 to R250 per person, including drum hire, and are open to all levels. Children aged 12 and older are welcome with adult supervision.
- A wheel-throwing demonstration will be held at Rewind Art Boutique Gallery on Saturday 25 April from 3pm to 5pm, offering visitors a closer look at the craft of ceramics.
Music also forms part of the programme. A performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons takes place at the Church Hall on Saturday 25 April at 3pm, with tickets priced at R150 per person and available at the door.
Later that afternoon, the Dennis Brothers of Akkedis fame perform at the Sunset Saloon at the Napier Country Hotel, with doors opening at 4.30pm. Tickets are available via Quicket.
Between venues, visitors can expect a strong food offering, with pop-up experiences including Spice Courses with Dee, alongside local favourites such as Stoep Studio & Art Café serving throughout the weekend.
Creative Napier has, over six editions, established itself as one of the Overberg’s more distinctive cultural weekends — not just an exhibition, but an invitation into the working spaces and processes of artists. With multiple venues, live experiences and a full programme of activities, it rewards those who take the time to explore beyond a single day.
Maps are available throughout Napier, and updates can be found via @creativenapier on Facebook and Instagram.
