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Jeffreys Bay - Arts and Crafts

Jeffrey’s Bay is a coastal village along the exquisite coastline of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. It is known for its prime surfing opportunities, stunning beach views and relaxed ambience. This type of environment has evoked many a creative spirit, and the locals offer their unique arts and crafts as testimony to the inspiration all around them. South African artists are especially aware of the natural surrounds, and many of them are keen to use shells, leather, wood and metal in order to reflect the many textures and colours of the beautiful land in which they work.

Traders in African art items are frequently found in many tourist hotspots around the country. In Jeffrey’s Bay, these ones supply wooden masks, kitchen implements, ornaments and jewellery. They boast a distinctly traditional flair while remaining modern and stylish. African artists favour animal- and human forms. They are known for sometimes exaggerating certain aspects of their subject to create a humorous or stylistic figure. Some such pieces are unique to South Africa, and are ideal as gifts or souvenirs.

The ample supply of leather in South Africa naturally implies the successful leather trade Jeffrey’s Bay enjoys. The close proximity of Grasmere Leather Farm makes it easy for tourists and locals to source great pieces made from excellent quality ostrich leather in a variety of styles, sizes and colours. These pieces include bags, belts and book covers. Grasmere Farm is situated along the St Francis Bay Road shortly after Humansdorp. In Step Leathercraft (Billabong Village, Da Gama Road, Jeffrey’s Bay) is another store that stocks leather products, including the popular lined Ugg Boot, as well as slippers, sandals, belts and bags.

Potters Place is a fantastic experience for the whole family. Not only does it stock an array of arts and crafts items, it is also equipped with a fully-licensed restaurant, coffee shop, gift shop and internet hotspot. Potters Place hosts various shows, exposing artists and their unique works to the public and allowing an optimal opportunity to interact with these ones. In addition, musical shows are held at this venue, a great way to spend a relaxing evening after a busy day sightseeing or shopping. This spot is located on the corner of Oosterland and St Francis Street in Jeffrey’s Bay.

The more traditional of art enthusiasts are advised to visit some of the artists and their galleries, such as Peter’s Art Gallery in Da Gama Road or Martin Bakker (www.martinbakker.com). Potters Place has been instrumental in establishing Hooked on J-Bay, a central hub where artists can meet on a platform of mutual support and display their work. These dynamic displays are located just a few houses from Potters Place and is thus easily accessible.

The keen surfers will delight in what Surf Art has to offer. A rustic gallery and shop located in the parking lot of Supertubes, this boasts some magnificent surf-centric art that reflects the natural beauty of Jeffrey’s Bay as well as the impressive waves for which it is famous.

The annual Shell Festival presents arts and crafts in a new light. Ornaments, cutlery, clothing and jewellery are all made using the plethora of local sea shells. These items make for fantastic gifts, sure to evoke the seaside charm even when visitors have returned home.

Jeffrey’s Bay, like South Africa, is a diverse and colourful destination. This mosaic of people, landscapes, fauna and flora is aptly represented by the array of artistic media and subjects that define the creativity of JBay. 

 

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