Village Explorer
17 January 2017
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HFF Artwalk - locals make it happen
espite the slight drizzle, art lovers were out in full force to enjoy the first Artwalk of the New Year on 6 January. Hermanus First Fridays (HFF) has become a popular not-tobe-missed event and there was the usual mix of local residents and visitors who followed the orange as they strolled from gallery to gallery
New Wine Boutique at Village Square The popular Village Square shopping centre now boasts its own wine shop, simply called Wine Boutique, which focuses on local wines. The intimate little shop offers a comprehensive range of wines from Walker Bay and stocks 300 – 400 different wines from over 100 producers. “About 80% of our stock comes from the Elgin to Elim region and the main focus is on the Hemel-en-Aarde producers,” says Barry Henn, who manages the shop for
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to enjoy the awe-inspiring range of art and fine craft on display. The ‘Masquerade’ theme of January’s HFF created a Mardi Gras atmosphere in town as locals participated in the Artwalk wearing colourful masks. Each gallery also provided fun masks as a giveaway and several tourists were
among those who enjoyed mingling with the artists, gallery owners and local residents. Most of the galleries also reported excellent sales of artworks on the evening. “The monthly Artwalk is working very well for the galleries,” says Liz Coates, chair of the HFF committee. “It has created a new awareness of
the wonderful variety of art and fine craft in Hermanus, especially among the locals. It is their response to this initiative that has made HFF such a huge success. They are the ones that create the vibe and we are eternally grateful to them for their enthusiastic support.” The next HFF Artwalk will take place on Friday 3 February. Don’t miss it!
Among the Artwalkers who followed the orange were German tourists Laila Noor and Barbara Reuter, here posing in masks with the owner of Pure South, Liz Coates (middle).
Local watercolourist Maureen Tomaino enjoying a glass of wine with Gerald Coates at Pure South.
Sonja Bester from the Strand and Carin Lochner from Cape Town wearing batmobile masks at Walker Bay Art Gallery.
Morgan O’Kennedy with the owner of Walker Bay Art Gallery, Francois Grobbelaar, next to a sculpture by Louis Chanu.
Local residents Therina and Kobus du Pisani and Janette Schönborn are regular Artwalkers who popped in to Charmaine de Jongh-Gelderblom Gallery with their colourful masks.
Local artist Charmaine de Jongh-Gelderblom (on the right) chatting to Artwalkers who admired the artworks and carpets on display at Charmaine de Jong-Gelderblom Gallery.
owner Seth Anderson. Barry grew up in Hermanus and is able to offer advice to customers not only on local wines but also on where to go and what to do in Hermanus. “Many of our clients are tourists and swallows and I enjoy the personal interaction,” says Barry. Wine Boutique is open 7 days a week, Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 – 17:00 and on Sundays and Public Holidays from 10:00 – 15:00. Call 071 576 9133.