What is The Art Story?
Everyone has a story to tell, and at The Art Story, we bring those personal narratives to life through art. Our mission is to help you explore and express your unique voice, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist. We’re more than just an art studio — we’re a creative space dedicated to self-expression and storytelling. With Mari Marincowitz as your guide, you’ll learn new skills, embrace experimentation, and find joy in every brushstroke as you bring your story to life!
What We Do
The 8-week Art Course
Our 8-week course, led by Mari Marincowitz, is a creative adventure like no other! Each week, in 3-hour sessions, you’ll be guided to express your personal story through the art-making process. Instead of step-by-step instructions, we focus on freeing your creativity with fun experimentation, learning new skills, and finding inspiration from a small, supportive group of fellow artists.
You’ll develop ideas for your final artwork in an organic, playful way using a visual journal to explore and experiment. And remember, it’s all about the process, not perfection!
The course wraps up with a celebration of your work in a class exhibition.
This course is open to adults of all experience levels. We provide all the materials you’ll need, including a starter art kit with a visual journal, acrylic paints, pencils, brushes, and a canvas — yours to keep as part of the experience.
Skills, techniques & processes
A brief introduction to black & white drawing techniques using pencils, charcoal, pen, and ink. You’ll explore creative mark-making with various tools like brushes, sponges, and more. We’ll also dive into collage and color mixing, working with watercolours, watercolour pencils, and acrylic paint.
Exploration of ideas
Think visual journals, brainstorming, mind maps, and inspiration from artists — all tools to help your ideas unfold in unique and exciting ways.
Final artwork development
Your artwork will evolve through various stages, often taking unexpected turns as you respond to the canvas. You’ll take risks, experiment, and apply new skills to create your final piece: an acrylic painting on canvas, discovering your unique artistic path along the way.
Exhibition
What is an art journey without a celebratory exhibition? Join us for a special showcase with your classmates and invite your friends and family to share in the fun of your creative story.
Art 4 Teens
Exciting news for young artists! We’re launching Art 4 Teens at the Helderberg Fine Art Studios in 2025!
This program offers tailored classes covering drawing, painting, and mixed media, designed to help teens explore personal ideas, build portfolios, or sharpen specific skills. Whether they’re studying art in school or preparing for college applications, I provide personalized guidance to develop both their creative process and final artworks.
With my extensive experience teaching Cambridge and International Baccalaureate art curriculums and assessing IB art portfolios globally, I understand what students need to grow artistically and meet their goals. Small class sizes ensure individual attention and support for every student.
Students are required to sign up for a full term (8–10 classes). They can choose to attend a single term or continue for multiple terms. Ideally, committing to a full year of classes is recommended, as each term offers unique content and builds on the previous one, allowing students to steadily develop their skills and grow creatively.
Meet your Creative Guide
Hi, I’m Mari Marincowitz, a South African Visual Arts and Design educator with a love for storytelling through art. My background as a designer and illustrator led me to teaching Visual Arts & Design in IB schools around the world for over a decade. I’ve always been inspired by the unique journeys of my students and the courage it takes to create. I’m excited to bring my art teaching philosophy to Somerset West, fostering a community where everyone can find their voice through art.
“Everybody is talented, original, and has something important to say. Too many people believe they must be perfect before they can even begin. But the truth is, the more you play and experiment, the better you get! Creativity is not about making masterpieces all the time. It’s about finding delight in the process. It’s about being alive, alert, and curious, and letting go of that little voice that says ‘you can’t do it’—because of course you can! ”
Brenda Ueland
Ready to be Brave?
Start Your Creative Journey Today
Wondering if this is the right fit for you? Not sure if you have the time or skills to join? Let’s chat! Feel free to reach out by phone, WhatsApp, or email. I’m here to answer any questions and help you decide if this is the right creative adventure for you.