Artisan Culture Festival puts local makers on the map

KNYSNA NEWS - More than 37 events and experiences over four days showcased greater Knysna's growing artisan community during the inaugural Artisan Culture Festival.

The event's programme included a pop-up artisan market organised by Tammy Cobey of Event Co Studio, an exhibition and demonstrations by local woodturners, clay and pottery workshops, art classes, breadmaking, floral design, and chocolate and coffee experiences.

Event organiser Nicci Rousseau-Schmidt said greater Knysna is home to an extraordinary number of people who make, grow, bake, build, paint, sculpt and create.

"Individually they may be small businesses, sole traders or people working from home or small studios, but collectively they represent an exciting economic opportunity for our area," she said.

The four-day event was aimed at celebrating both the makers and the products they create, while giving the public opportunities to learn new skills and experience local craftsmanship.

Several workshops reached capacity, including pottery and art workshops, Bread 101 presented by île de païn, a one-day bread-baking course by Markus Farbringer at the newly established Bread School, chocolate and coffee tasting experiences and Ecozest's floral design workshop.

Rousseau-Schmidt said developing the local artisan sector could help create sustainable livelihoods, stimulate entrepreneurship and local spending, preserve skills and give visitors more reasons to explore the area.

"The Artisan Culture Festival is ultimately about recognising the economic value of craftsmanship," she said. "If we can identify our makers, connect them, provide opportunities for them to showcase and sell their work, encourage skills development and create experiences around what they do, we can grow a vibrant artisan economy that benefits both residents and visitors."

The long-term vision is to establish the Artisan Culture Festival as an annual event while continuing to develop the sector beyond the festival itself.

Rousseau-Schmidt said the initiative could help strengthen Knysna's identity as a destination known not only for its natural attractions, but also for creativity and craftsmanship.

The organisers thanked sponsors Visit Knysna and Knysna Living for their support, which they said made the inaugural event possible.

Astrid Maude of Earth & Ember with her range of handmade organic body products including soaps, bath salts and even a pet range for cats and dogs. Photos: Hugo Redelinghuys

Milton Chakanyuka of Milpum Arts Entertainment with his daughter, Rujeko, and some of his beautifully hand-woven baskets.

The best hamburgers and beer in Knysna? Regulars Deon and Carla Engelbrecht (left), with Tristan and Eugene Barnard (right), say the proof is in the tasting at Red Bridge Brewery. Photos: Hugo Redelinghuys