Take a drive...be inspired

The 9th annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival will take place on Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2009 in the picturesque Riebeek Valley celebrating the award winning olive oils and wines from the Swartland region.

The largest of its kind in Southern Africa, the Festival is hosted by the beautiful twin hamlets of Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel and falls on the first weekend of May each year. The festival highlights the region’s prosperous olive industry and is also an opportunity for visitors to sample the neighbouring wine farms.

The Riebeek Valley has established itself as the primary olive oil and olive producing region in South Africa. Riebeek Kasteel not only boasts four of the top olive producers in the country, it is also home to two Italian trained olive oil graders. The wines from the Swartland are also of an extraordinary quality and very much in demand winning prestigious local and international awards.

One of the great spin offs from towns like this is that they attract many creative people. Riebeek Valley is no different. Present at the Olive Festival is the 'Artist's Village' and many of the resident artists of the Valley will be there. I think that it is actually worth taking the 45min drive from Cape Town, just to see the local talent.

When you get to the Valley, you will see exactly where the inspiration to express your essence comes from. The place is just beautiful.

Personally, I am hoping to see two of my favourite artists:
Li Nepgren

And Solly Smook

Chalk or Cheese : Park or Garden

After getting a really negative response from an interest group (a bunch of oxymorons) that have attached themselves, like a parasite to the beautiful De Waal Park, we have had to make a new arrangement for our Festival.

Have no fear!! This morning we went to present the proposal to the people at the Company's Garden, Government Avenue and I am bowled over at the positive response they had to the Festival. It is amazing how quickly we lose the feeling of excitement and enthusiasm when confronted with small minded people, but now my energy is renewed.

It was just so amazing to have ten people around a table that were open, listening, welcoming. They are creative in their jobs everyday, so I guess that is what makes them more inclined to listen and accept the concept as it is delivered. I am taking a risk here, but I have such a good feeling that things are going to go our way: the new venue for Walk of Art Festival is

The Paddocks
The Company's Garden
Government Avenue
Cape Town

Our plans have grown and we are convinced that the festival is going to be FANTASTIC.
We'll keep you up to date with developments. And look out! There are some discounts available on the stands.
As usual, if you are a visual artist and would like to be involved with the festival, email jackson@walkofart.co.za
Walk on....

Location, location, location

We've been keeping an eye on the How to plan a Party blog and must reiterate step 2 in the process.
We had some problems with the location of the Art Festival. It was only once we opened our minds and started letting the imagination flow, that we solved the problem.
Sadly, we have been prevented from using the venue that we first planned on, but have subsequently come across another location that is going to be perfect!! We are also enjoying the support of the people that manage it. Everything happens for a reason they say? I believe it!

Keep an eye out for updates on the venue.