First Open Studios in Fish Hoek & Clovelly Brings Local Art into Focus

The inaugural Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly takes place from 3 to 5 October, showcasing the depth of artistic practice in the southern peninsula. The event features ceramics, sculpture, textiles, and fine art across four routes, supporting local talent and community connections. 

WORDS Neyani Mphephu PHOTOS Supplied

This October marks a historic moment as Fish Hoek and Clovelly artists collectively welcome the public into their creative spaces for the very first time. Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly (OSFHC) debuts across the weekend of 3-5 October 2025, showcasing 19 artists working from 15 studio locations along four carefully curated routes. Visitors will have the opportunity to forge connections with creators, discover the local area, and experience an impressive range of artistic expressions, including paintings, ceramics, sculpture, papermaking, illustration, textile work, mosaics, and beyond. 

 “We have long admired other Deep South Open Studios, such as those in Noordhoek and Kommetjie, and we realised it was time to crank up the volume in our neck of the woods too, to show the world the depth and breadth of talent living this side of the peninsula,” say the organisers.  

A diverse artistic landscape 

The event brings together an impressive array of established names and emerging talent. Leading the lineup are celebrated figures, including: 

• Carol Hofmeyr, founder of the famed Keiskamma Art Project. 
• Award-winning Ceramicist Sandile Cele, known for pioneering the Zulu Goth aesthetic. 
• Liz Vels, represented in the Wits Art Museum. 

The roster displays multidisciplinary artists and international collections: 

• Award-winning artist Marlise Keith. 
• Sue Kaplan 
• Textile artist Yda Walt 
• Sculptor Mandy Johnston 
• Photographer Jenny Gordon 

The programme also highlights rising and established voices such as: 

• Painters Lauren Shantall, Evan Oberholster, and Sheree Harrison. 
• Paper artists Kyoko Kimura Morgan, and Cathy Stanley 
• Textile artists and designers Susan Didcott of Trip, and Emma and Leila Rowett of Threads That Bind Us. 
• Mosaic artist Mel Miller 
• Illustrator Gerda Smit 

Several artists present versatility across various creative fields while simultaneously contributing to art education: 

• Sasha Scholtz 
• Sue Kaplan  
• Jenny Gordon  
• Liz Vels  
• Kyoko Kimura Morgan 
• Carol Hofmeyr and Evan Oberholster 

What you need to know 

There are four carefully planned routes that guide visitors through Clovelly, Fish Hoek Valley, Fish Hoek Mountainside, and Risi View neighbourhoods. A specially commissioned map by Kyoko Kimura Morgan, produced by neighbourhood printer Zip Print, doubles as both navigation tool and collectible artwork. Transportation between locations is recommended, as some distances are too far to walk. 

Route maps can be collected from AP Jones on Main Road (featuring a special window installation), Sandy’s at Valyland, Zip Print, and the Playhouse on Kommetjie Road. Online versions are available via openstudios.org.za.

Art collectors and dedicated enthusiasts can attend an exclusive preview on Friday, 3 October, with 10% of the proceeds donated to Project Flamingo. | @openstudiosfishhoekclovelly

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