Liberty by Louise Farnay

Margaret River isn’t just about wine, food, surf and natural beauty. It’s also home to numerous artists tucked away within the region’s stunning surrounds. In fact, you’d be surprised where you might find an artist painting, sculpting, photographing, glass blowing, crafting jewellery or creating unique artworks. That is unless you’ve joined the Margaret River Region trail this September when 140 talented artists throw open the doors to their private studios.

Artist Carmen McFaull

Artist Trish Waters

You’re invited to this annual event in collaboration with the Margaret River Open Studios spanning from Busselton to Witchcliffe from 11 to 26 September. As well as popular art forms such as painting, ceramics, sculpting, illustration, photography, jewellery and glass, this year’s Open Studios will also feature several unusual creators including a milliner, hand-woven rug maker, two tattoo artists and a handcrafted bookmaker.

Christian Fletcher out in the field

Everlong by Josh Windram

Lesley Meaney in her studio

Art lovers have the rare opportunity to enjoy exploring the studios and homes of some of their favourite artists as well as discovering new talent. Popular artists Leon Pericles, Rebecca Cool, Rachel Coad, Lauren Wilhelm, Christian Fletcher, Fi Wilkie, Gerry Reilly and Ian Mutch are returning, with more than 40 artists new to the event, which makes it exciting for visitors who enjoy the event each year.

Leon Pericles in his studio

Spring is the perfect time to see the Margaret River region in all its glory, capturing the vibrant colours of the wildflower season. Take a road trip through the region and visit the studios of artists you know and love, and some you don’t, but who might just be the next big thing. While you’re in the region, why not explore the Cape to Cape trek or stay at one of these luxurious Margaret River properties.

Wild Flower Reef by Delfina Monteverde

Rebecca Cool and Ross Miller’s Studio

You can pick up an event guide from your local Jacksons Drawing Supplies store or visit mrropenstudios.com.au to plan your itinerary. Studios typically open from 10am to 4pm daily, but please check the website or event guide for details.

As well as the event, there is also a book available. As the author of the Artists of the Margaret River Region, in 2016 I had the daunting task of interviewing and crafting the profiles of 80 artists from the Margaret River region. I entered a kaleidoscope of paint, ink, pencil, pastel, aerosols, timber, textiles, metal, glass, mixed media, collages, sculpture, art installations, clay, ceramics, collographs, etchings, jewellery, printmaking and photography. I’m thrilled to share that The Artists of the Margaret River Region won a gold IPPY award in the Non-fiction Australia/New Zealand category at the 2017 Independent Publisher Book Awards in New York City. If you’d like a copy of this book please get in touch with me at carmen@fluffytowel.com.

Here is a ist and map of galleries in the Margaret River Region:

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