Nelson Mandela Bay
South Africa
GFI Art Gallery
About Us
The Ron Belling Art Gallery was established in 2000 in Port Elizabeth. The focus has gradually shifted over the years with the changing times and the growing interest in the visual arts arena. The Gallery name has since been changed to the Gutsche Family Investment Art Gallery (GFI Art Gallery) and the building has over the years been sensitively adjusted to accommodate its ever changing role.
The Gallery is a landmark building on Park Drive in Port Elizabeth and is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the city. In 1936, Axel Stockelbach, then managing director of Ford South Africa, commissioned the first woman Architect to qualify in South Africa, Gertruida Brinkman, to design his house, “Ridgewood”.
The house was purchased in 1988 by Port Elizabeth businessman, Philipp Rowland Gutsche Senior. On his death in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of charity and goodwill, it was his wish that the residence be converted into an art gallery.
The purpose at the time was to house the Ron Belling Military Aviation Collection of Oil Paintings which had been acquired by the Gutsche family.
To this day Mr Gutsche’s daughter, Dorothea Moors, chairs the Gallery Board and together with the Board Members and Gallery Staff, Mr Gutsche’s legacy is upheld through the passionate promotion of visual arts in the Eastern Cape and beyond.
Current Exhibition
H E R E W E A R E
Bretten-Anne Moolman & Bianca Whitehead
22 October – 25 November 2026
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, capitalism and consumerism, often at the expense of our natural environment. Bretten-Anne’s artwork explores our relationship with the earth and the need to become more mindful of what we take and what we leave behind. Through her work, she reflects on the balance between nature and humanity, questioning what needs to be preserved and how we can tread more lightly on the earth. The responsibility to care for our home belongs to each of us.
In Bianca’s new body of work, she returns to functional forms, creating hand-built white stoneware vases using traditional coiling techniques. Simple lines, circles and dots come together in vibrant, hand-painted patterns. The repetitive process of building and decorating each piece offers her a sense of calm and connection, while the finished vessels are made to be used and enjoyed in everyday life. Each piece carries the name of someone who has helped shape Bianca’s journey.
Dates: 22 Oct – 25 Nov 2026 for public viewing
Upcoming Exhibitions
BRETTEN-ANNE MOOLMAN & BIANCA WHITEHEAD: 22 Oct – 25 Nov 2026
THE CREATIVE BLOCK: 3 Dec 2026 – 8 Feb 2027
GREGORY KERR SOLO: 18 Feb – 13 April 2027
HILARY GRAHAM SOLO: 22 April – 25 May 2027
FOURFOLD: Ian Hunter, Ayanda Mji, Banele Njadayi & Charles Wildervanck: 3 Jun – 6 July 2027
MICHAEL BARRY SOLO: 15 Jul – 17 Aug 2027
GROUP EXHIBITION: 26 Aug – 28 Sep 2027
TEXTILE ART PE & THE KEISKAMMA ART PROJECT: 7 Oct – 16 Nov 2027
THE CREATIVE BLOCK: 25 Nov – 26 Jan 2028