December 2013 diary

Finally a time to kickback and relax, soak up the sun or party till the break of dawn! Whether it be good food and wine, artisan wares or art, in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban, we’ve got you covered.

Ongoing

V&A Market on The Wharf
Nobel Square, between the Two Oceans Aquarium and the V&A Hotel, Cape Town 
The V&A Market on the Wharf is quickly entrenching its position as Cape Town’s ultimate gastronomic destination. An array of artisanal foods, on-site demo kitchens and a kids entertainment area are just a few of its laurels. The market is open all day Wednesday to Sunday. 

Neighbourhood Goods Market
The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9am to 2pm, this is the hotspot for locavores. Expect over 100 specialty traders including local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers and distributors, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs and micro enterprises – not to forget the designers. Get there early for parking. 

Neighbourhood Goods Market
73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9am to 3pm, this is the younger cousin of the Cape Town mother event. Not quite as big and epic, but steadily growing alongside the exciting Braamies rejuvenation. 

I Heart Market
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban, thejoyteam@gmail.com
On the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm, Durban’s design and food artisans share their wares at this funky market. 

City Bowl Food Market
14 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town, citybowlmarket@gmail.com 
Every Thursday from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm, this food and wine market offers easy access to fresh produce and tasty fare. Thursdays in particular have become quite a social affair and Saturdays sometimes also have a fashion component. 

Collective
The Rooftop, 3 Desmond Street, Kramerville
From 10am to 4pm on the first Sunday of every month, Collective is a collaboration of local and international design, jewellery, vintage collections, ceramics, fabric, furniture, accessories and all beautiful things. Read our interview with founder Catherine Corry here.

Capital Urban Market
381 Church Street, between Sisulu & Du Toit Street, Pretoria CBD
Capital Urban Market is a new Pretoria inner-city market forming part of the Cool Capital 2014 citizen-driven initiative to revitalise and restore the inner-city, and give local designers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase and expand their brand. Read more here. 

Fabricate
Cavendish Square, Claremont, Cape Town
Temporary pop-up shop stocking a collection of locally designed goods. Expect to find designers such as Feat Sock Co, Paper-Tales, Zana, Famke, Lauren Fowler, Bow Peep, A Ring To It, Adam & Eve, Lo, Naturals Beauty, Smith, Love Lolla, Anomali and more.

Alley Cat
32 A Stanley Street, Richmond Hill,  Port Elizabeth,  076 974 4344
If you’re into classics such as Grease, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Beetlejuice, you’re in good company! Stop on by at the open-air movie alley and ice cream bar in the heart of Stanley Street and settle in for a cozy movie night under the stars. Check out their Facebook page or sign-up on their mailing list for details.

The Chinese Girl
Delaire Graff Estate, R310, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch, 021 885 8160
The original Chinese Girl by Tretchikoff is once again on South African soil. Officially unveiled on the 29 November, together with the reopening of the Graff Diamonds Store, you can now view it firsthand. Read VISI’s Tretchikoff fun facts here.

The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival
Participating restaurants and wineries, Franschhoek Wine Valley
Until 1 December, don those glamorous sunhats and go a-sipping and a-sampling at the annual Franschhoek bubbly event. Keep in mind that this year’s theme is black and white, with an emphasis on spots and stripes, and who knows, maybe you might be awarded the best-dressed couple prize. Tickets are R200 per person and a limited number of tickets are available so visit www.webtickets.co.za to secure yours.

Now Museum / Now You Don’t
NIROXprojects, 264 Fox Street, Arts on Main, Maboneng, Johannesburg, 072 350 4326
Until 1 December, Maaike Bakker sets out to address the perceived instability of the ephemeral and the intangible aspects inherent in many cross-disciplinary contemporary artworks. The exhibition serves as a form of ironic evaluation of art conservation practices and curatorial approaches.

But Men Do Not See It
Standard Bank Gallery, corner of Simmonds and Frederick streets, Johannesburg, 011 631 4467
Until 7 December, kinetic sculptor Justin Fiske shows his extraordinary installations that use only wood, metal, string and pebbles but invoke astounding wonder.

Forget about the goohexx: send in the du_plicann
34fineArt, 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 082 534 1500
Until 7 December, Asha Zero’s solo exhibition shows that his work is as deceptive as it is honest. At first glance it bears the appearance of paper collage, but on closer inspection it reveals careful and considered surface juxtapositions entirely executed in acrylic paint.

Lovely Creatures
Culture urban+contemporary Gallery, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Until 14 December, Lovely Creatures is a collaborative exhibition by Anja Venter, Mariette Bergh and Shirley Fintz.

National Portrait Award exhibition
Stephan Welz & Co, Alphen Estate, Constantia, 021 469 1572
Until 20 December, and again from 3 to 10 January, the top 40 selected artworks from the Sanlam Private Investments competition, including the prize-winning nude portrait, will be on show for public viewing. Read more here.

Written in the Stars (III)
CIRCA Gallery, 2 Jellicoe Road, Rosebank, 011 788 4805  
Until 21 December, Berco Wilsenach shows part of a larger body of sculptural works, a series of glass panels shimmering in mid-air. 

Bands on the Banks
Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, 021 809 1100, reservations@spier.co.za
Until 29 December, spend long lazy Sunday afternoons on the banks of the Eerste River listening to some fantastic local bands from 2pm. Entrance is free.

A Sculptural Premise
Stevenson, Buchanan Building, 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 021 462 1500
Until 11 January, this group exhibition seeks to explore the perceptions surrounding three-dimensional reality through contemplations of volume and form. Participating artists include Lerato Shadi, Steven Cohen, Jane Alexander, Wim Botha, Robin Rhode and Lebohang Kganye.

Festive food pairing
Avondale, Lustigan Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl, 021 863 1976
Until 15 January, Avondale’s annual food and wine pairing this year entails a collaboration with renowned chef Reuben Riffel. With “avant garde” as the theme, expect the experimental, innovative and artistic. The cost is R150 per person and by booking only.

The Future White Women of Azania 
Whatiftheworld Gallery, 1 Argyle Street, Woodstock, Cape Town, 021 802 3111 
Until 8 February, artist Athi-Patra Ruga shows his latest exhibition that confronts the myths of post-apartheid with a “farsighted distance where their wounds can be contemplated outside of the usual personalised grief and subjective defensiveness.” Read more about Athi here.

DaVinci: The Genuis
Chavonne’s Battery Museum, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Until 9 February, the most comprehensive exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci to tour the world will be in Cape Town. Suitable for all ages, this amazing exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the mind of a genius. Book your tickets online.

Native Nostalgia
Museum of African Design, 281 Commissioner Street, Maboneng, moad@mabonengprecinct.com
Until 9 February, the museum presents its first full-length exhibition, which is an exploration of nostalgia in five African countries namely Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, Benin and South Africa.

Summer Sunset Socials
R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, info@eikendal.co.za
Until end of February, Eikendal invites you to ditch the couch and join the crowd with feel-good vibes, live music, award-winning Eikendal wines and sumptuous bites. The serene setting overlooking the dam and prized vineyards is the perfect antidote to a hectic week. 

Sunday 1 December 2013

Tree of Life
Johannesburg Zoo, Parkview
Join HospiceWits, the Star Seaside Fund and the Johannesburg Zoo for an unforgettable evening when thousands of sparkling globes light up for the first time this festive season. Bring your blanket, your picnic basket and your family. Entrance to the zoo is free from 5pm.

Collective 12.0: The Chrismukkah Edition
3 Desmond Street, Kramerville, Johannesburg
Collective is a collaboration between designers and collectors converging under one roof to offer an awesome alternative shopping experience at a monthly pop-up market. This December they celebrate their first year and the impending festive season with a special Chrismukkah edition market.

Capital Urban Market
Moyo, Fountains Nature Reserve, Pretoria
Grab those shades and sunscreen and get ready for the monthly Special Edition Summer Holiday Capital Urban Market that will showcase 60 of Pretoria’s finest food and design artisans. Read more here.  

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Kamers Vol Geskenke
Open Window @Sax, Southdowns, Irene
Until Sunday 8 December. After a record-breaking show in Stellenbosch, Kamers is bringing its curated show of jewellery, food, ceramics, soft furnishings, decor, garden gear, clothing, accessories and all things pretty to Gauteng, just in time for the gifting season. 

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Graduate Show 2013
Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town Hiddingh Campus, 37 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 021 426 1948
Until 18 December, this extensive exhibition is a much-anticipated event on the local arts’ calendar, where savvy buyers are able to pick up works by the next generation of young professionals at a steal. Opening at 6pm. 

Thursday 5 December 2013

Zoo
NIROXprojects, 264 Fox Street, Arts On Main, 072 350 4326
Until 15 January, this end-of-year group exhibition is based on Lauren Beukes’s award-winning 2011 novel, Zoo City, and includes the works of both established and emerging Johannesburg artists. 

First Thursdays
Central Cape Town, goodevening@first-thursdays.co.za
Kickstarting every month with a bang is First Thursdays, when various galleries, shops and eateries in central Cape Town open their doors until 9pm and the city becomes a museum like no other. 

Paper Cuts
The Cabinet, 64a Wale Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, 082 08444 22
Part of First Thursdays, The Cabinet (a new independent gallery space and home for pop-up design exhibitions and events) will exhibit limited-edition prints from local and international designers.

Moonrise Shopping
Weylandts stores nationwide
In the generous season of giving, Weylandts is offering a 15% discount off everything from 6pm to 9pm for one night only. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Maison wine while indulging in this moonlit shopping experience. 

Friday 6 December 2013 

Home Is Wherever I’m With You
Salon91, 91 Kloof Street, Gardens, info@salon91.co.za
Until 25 January, a large-scale group show of Salon91’s favourite emerging and established artists will be on display. Expect to see accessible, affordable artwork across a broad range of mediums by local creatives. A percentage of the profits raised from the show will go to the Ithemba Labantwana Children’s Home. Opens at 4.30pm till late. 

Saturday 7 December 2013

SecretEATS
Mystery venue, Cape Town, eat@thesecreteats.com
SecretEATS brings together adventurous food lovers and talented chefs in surprising, unexpected and amazing venues for dinner throughout South Africa. Today they hint on “heading for a place where the grass really is greener (and the wine redder)”. Join the adventure that begins and ends with great food.

I Heart Market
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban, thejoyteam@gmail.com
Usually only open on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm, Durban’s design and food artisans will share their wares each Saturday for December from 9am to 3pm in celebration of the festive season. 

Capital Urban Market
381 Church Street, between Sisulu & Du Toit Street, Pretoria CBD
Due to popular demand Pretoria’s urban dwellers will be pleased to note that in addition to the once a month Special Edition market, a smaller, more regular Capital Urban Market will be starting as from this month. Read more here. 

Monday 9 December 2013

Affordable Art Show
artSPACE, 3 Millar Road, Durban, 031 312 0793
The 11th annual show of oil paintings, ceramics, sculptures, prints, photographs, and more all priced at R3 500 or less opens at 6.30pm with a cash bar and secure parking available.

Cupcake and Wine Pairing
Delheim Estate, Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch, 021 888 4600
Think Rooibos, lemon-infused cupcakes with honey cream cheese icing paired with a fun and fruity Chardonnay and you’re well on you way for the calibre of resident chef Christine Claasen’s pairings. Available seven days a week at R75 for four cupcake pairings – booking recommended. 

Wednesday 11 December 2013 

Full Moon
Thingking, Woodstock Exchange, 66 to 68 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
See a preview of Kurt Pio’s exhibition inspired by his journey of self-discovery through his explored lunar power, daily from 10am to 4pm. He puts a spin on traditional painting materials, depicting his subject on shaped canvases, blurring the lines between painting and sculpture. Opening night is on the Tuesday 17 December at 6.30pm.

Thursday 12 December 2013

Capital Urban Night Market
381 Church Street, between Sisulu & Du Toit Street, Pretoria CBD
Due to popular demand Pretoria’s urban dwellers will be pleased to note that in addition to the once a month Special Edition market, a smaller, more regular Capital Urban Market will be starting in the CBD. It starts at 5pm until 10pm. There is also a great line-up of live music. Read more here. 

Muse
Casa Labia, 192 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
Until 23 February, this summer group exhibition will showcase portraits, landscapes and still-lives all investigating the theme of inspiration and contemplation.

Infecting The City
Across Mbombela City, Mpumalanga
Until 13 December, the annual Africa Centre’s public art festival will take place in Mbombela for the first time. Audiences can expect to witness extraordinary dance, theatre, video and other performance types in public spaces, all free of charge.

Africandy Concept Store
The Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Cape Town, 086 122 2308
The online shop is launching its first brick-and-mortar concept store that will consist of a curated capsule of products from its designers. From 5pm to 7pm.

Friday 13 December 2013

Favourite Things Market
Gabriëlskloof Estate, Bot River, 082 852 6547
Get the whole family together and take a trip to Gabriëlskloof Estate for their fourth annual evening market. Expect a fine selection of 30 passionate foodies and creative that will be selling everything from local cheeses to artisan beers, gorgeous decor to handmade stationery, clothing to ceramics and everything else in between. From 5pm to 9pm and again from 11am on Saturday 14 December.

Movie Night at Spier
Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, 021 809 1100, reservations@spier.co.za
Get the holiday season off to a yummy start with Spier’s food movie night. Enjoy a picnic basket including a bottle of Spier wine while you watch Babette’s Feast on the lawns of the Spier Hotel. 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Costs R300 per couple. Book your ticket online.

Saturday 14 December 2013

I Heart Market
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban, thejoyteam@gmail.com
Usually only open on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm, Durban’s design and food artisans will share their wares each Saturday for December from 9am to 3pm in celebration of the festive season.

Pedersen + Lennard Showroom Sale
Field Office, The Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock, 021 447 2020
Don’t miss out on the first Pedersen + Lennard showroom sale where you will not only get great bargains, but get first looks at brand new pieces as well. Beers and steaks will be served from 11am onwards. Great coffee and cake will also be available.

Saturday 21 December 2013

I Heart Market
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban, thejoyteam@gmail.com
Usually only open on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm, Durban’s design and food artisans will share their wares each Saturday for December from 9am to 3pm in celebration of the festive season. 

Save the date …

Thursday 27 February
Cape Town Art Fair
BMW Pavilion, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town

Friday 28 February 
Design Indaba Expo 2014
Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town

This page is constantly updated, so browse back regularly to stay in the loop. If you would like your event featured, email details to web@visi.co.za.