Artist Proof Studio in Sandton for the Festive Season: Exhibition, Gifting, Workshops and More!

Do you have a blank wall at home and no idea what to put on it? Ever wondered how an original print is made? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to own an artwork but aren’t quite sure where to begin?

Artist Proof Studio (APS) is bringing art into the everyday life of Sandton with a pop-up gallery at The Art Quarter, The Michelangelo Towers, where visitors can discover and buy original South African art, watch printmakers at work and take part in a programme of creative activities.

The pop-up opens with Renewal: Blooming and Change of Season, an exhibition of original hand-pulled prints inspired by spring and the possibilities of new beginnings.

Bringing together landscapes, floral studies and portraits that celebrate joy, the exhibition explores nature’s resilience, transformation and human optimism. These themes also reflect printmaking itself – a process of experimentation, layering, reworking and sometimes starting again.

Among the activities planned for October and November is Start Your Collection: The Blank Wall Clinic. Visitors are invited to bring a photograph and measurements of a blank wall in their home or office, and the APS team will offer practical advice on selecting, sizing, framing and placing an artwork, taking personal taste and budget into account.

Live printmaking demonstrations will give visitors an opportunity to discover the techniques behind original prints, while hands-on sessions in November will introduce printing on handmade paper. Participants can create personalised artworks, greeting cards, bookmarks and gift tags.

The programme also includes The Art of Owning Art, introducing first-time collectors to the process of buying original works, as well as festive gifting activities and The Red Dot Edit, featuring a specially curated selection of original prints from the APS collection alongside works donated by artists.

For more than 30 years, Artist Proof Studio has played an important role in South African printmaking, nurturing emerging talent and supporting artists through professional training, studio facilities and opportunities to exhibit and sell their work.

Its pop-up forms part of The Art Quarter, an initiative transforming vacant retail spaces at The Michelangelo Towers into working creative spaces where artists can engage directly with the public.

For APS, it is an opportunity to introduce its artists to people who might not ordinarily visit a gallery or working studio. Visitors can browse, meet artists, ask questions, participate in activities or simply enjoy the work.

After all, an interest in collecting art doesn’t have to begin with a large budget or an extensive knowledge of the art world. Sometimes all it takes is a blank wall.

24 October | 12:00–14:00: Start Your Collection: Blank Wall Clinic – hosted by Tshogofatso Nkhumeleng – Practical advice on choosing art for your home or office, with live printmaking.

29 October | 18:00–20:00: Art for Your Space – Blank Wall Clinic and live demonstrations hosted by Nkosana Nhlapo.

30 October | Media workshop

5–7 November: Live printmaking demonstration.

7 November: Proposed art lecture/masterclass (TBC).

11 November: Live printmaking demonstration.

12 November | 15:00–20:00: Printing on handmade paper.

13 November | 12:00–16:00: Printing on handmade paper.

14 November | Time TBC: The Art of Gifting Art – Original artworks priced at R5 000 and under, with personalised printing activities.

18–21 November: Live printmaking demonstration.

25 November: Live printmaking demonstration.

Late November: The Red Dot Edit – A specially curated selection of original prints from the APS collection and works donated by artists, offering an opportunity to acquire original South African art at special prices.

26–28 November: Special art-buying opportunities associated with The Red Dot Edit

Bekezela Mabena

Bheki Sibiya

David Madlabane

Gugulethu Mnguni

Heidi Mielke

Hlavutelo Ngobeni

Jan Tshikhuthula

Kelebogile Masilo

Lebohang Motaung

Lesedi Ramushu

Mbali Tshabalala

Methembe Hlelo Molife

Mongezi Ncaphayi

Nathi Ndlandla

Nkosana Nhlapo

Raymond Fuyana

Reneilwe Mathibe

Samantha Maseko

Thabo Skhosana

Thokozani Madonsela