By Gugulethu Tshabalala
We kicked off my friend, Tebello’s, birthday celebrations with a brunch at Paul’s in Melrose Arch, where good food and great vibes set the tone for the day. I went full dessert-for-breakfast mode with French toast and a generous scoop of ice cream. It was a celebration, after all. Palesa chose egg and avocado on toast, and the birthday girl herself, Tebello, indulged in a salmon croissant with avocado — both dishes looking like they were styled by a food magazine team. The ladies clinked mimosas, while I kept it classy and hydrated with my sparkling water.
Bellies full and spirits high, we made our way to NuNu’s The Artist , also inside Melrose Arch. It’s a warm, welcoming spot where, for just R220, you get a canvas and all the tools you need to let your creative side run wild. There are different canvas sizes and prices to choose from, and it’s both family-friendly, complete with vibrant paints, brushes, and helpful trace-outs if your imagination decides to take the day off.
Best part? You can bring your drinks! So, while the paint flowed, bubbles formed. Speaking of imagination, taking the day off… mine did. As a creative by profession, I waltzed in confidently and boldly declined the trace-outs. I was here to express, to freestyle, to dazzle. I began with a dreamy orange and yellow sunset background that whispered, “This is going to be something special.”
Then, my mind went completely blank. I stared at the canvas like it had offended me. Nothing. Meanwhile, Palesa and Tebello became pastel-slinging Picassos, effortlessly creating abstract faces on soft pink backdrops. Their paintings looked like they belonged in a gallery. Mine? A confused fever dream that gave off “Halloween cake in March” energy, an inside joke from a previous creative activity that ended the same way.
History repeated itself, and I was once again bored at my artwork. But honestly? It didn’t matter. The day was filled with uncontrollable laughter, catch-ups that fed the soul, and moments that reminded me how lucky I am to have these women in my life. We’ve been so intentional about bonding over new experiences, and this one, flawed painting and all, was a masterpiece in its own right.
So, would I recommend NuNu’s The Artist Studio? Absolutely. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone whose creativity exists in the chat upon arrival, you’ll still walk away with a colourful canvas, great memories, and maybe even a new favourite way to spend an afternoon, with a glass of bubbly in hand.
