The Story of Artvark Gallery Artvark was founded in 1991, Johannesburg South Africa.
The core of the “company” was the handmade cutlery initiated by Theresa Jo - an artist with a Fine Art degree majoring in jewellery at the University of Stellenbosch, and CP Wessels, a designer, previously a filmmaker and a brief student of architecture at the University of Natal.
Relocating to Kalk Bay took place in 1998 where Artvark Gallery and a manufacturing studio in Retreat for Artvark’s steel range were established.
Artvark Gallery is classic and contemporary with a keen eye for folk art, specialising in paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, craft and unique custom made steelworks. It has been a long-time favourite of Cape Town art lovers and tourists visiting Kalk Bay’s galleries. Artvark Gallery contributes towards the development, investment and management of creative and artistic resources for the benefit of the whole community and its visitors.
The works showcased in the gallery are an excellent representation of the art and culture of a diversified South Africa which contributes to the promotion of classic and contemporary Southern African art. This establishes, promotes and develops visual literacy that one can explore, discover and personally enjoy. Artvark caters to the emotional and stylish needs as well as desires of our clients, and will always deliver on uniqueness, quality, creativity and a fun-filled atmosphere.
Artvark is part of the following public and private collections:
Artvark cutlery:
MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)
Donna Karan
Oppenheimers
Paloma Picasso
Mark Spencer
Artvark steelworks:
Sir Richard Branson (private home)
Knightsbridge in Century City, Cape Town, South Africa – sculpture garden and gym
Green Point Track A - 10 public sculptures, Cape Town, South Africa
Hotel Verde in Airport Industria, Cape Town, South Africa
Villiera Wines - tasting room, Stellenbosch, South Africa