The Mossel Bay Craft Art Workshop showcases glass art, hand embroidery, beadwork, paper mache, township art and other works created by the local talent. The venue is rapidly establishing a reputation as one of the most diverse collections of locally produced craft-art along the Garden Route, and a model for the empowerment of talented local craftspeople. Not only can you see the artists at work, but there are lots of unique gifts from which to choose.
On the 15th November 2003, the MBCAW quietly opened its doors to the public with little fanfare and only four resident artists. Their vision was to develop a space where crafters and artists from different backgrounds could create, train, produce, innovate and interact with each other, as well as sell their wares to a welcoming market.
One such example is Julian Petersen, a young matchbox artist with a winning smile and a growing fan-base. At age 17, unemployed and with little education, Julian spent his days knocking on doors looking for odd jobs in the vain hope of earning some income. He repeatedly knocked on Hein’s door, and touched by his plight the artist offered him the chance to become a trainee at the MBCAW. Julian eagerly accepted the offer and has rapidly become one of the most popular resident artists in the Workshop, renting his own studio space, successfully selling his work and confidently interacting with visitors and tourists from all over the world.
Today, the MBCAW houses eleven resident artists and showcases the work of dozens of others from surrounding communities. It has become a must-see attraction for visitors interested in authentic, original and locally produced art and craft. Tenants include both established and up-and-coming artists and crafters, with a special focus on nurturing, training and developing emerging crafters from the poorer communities in the area.
Hours: Monday-Friday 09h00-17h00 and Saturday and Sunday 09h00-15h00. Market Street (next to the Tourism Office), Mossel Bay Phone: +27 (0)44 691 1761 Mobile: +27 (0)82 716 9125 Email.
