Every year, the Knysna Oyster Festival brings a wave of creativity, flavour and festivity to our coastal town and 2025 is no exception. Known for its vibrant mix of sport, food, and culture, the festival also shines a spotlight on the incredible local talent that makes Knysna such a special place to live, work, and create. This year, The Deckle Edge Knysna is proud to be part of the festival’s Art Walkabout, showcasing the work of four exciting local artists right inside our store. Come and discover the unique styles of Lesley Blom, Tersia Cooper, Vibeke Dugmore and Jandus de Villiers — each offering a fresh take on life, landscape and imagination. It’s the perfect chance to support home-grown talent and visit the store recently voted Best Art & Stationery Shop by The Knysna & Plett Herald. Pop in, get inspired, and see what the local creative tide has brought in!
If you’re planning a trip along the Garden Route this holiday season, make sure to stop by The Deckle Edge Knysna art store for an artistic treat! We are thrilled to announce that our store will be one of the featured locations on the #KnysnaArtWalkabout during the @knysnaoysterfestival this year.
About the Deckle Edge Art Shop Exhibition
Event: THE MERMAID MADE ME DO IT – Various Artists
Dates: 4 – 12 July June 2025
Time: Monday to Friday: 9am – 3pm, Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Venue: 19 Queen Street, cnr Pitt Street, Knysna 6571
Contact: 064 962 9692
What to Bring
Don’t forget to bring your own wine glass! As part of the Knysna Art Walk, galleries throughout Knysna will be offering a free glass of wine to visitors who join the guided and self-guided art tours. Remember, no glass, no wine!
Exhibition Venues on The Art Walk
- THE MERMAID MADE ME DO IT The Deckle Edge Art Shop Knysna – 19 Queen Street, cnr Pitt Street, Knysna
- UNBLOCKED Nautical Knysna Art Society @ The Gaol – cnr Main rd & Queen St
- FACES & FLOWERS Helena Gerber @ Art On Queen – 10 Queen St
- MONTMARTRE Knysna Mall
- FAWA CONRADIE & LIDI DE WAAL 35 Queen Street
- STANLEY GROOTBOOM The Old Goal Queen Street
- KNYSNA FINE ART Thesen House 6 Long Street
- HASTENS 33 Clyde Street
- SKYFARM Micro Gallery 4 Gray Street
- STUDIO MAGNETIC 11 Gray Street
- STORMPEBBLES Shop 1, 4 Green Street
- CROUSE ART GALLERY Knysna Waterfront
- TURBINE HOTEL 36 Sawtooth Lane Thesen Island
“I’ve had the joy of exhibiting at The Deckle Edge during the past two Art Walkabouts, and this year, I’m proud to pass the baton to my incredibly talented students – Jandus de Villiers, Tersia Cooper, Lesley Blom, and Vibeke Dugmore. Watching them grow as artists has been such a privilege. Each of them brings their own unique voice to the canvas through texture, colour and imagination. Their work tells powerful, personal stories, and together they create a vibrant tapestry of creativity and promise. I can’t wait for others to experience what I’ve seen in them.” – Faith du Plessis Art House Knysna
Featured Artists
The exhibition will showcase the works of talented artists Lance Koury, Dr Jandus de Villiers, Vibeke Perron Dugmore, Lesley Blom and Tersia Cooper. Their diverse styles and captivating pieces promise to make this exhibition a must-see during the festival.
Jandus de Villiers Exhibits at The Deckle Edge
Dr. Jandus De Villiers is a medical professional, newly based in Knysna, who recently discovered a passion for oil painting. What began as a creative outlet has grown into an exciting journey of learning and exploration. As a beginner, he’s drawn to the richness and depth of oil as a medium, finding inspiration in his new surroundings and the process of creating.
Email: jandusdevilliers@icloud.com
Vibeke Perron Dugmore exhibits at The Deckle Edge Knysna
Vibeke Persson Dugmore Oil, Watercolour, Mural and Mosaic Artist Vibeke is a Swedish born, widely travelled contemporary painter strongly drawn and emotionally affected by form, interpretation and colour.
A lifelong sailor with deep connections to the ocean and nature, sketching and painting are a great love and natural expression for Vibeke.
Ever curious, new methods, genres, and forms are constantly explored. Now a resident of Knysna Vibeke has contributed to both mural and mosaic installations also, pleased to be a part of this uniquely charming coastal town.
Email: vibekedugmore@outlook.com
Mobile : 0828976733
Lesley Blom exhibits at The Deckle Edge
Art and colour have been my lifelong passions, shaped by Graphic Design education and rich experiences in textile and passementerie design. Eager to dive into local creative activities, embrace every medium from polymide oil pencils to oils, inspired by a world of vibrant cultures!#ArtLover #ColourPassion #CreativeJourney
Instagram: @lesley.blom.art
Email: lesblom@gmail.com
Mobile: 0839871394
Tersia Cooper exhibits at The Deckle Edge Knysna
Tersia Cooper was born in Gauteng and moved to Knysna 15 years ago, drawn by the serene beauty of the Knysna Forest. Deeply connected to wildlife, she found joy in painting animals, aiming to capture their strength and spirit through their eyes. Two years ago, she met the incredibly talented artist Faith du Plessis, who inspired her to explore still life painting. With Faith’s guidance, Tersia discovered a passion for painting flowers and embraced the freedom of bold, expressive brushstrokes. She now lives contentedly in Eastford, Knysna, with her husband Ricky and their beloved Scottish Terrier, Jack.
Lance Khoury exhibits at The Deckle Edge
Lance studied Fine Art at Port Elizabeth Technicon, majoring in printmaking.with ceramics and photography.
After working in England for a few years, he developed an interest in the decorative arts, specialist paint finishes, decorative furniture and also digital art.
Since moving to Knysna in 1997 he has developed a keen interest in all aspects of painting and drawing. Some of his current favourite mediums are acrylic for murals, oil painting, charcoal and pastel drawing as well watercolour and digital painting.
Lance has painted numerous public and private murals in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Wilderness and completed a number of private commissions in oil painting.
His primary interest is figurative work and portraits but he enjoys painting a variety of subjects including still life and landscape.
web: www.lancekhoury.co.za
Instagram: @lancepaint
Paint to Win Watercolour Competition & Sale
While visiting our store, make sure to enter our “Paint to Win” Watercolour Competition for a chance to showcase your creativity and win exciting prizes. Als make sure to see whats on sale during your visit. Learn More
Knysna Oyster Festival: A Celebration of Flavour and Fun
The highly anticipated Knysna Oyster Festival is back with a splash, promising an exciting programme filled with delectable oysters, vibrant atmosphere, and thrilling sporting events. This year’s theme, “For a shucking good time!”, invites attendees to indulge in a feast of food, sporting, and cultural activities.
The festival lineup includes:
- Live Music Performances: Groove to the tunes of local and international artists.
- Cooking Competitions: Witness top chefs battle it out to create the best oyster dishes.
- Wine Festivals: Enjoy the finest wines paired perfectly with oysters.
- Arts and Crafts Markets: Explore unique handmade goods and artworks.
- Sporting Events: Participate in or watch thrilling sports competitions.
>>Learm more
The festival aims to celebrate the unique charm and flavours of Knysna, with oysters taking centre stage. These popular molluscs will be available at various venues throughout the Knysna area.
Plan Your Visit
Mark your calendars and book your accommodation early to avoid missing out on the ultimate Knysna experience. We look forward to welcoming you to our Knysna store during the festival. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy art, wine, and oysters in one of South Africa’s most beautiful locations.
See you at “The Mermaid Made Me Do It” Exhibition!