The opening of Pop-Up Art Gallery, in the heart of Bloemfontein at Preller Square, Dan Pienaar, took place on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, which means you need to visit!

The Gallery boasts a vibrant showcase of art, featuring works from established and emerging artists, including Mariaan Kotze, Kobus Kotze, Joe Kotze, Kobus Lotz, Eldri van Straaten, Elmeri Steyn, Margaret Linström, Rudolf Bitzer and Danie Botha. Eldri joins Yolanda in the OFM Art Beat.

Located on the first floor of Preller Square (above Caramello’s), the Pop-Up Art Gallery is a dynamic hub of creativity and innovation. The Gallery offers visitors a fresh experience, highlighting the richness of artistic expression in a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures and ceramics.

The gallery officially opened on Wednesday, 12 June 2024. Photo supplied

“The Pop-Up Art Gallery is more than just an art gallery; it's an experience,” says Mariaan Kotze, one of the owners of the Gallery. “We’re excited to create a space where art is not only viewed but felt, interacted with, and discussed. We’re thrilled to bring this new concept to Bloemfontein and look forward to welcoming visitors from all walks of life to our light, bright and colourful gallery!”

Visitors took a keen interest in the artworks on display. Photo supplied

The Pop-Up Art Gallery is owned by three artists, Mariaan Kotze, Eldri van Straaten, and Margaret Linström. Mariaan is an experienced artist, who is part of the well-known Kotze art family. Eldri is a former Biology teacher who decided to take a leap of faith and become a full-time artist a year and a half ago. Margaret, who is a newbie to the art world, is a journalism lecturer at the University of the Free State. The three owners share a passion for art and believe that the art scene in Bloemfontein deserves a fresh dose of verve.

Although the gallery is a pop-up now, the trio hope to make it a permanent fixture. They have a lot up their sleeves including themed exhibitions, artist days where artists will be invited to weave their magic in the gallery, a variety of workshops, thought-provoking talks, and much more.

For more information, contact Mariaan at 083 245 2424, Eldri at 082 229 8135, or Margaret at 082 777 3224.cg