Cape Town’s art and food cultures are well-known in South Africa, with a dizzying number of galleries and eateries to choose from. But while you’re enjoying the city’s arts and treats, why not immerse yourself even further by taking one of the myriad of art and cooking courses on offer around the Mother City?
Cape Town is a hub of creativity and artistic talent, complimented by a rich food culture that extends the city’s creative buzz beyond its wealth of galleries [insert link to galleries story] and onto your plate via the myriad of top notch eateries. But you don’t have to just admire all the fantastic work in galleries [insert link to galleries story] or entertain your taste buds in this foodie heaven at the far end of Africa. Why not try your hand and becoming an artist yourself? While you’re at it, channel your inner Reuben Riffel and learn how to cook a good, tasty meal. It just so happens that Cape Town offers a number of places where you can sharpen your artistic pencil, frame your shot and get your chef’s apron dirty.
ART FOR EVERYONE
Bright Creative Space
Located in Salt River and one of the younger art schools on the scene, Bright offers a wide range of courses from life drawing to modernist painting, whether you’ve never seen an easel to experience artists.
Website: www.brightday.co.za
Life Art
Offering a wide variety of courses, from complete novice painting, realistic portrait painting, to mastering the flair of abstract art, artist Leonie Brown’s studio offers something for everyone.
Website: www.lifeartschool.co.za
Get serious
If you’re looking for something more serious, Cape Town’s more established art education institutions like Ruth Prowse School of Art, Frank Joubert Art Centre and Michaelis School of Fine Art also offer a number of short courses.
Cape Town School of Photography
One of the most well-known photography schools in Cape Town, CTSP offers a wide array of photography courses that cater to all levels of photographers. Classes are lead by experienced mentors in a very personal environment.
Website: www.ctsp.co.za
DLPHOTO
With classes ranging from one-on-one to groups, from beginners to advanced photographers, owner David Lazarus’ casual classes focus on practical development. David will even provide you with the necessary gear for the classes if you haven’t yet invested in your own.
Website: www.dlphoto.co.za
Fiddlewood Studios
For those who want to get their hands dirty, Fiddlewood Pottery Studios have a number of small, intimate classes that will teach you everything from the very basics of pottery to the top tricks of the trade. They also offer kiddies programmes.
Website: www.fiddlewoodstudios.com
Barbara Jackson School of Ceramics
For aspiring ceramicists, Barbara Jackson’s Green Point studio will teach you how to hand-build ceramics, as well as glazing and firing technique. They also offer more advanced classes.
Website: www.facebook.com/BarbaraJacksonSchoolOfCeramics/
Bit By Bit Mosaic
Owner Kerry Atherstone presents half-day mosaic workshops for beginners, as well as classes for more advanced students who want to hone their craft. She also offers classes for kids’ parties, hen parties and team building.
Website: www.mosaiccapetown.co.za
FUN WITH FOOD
Kitchen Cowboys
A popular culinary school, Kitchen Cowboys is leans towards a more male audience and offers courses in everything from cooking delicious meals, pairing wine with food and how to get the most out of your trusty Weber. All workshops are based on seasonal recipes.
Website: www.kitchencowboys.co.za
Giggling Gourmet
Popular South African food personality, Jenny Morris’ Giggling Gourmet will teach you a full compliment of meal-making skills, from starters to deserts, baking delicious bread and cooking meat to perfection.
Website: www.gigglinggourmet.com
Top Nosh
From a fully equipped kitchen that can accommodate up to eight people, experienced chef Nadin Demmler teaches beginners to advanced kitchen jockeys the skills of the making a great meal.
Website: www.top-nosh.co.za
Love Green Food
For the more eco conscious cooks, Larissa Green’s courses focuses on preparing delicious vegetarian meals in a fun way, while using only organic ingredients that are produced in an ethical manner.
Website: www.lovegreenfood.co.za
Stir Crazy Cooking School
If you feel a little more adventurous, Stir Crazy will teach you a variety of oriental dishes, from sushi, Indian, Thai, Japanese, and fusion in a hands-on manner. They cater to groups of eight to ten, as well as evenings for singles.
Website: www.stircrazycatering.co.za
