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From October the 27th to November the 7th, Franschhoek transforms into an arts haven, where art enthusiasts and patrons are invited to partake in the annual “Franschhoek Creates” Calendar highlight.

The week-long showcase is designed to honour the arts and the abundance of creativity flowing through the valley. From curated gallery exhibitions, to interactive showcases and the usual gourmand offerings of the Franschhoek, guests are invited to craft their own ideal itinerary, interspersed with a wine tasting, or leisurely wine farm lunch.

Local galleries such as 'Art In The Yard' and 'Everard Read Franschhoek' open their doors to visitors from both near and far. Everard Read presents a new solo exhibition by Angela Banks. Banks, in her artistry, strives to preserve fleeting beauty within the permanence of paint. Her keen focus on detail and form weaves whimsical tales of identity through the unique connections between humans and animals.

Boschendal beckons with a unique commercial partnership that presents quality exhibitions and educational art events in its ‘Boschendal x Brundyn’ showcase. On display are feature works by Gabrielle Kruger and Peter Cohen, with both artists offering a unique approach to the landscape genre and prompt viewers to (re)consider their relationship with the natural and synthetic landscape.

The Gallery at Grande Provence presents a superb outdoor sculpture selection in the iconic gardens of the estate. The beautifully curated outdoor space features works by Anton Smit, Carol Cauldwell, Rudolf Rosochacki, Danie Nell, Theo Megaw, Heidi Hadaway and Uwe Pfaff. There are also smaller artworks in various mediums and fine African Artefacts on display in The Shop. The estate will be closed on Saturday 28th October for a private event, so be sure to add this to the Sunday, or midweek, art agenda.

The local gallery offerings conclude with Bordeaux House presenting two exhibitions, ‘Night is the mother of thoughts’ by Galia Gluckman, and ‘Reimagined Futures’ by Wole Lagunju and Franck Kemkeng Noah. There's also the anticipated launch of MŪVEK at EBONY/CURATED, a furniture design showcase, originally hailing from Cape Town.

Art in an 'unusual' form takes centre stage at the Farm Sanctuary SA, where you'll be able to witness ‘Pigcasso’ hard at work. When owner, Joanne Lefson, noticed that the rescued piglet ate or destroyed everything except some old paint brushes that were lying in her stall, she decided to nurture the pig’s potential talent. Using positive reinforcement and noticing her passion for the brush, it wasn’t long before ‘Pigcasso’ began to paint – and paint. Today, at almost 500 kilograms, she is the biggest artist in the world! Her art works have sold for millions and are collected by art connoisseurs, actors and influencers around the globe, including Dr Jane Goodall.

Finally for appreciation of the art of wine-making, oenophiles can join Babylonstoren museologist, Elsa Vogts, for a guided walk through the brand-new wine museum, The Story of Wine, followed by a special tasting of a glass of wine. The Story of Wine is an interactive space and visual documentary of the history and cultivation of wine. From an antique collection of corkscrews, virtual reality headsets, to a breakdown of the different terroirs that give wines of the world their distinct characteristics, this space celebrates the story of wine in Babylonstoren’s unique way.

The tour is free, but booking on the workshop page at babylonstoren.com is essential. The usual entrance fee at Babylonstoren’s ticket office is also applicable. Be sure to diarize Friday, 27 October 2023, 10h00 and be there on time, with only 15 guests per tour. (Duration: 60 minutes)

All are welcomed and encouraged to support the immense local talent on display in a week that was created to shine the spotlight on the rich cultural tapestry of Franschhoek. See the full 2023 line-up here https://franschhoek.org.za/event/franschhoek-creates/