Kind words
These kind words have been shared by artists at the Kunshuis in Strand who have walked a creative journey with me.
A space where our creativity can grow and thrive.
Merissa is simply brilliant! She has been teaching me and my daughter art for the past two years, and her classes are always inspiring. She gives just the right amount of guidance, knows when to encourage and when to challenge, and creates a space where our creativity can grow and thrive. Since joining her classes, my daughter’s creativity and self-esteem have blossomed. We can’t recommend her enough!
Ananja Beaurain
Ek geniet elke oomblik se klas met wonderlike vriende
Ek is alreeds meer as 10 jr deel vd kunsklas by Merissa en so baie geleer, want ek het geen kuns agtergrond nie. Wat ek van Merissa se manier van klasgee waardeer, is dat sy jou lei en leer, maar nooit oorneem nie. Jy is op jou eie pas daar en mens leer elke keer weer iets by. Ek geniet elke oomblik se klas met wonderlike vriende wat mens ook nog oor die jare leer ken het daarby.
Dankie Merissa vir jou wysheid en leiding.
Daleen
The opportunity to learn new skills and step out of our comfort zone.
I have known Merissa since 2009 and have enjoyed her gracious tutoring and skilful guidance aimed at developing and encouraging not only me but all her students to becoming the best artist we are meant to be. She has an exceptional eye in art and is able to direct each individual student in their chosen artistic endeavours, whilst also providing us the opportunity to learn new skills and step out of our comfort zone. She provides art in a fun and engaging environment that both challenges and nurtures your interest in art. It is well worth attending classes at the Strand Kunshuis.
Andene
Merissa is a fantastic versatile teacher.
Merissa is a fantastic versatile teacher. I found it difficult to find time to paint. Having a regular class to join holds me accountable and I learn so much from her and the other artists.
Catherine
An environment where she feels free to express herself.
Our 10 year old daughter has been attending Arthouse classes for the past 4 years, and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to art. Over the years we’ve watched her skills grow so much. She’s been exposed to a wide variety of materials, techniques and styles, while always encouraged to explore her own ideas and creativity. We know she’s in an environment where she feels free to express herself. And she absolutely loves coming to class! With care, patience and passion Merissa has played a very special role in nurturing our daughter’s creativity, and we are incredibly grateful.
Elana
Well priced, chilled, and fun.
Marissa has the most awesome art classes going weekly in the Strand, with many different time options. I go on Friday mornings and have been doing so for years. I’m not an artist by any means, but I can tell you that you can learn!!! We draw and paint anything we want, and get assistance with all mediums. Well priced, chilled, and fun. Thanks to the best art teacher for organising this creative space for so many!
Lynne
You are a remarkable teacher.
Merissa has the unique ability to work with the individuals in each group. She will concentrate on your strong points. In that way she draws the best out of an individual. I also like her social activities which I have not been able to attend due to hospital issues. I can’t wait to tackle those drums to make my creative juices flow. You are a remarkable teacher.
Ann
My lestyd by die Kunshuis is die hoogtepunt van my week!
Ek kan Merissa en haar Kunshuis in n paar woorde beskryf: kreatiewe vryheid, kreatiewe groei, kreatiewe uitdagings, geen ouderdomsbeperking wanneer jy in begin nie, pret, gesels, lag, groei in vaardighede, leiding om jou “eie stem” in die kunswêreld te ontdek.
My lestyd by die Kunshuis is die hoogtepunt van my week!
Mariette
A place where I grow at my own pace
I walked in knowing nothing, and under Merissa’s gentle guidance I’ve explored all mediums and techniques. Kunshuis is a peaceful escape after a long day at the office – a place where I grow at my own pace. I’m amazed at what I’ve achieved.
Zelda
Die Kunshuis voel soos ‘n tuiste waar jy altyd welkom is.
Ek is al sedert 2012 deel van die Kunshuis se studente, onder die bekwame leiding van Merissa Slingerland.
Ek het aanvanklik daar begin met die gedagte dat ‘n mens na ‘n jaar of 2 op jou eie kan aangaan. Tog het ek vinnig tot die besef gekom dat my enigste ondervinding van kuns, slegs my liefde vir teken was en dat daar so baie is om te leer.
Ek is vandag nog steeds ‘n student van die Kunshuis!!
Sou nooit gedink het dat ek soveel kennis oor tegnieke, mediums, kleure, kunsvorme, geskiedenis, ens. in my leeftyd sou opdoen nie.
Laastens, maar beslis nie die minste nie, is die wonderlike kunsvriende wat ek deur die jare kon leer ken. Die waarde van bevrediging en die innerlike rustigheid, maak enige kunswerk definitief die moeite werd.
Merissa is ‘n ware inspirasie en gee leiding op so ‘n manier dat elkeen daardeur opgebou word om die beste te wees wat hy of sy kan.
Die Kunshuis voel soos ‘n tuiste waar jy altyd welkom is en sommer net jouself kan wees.
Lizel Huisman
Why my experience at Die Kunshuis is so special
When I moved in 2024 from Mossel Bay—where I had been taking weekly art classes for two years—I wondered if I would ever find an art space that felt like home again. Fortunately, at the beginning of 2025, I discovered Die Kunshuis, and a whole new chapter of my creative journey began to unfold. From the moment I walked through the door, I realized this was going to be a completely different and deeply enriching experience.
Building on My Foundation: Merissa didn’t just restart me at zero; she recognized the foundation I had built over my two years in Mossel Bay and seamlessly helped me take those skills to the next level. A Fresh Perspective: As a tutor, Merissa brings a unique energy that challenged me to experiment with new techniques and see my own art through a fresh, inspired lens. A True Creative Sanctuary: It is more than just a weekly class—it is a warm, personal space where I feel both guided as an advancing student and completely at ease as a creator. “Finding Die Kunshuis was the best thing that could have happened to my artistic journey. Merissa has an incredible ability to meet you exactly where you are, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone while making you feel right at home.”
Charles Mini
Merissa is ‘n uitstekende kuns-instrukteur/onderwyser.
Om by Die Kunshuis, Strand, betrokke te wees, is ‘n ervaring met vele fasette. Merissa is ‘n uitstekende kuns-instrukteur/onderwyser, wat studente inlei in, en begelei met, alle vorme van skilder- en tekenkuns. Al haar studente, kinders en volwassenes, word met dieselfde geduld, begrip, en entoesiasme begelei. Elkeen word op sy/haar vlak van vordering behandel, en met dieselfde positiewe aanmoediging ondersteun.
Terwyl die klem is op groei in vaardigheid in en kennnis van kuns, kry alle studente ook meer as een keer per jaar die geleentheid om werke te plaas by uitstallings wat spesifiek gereël word om blootstelling aan ‘n wyer publiek te gee.
En dan is daar ook gereelde groepsbesoeke aan kunsgalerye in die omgewing – van Kaapstad tot Hermanus – wat die kunservaring nog verder verbreed.
Die groepsklas-omgewing bied ‘n geleentheid van onderlinge stimulasie en inspirasie, en daarby vorm blywende vriendskappe in ‘n ontspanne atmosfeer. Hier word nie net geskilder of geteken nie. Hier word ook koffie en tee, en by die aandklasse ‘n glas wyn, saam geniet, en gesels. Want Merissa is ook gasvrou, nie bloot onderwyser nie. En die deelnemers kom nie bloot kuns doen nie, ons word ‘n familie wat dit geniet om saam te verf, te teken, te kuier, en op ‘n gemaklike manier ‘n stukkie van ons lewe met mekaar te deel.
Die Kunshuis is ‘n huis, ja, maar dis meer as ‘n huis. Dis ‘n tuiste vir kunsstudente en kunstenaars.
Stefan
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On Instagram, I share my art as it unfolds – the colours, the process and the stories in between. Step into my world.
Gustav Klimt
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CONNECT
On Instagram, I share my art as it unfolds – the colours, the process and the stories in between. Step into my world.
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Gustav Klimt
