HERMANUS: ART MECCA OF THE WESTERN CAPE

Hermanus has a lively art scene and an abundance of art galleries, all located within a one kilometre radius in the Old Town, earning it the much-deserved reputation as the ‘Art Mecca’ of the Western Cape. The galleries regularly host professionally-curated exhibitions and several galleries double as the resident artists’ studios, where visitors are welcome to engage directly with the artists about their work.

Each gallery has its own character and unique offering, ranging from paintings and sculpture to glass art, ceramics, ine craft, jewellery and photography. If you are looking for gifts for your nearest and dearest this holiday season, or for a memento to take home after your holiday, you will have no trouble inding unique items in these galleries. And if shipping is required, the gallery owner will assist you in ensuring that your artwork reaches its destination safely.

And if you happen to be in Hermanus on the irst Friday of the month, you are in luck as you’ll get to experience the town’s monthly Artwalk (the next one is on 3 January). This is when the art galleries stay open later, until 8pm, and the streets are illed with art lovers who stroll from gallery to gallery. You’ll be offered a complimentary glass of wine from one of the local wineries and perhaps a snack, and get to mingle with the locals, the artists and gallery owners.

Hermanus First Fridays is part of a global initiative to make art more accessible to the public, and it has certainly encouraged feet over the threshold and changed people’s perception of art galleries as serious places that are only for serious art fundis. Here in Hermanus, the galleries are welcoming places with staff who love to share their enthusiasm for art and for their town with visitors.

You can pick up a Hermanus First Fridays leaflet with a map of the Artwalk at any of the participating galleries to guide you along the way, or simply follow the orange bunting and balloons that have become the Artwalk’s trademark. Having started out five years ago with 11 galleries, this initiative has steadily grown to include 21 galleries and has become an important part of our tourist offering.

And remember, you don’t have to wait for the next Artwalk to enjoy the riches of our art galleries – with map in hand, you can do your own Artwalk any day of the week. Take your time, enjoy, and if you should hesitate before making a purchase, remember: Life is short, Art is eternal.

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