Dear Friends of APS
There’s always something inspiring happening at Artist Proof Studio (APS)! From emerging artists making their mark on the international stage to exciting new talent, creative spaces and opportunities to begin your own artistic journey, November is a month of celebration, discovery and possibility.
In this edition, meet the ten artists selected for the RMB Talent Unlocked programme, discover original artworks at The Art Quarter in Sandton, celebrate the achievements of our APS alumni and students, and find out how you can become part of our creative community. Plus, we’re opening our doors to prospective students at our upcoming Open Day!
Whether you’re an art lover, collector, aspiring artist or a long-time friend of APS, there’s plenty to explore. Read on, get inspired and discover your next connection with art!
RMB TALENT UNLOCKED: MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISTS
Artist Proof Studio is proud to support the ten artists selected for the RMB Talent Unlocked programme, offering them a platform to develop their practices, share their work and bring their creative journeys to a wider audience.
Meet Boitumelo Lethoko, Caylon Grotewold, Drujorn Brink, George Mokwena, Joshua Maharaj, Manelisa Vilakazi, Misa Boshoma, Thsohofatso Nkhumeleng, Singita Mstenga and Olivia Pinter.
Each artist brings a distinctive voice, vision and approach to their practice. Through their selected artworks and personal stories, we invite you to discover the ideas, experiences and inspirations shaping their work.
Want to meet the artists? Follow @artistproofstudio on Instagram as we introduce each artist, share their work and take you behind the scenes of their creative journeys.
HIGHLIGHTS AT ARTIST PROOF STUDIO
Have you discovered The Art Quarter? Tucked into the heart of Sandton, this creative space invited visitors to experience art beyond the gallery walls. Whether they were seasoned collectors, searching for their first original artwork or simply curious about the stories behind the work, there was something for everyone to discover.
At Artist Proof Studio, we believe art should be experienced, shared and enjoyed. Visitors had the opportunity to explore original works, discover emerging talent and find pieces that spoke to their personal style and spaces.
As the festive season approached, we also showcased the Red Dot Edit, a vibrant selection of artworks offering something for every taste and budget. Because while another pair of sunglasses might have been nice, an original artwork was something to treasure for years to come!
Make art part of your world. Visitors were invited to explore the collection and discover the perfect piece for their home, office or someone special.
Find us at:
The Art Quarter, Shop L03, Lower Mall Level
Michelangelo Towers Mall, Nelson Mandela Square
8 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:30
Entry: Free
Follow @artquarter on Instagram for artist highlights, upcoming events, workshops and printmaking demonstrations. Visitors could also enjoy personalised advice on choosing artwork for their homes or offices.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: APS ALUMNI MAKING THEIR MARK
KIM BERMAN RECOGNISED WITH THE ART, SPORT, SCIENCE AND CULTURE AWARD
We are delighted to share that our Executive Director and co-founder, Kim Berman, received the Art, Sport, Science and Culture Award at the 2026 Investec Jewish Achiever Awards!
This award recognises Kim’s distinguished career as an artist, educator and activist, and her more than three decades of dedication to arts education, mentorship and nurturing emerging South African artists through Artist Proof Studio and the University of Johannesburg.
Kim, thank you for your courage, persistence and unwavering belief in the power of arts education and the people behind it. Congratulations! We are so proud of you and your achievements!
FROM APS TO LONDON: RAYMOND FUYANA TAKES HIS ART TO THE WOLRD
From the APS studio to the international art scene, our alumni continue to show just how far creativity can travel.
APS alumnus Raymond Fuyana showcased his work with Guns & Rain at the prestigious 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House in London from 15–18 October 2026.
His growing international presence reflects the dedication, talent and artistic vision nurtured within the APS community. It is also a powerful reminder that the skills, ideas and creative voices developed at APS can open doors to exciting opportunities around the world.
MELI NDLOVU: 40 DOORS, COUNTLESS POSSIBILITIES
APS third-year student Meli Ndlovu was selected to participate in Absa L’Atelier’s 40 Doors project, celebrating 40 years of creating opportunities for African artists.
Representing Kenya and Zambia through her creative contribution to a door, Meli joined a remarkable celebration of African artistic talent, cultural diversity and creative expression. Her work was showcased at the project’s event at Nine Yards in Parktown North, Johannesburg, on 12 September 2026.
For Meli, this marks an exciting moment in her developing artistic career. For APS, it is another reason to celebrate the ambition, imagination and potential of our students.
We’re proud to see our emerging artists stepping into new spaces, sharing their ideas and building connections through their work.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
RENEE NENZHELELE NAMED A TOP YES UNDER 35 FOR 2026
A proud milestone for Artist Proof Studio! Our Customer & Donor Analyst, Renee Nenzhelele, has been named a Top YES Under 35 for 2026, recognising her professional growth and contributions. Renee's journey from YES Marketing Intern to permanent APS employee has been featured in the Daily Maverick, in an article published on 24 October 2026. The feature celebrates her journey, achievements and commitment to continuous learning while pursuing a Master of Applied Data Science at the University of Johannesburg.
Congratulations, Renee, on this well-deserved recognition. Your journey is an inspiration and a wonderful achievement for the APS community.
YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY STARTS HERE: JOIN APS IN 2027
Have you ever imagined turning your passion for art into a career? Perhaps you want to explore printmaking, develop your artistic voice or build the skills to take your creativity further.
At Artist Proof Studio, we believe art education should do more than teach techniques. It should encourage experimentation, build confidence, nurture individual expression and equip emerging artists with the skills to pursue opportunities in the creative sector.
Our education programmes bring together printmaking, drawing, creative research and professional development, creating a space where students can explore ideas, develop their practice and learn within a diverse, supportive creative community. With more than 400 alumni having progressed through APS, our education programme continues to contribute to the future of the arts.
COME TO OUR OPEN DAY
Curious about studying at APS? Join us for our upcoming Open Day on Saturday, 7 November 2026, and take the first step towards your creative future.
Discover what our programmes offer, learn more about the application process and hear from APS alumni about their experiences and creative journeys. Whether you’re ready to pursue a career in the arts or simply want to explore your options, this is your opportunity to find out more.
Open Day details
-
Date: Saturday, 7 November 2026
-
Time: 10:00–13:00
-
Venue: 36 Boundary Road, Isle of Houghton Office Park, Harrow Court 1, Johannesburg
Ready to turn your creative ambitions into action? Come meet us, ask questions and discover what your future in art could look like.
Explore our 2027 education application information and take the next step towards joining the APS community.
BEHIND THE SCENES: PREPARING FOR THE APS 3RD & 4TH YEAR SHOW 2026
The studio is buzzing with ideas, experimentation and anticipation as our third- and fourth-year students prepare for the APS 3rd & 4th Year Show 2026.
From refining final artworks and making creative decisions to bringing together the many details that make an exhibition come alive, our students are working towards an important milestone in their artistic journeys.
An exhibition is more than a display of finished work. It is an opportunity for emerging artists to share their perspectives, reflect on their growth and invite audiences into the worlds they have created. Every artwork represents hours of exploration, problem-solving, learning and commitment.
We can’t wait to share what our students have been working on and welcome audiences to experience their creativity, bold ideas and individual artistic voices.
The exhibition date is still to be announced, so keep an eye on our updates!
Want to be among the first to know? Follow @artistproofstudio on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses, preparation updates and the official exhibition announcement.
ARTWORK OF THE MONTH: FIND A PIECE THAT SPEAKS TO YOU
Looking to bring something original into your space? Our featured selection of prints and editions by Artist Proof Studio artists offers an opportunity to collect meaningful works while supporting the artists behind them.
Every print tells a story. Through colour, composition, texture and technique, these artists transform ideas into works that invite us to pause, look closer and see the world differently.
This month’s selection includes:
-
Mbongeni Buthelezi — Pedals and Patience (R 15 000): A thoughtful work that captures a spirit of quiet determination.
-
Tsako Hobyani — Regal Radiance (R 2 785): A vibrant celebration of strength and elegance.
-
Heidi Mielke — Tuesday II (R 2 300): A striking composition that transforms a single bloom into a burst of colour.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or purchasing your first original print, collecting art is an opportunity to connect with an artist’s vision and bring that inspiration into your everyday life.
Ready to discover your next favourite artwork? Browse the available works online, enquire about purchasing an edition and find a piece that feels uniquely yours.
STAY CONNECTED WITH ARTIST PROOF STUDIO
We invite you to be part of the journey, whether by following our artists, visiting The Art Quarter, attending our Open Day or sharing the work of the next generation of creative voices.
Here’s how you can get involved:
-
Meet the artists: Follow @artistproofstudio on Instagram.
-
Discover original art: Visit The Art Quarter in Sandton and explore the Red Dot Edit.
-
Take the first step: Join us for Open Day on 7 November 2026 and explore our 2027 education opportunities.
-
Celebrate emerging talent: Stay tuned for the APS 3rd & 4th Year Show 2026 announcement.
-
Find your next artwork: Browse available prints and editions and enquire about collecting a piece.
- Subscribe to our newsletter: Artist Proof Studio
Don’t just follow the story. Be part of it. Explore, connect and create with Artist Proof Studio!
