PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The 11th annual Plett Arts Festival, which ended on 8 October, provided a rich tapestry of creativity and culture for both residents and visitors alike, showcasing the extraordinary talent that exists in this small coastal community.
On opening night, the Plett Arts Twilight Meander down the Main Street stole the show with exhibitions, live entertainment and meet-ups popping up all along the street and a festive atmosphere that left a lasting impact.
The festival featured a captivating line-up of more than 70 different events, including performances, exhibitions, workshops, and talks.
Renowned artists, both local and visiting, provided a dazzling platform for all to enjoy, and the vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings created an unforgettable experience for all.
Highlights of the festival included:
Concert in the Forest, Land Art and Traditional Art Exhibitions and Bronze Pouring at Bronze Fields: Celebrated sculptor - and creator of the famous "Dolphin Circle" sculpture on Plett's Main Street - Robert Leggat opened his farm and foundry in Harkerville to performers and land artists which culminated in a Land Art trail created using natural materials with special attention to pin-cushion proteas.
Legendary photographer Obie Oberholzer chats with actress Lika Berning at the opening of his exhibition.
A dazzling bronze pouring demonstration by Leggat followed by the Concert in the Forest with Germaine Leonard on guitar, Wynand Davel on violin and Auriol Hays singing under a floral archway was a perfect example of the festival's commitment to appreciating art and nature in unique ways.
Obie Oberholzer Exhibition
The Plett Arts Festival was thrilled to include a solo exhibition of photographer Obie Oberholzer's images at The Seakrit Spot coffee shop, which created a charming backdrop for Oberholzer's striking images on show.
The images spanned over 40 years, capturing iconic moments in time, unusual spaces and visual wonders.
The self-proclaimed "visual thug" and vagabond, who lives in Nature's Valley, opened the exhibition with an evening of storytelling which illustrated just why he is considered a national treasure for his photography and travel writing.
Plett Land Art Route
Artists from across South Africa gathered in Plett for a series of installations on the Plett Land Art Route. Land Art is generally created using only natural materials - often foraged from the surrounding environment, and lasts only as long as nature allows.
Artists worked at three venues during the course of the festival: Bronze Fields Farm, Brackenburn Nature Reserve and Plett's beaches and lagoons.
Saxophonist Janey Mitchell performs at the Plett Arts Twilight Meander.
Event director, Daron Chatz of Plett Art Residency is optimistic about land art growing in Plett: "We've had the most wonderful artists. The event has grown from year to year - it's our fourth year now, and this year has just been superb."
For the first time, there was a Land Art Hub at The Junction Cafe and Boutique Hotel in Main Street where visitors could learn more about land art and find out where the artists and routes could be accessed.
Plett Arts Twilight Meander
The festival could not have started on a higher note!
This year's Twilight Meander was packed with visitors thronging the streets and moving from exhibition to exhibition, music buskers and performers on the roadside, art lovers dressed in their creative best and a feeling of creative curiosity and shared connection blanketing the street.
As in previous years, Pam Golding Properties hosted a curated exhibition and featured a performance by the celebrated troupe, the Kranshoek Griqua Rieldansers who brought their traditional, high energy dance style to Main Street.
The Plett Arts Festival is grateful for the unwavering support of its sponsors, partners, and the community. Their contributions made this event possible and ensured its success. Plett Tourism welcomes sponsor engagement for the 2025 festival.
For more information about the Plett Arts Festival, please visit www.plettartsfestival.co.za - Plett Tourism
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