A record 140 artists from Bovell, east of Busselton to Witchcliffe, south of Margaret River will participate in the eighth Margaret River Region Open Studios from 11 to 26 September.
As well as popular artforms such as painting, ceramics, sculpting, illustration, photography, jewellery and glass, this year’s Open Studios will also feature a number of more unusual creators including a milliner, hand-woven rug maker, two tattoo artists and a handcrafted book binder.
Margaret River Region Open Studios chairman Jim Davies said there was huge excitement and anticipation for this year’s event following the success of the 2020 event.
“We thought all the records were smashed last year – visits to studios up 50 per cent, largest ever art sales and over $7million in economic benefit generated, but we’ve already broken one record this year before the event has started. We have attracted our highest number of artists to Open Studios since we started eight years ago.
“The scope of artists is hugely diverse so art lovers will be able to plan a stimulating and creative time in the Margaret River region to visit the fascinating homes and studios of their favourite artists and discover some new talent too.
“Renowned favourites Leon Pericles, Rebecca Cool, Rachel Coad, Lauren Wilhelm, Christian Fletcher, Fi Wilkie, Gerry Reilly and Ian Mutch are returning, and we have more than 40 artists new to the event, which also makes it exciting for visitors who come back each year.
“We know from our visitor surveys that most people spend three to four days visiting a variety of studios from in Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Cowaramup, Margaret River and everywhere in between, so my advice is to book in your accommodation early. The event covers 16 days so there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the region’s art and springtime beauty.”
The event website mrropenstudios.com.au features all of the 2021 Margaret River Region Open Studios artists and the detailed free event guide will be available to collect at Visitor Centres, Jacksons Drawing Supplies and tourism venues down south.
Keep an eye on the event’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest updates.
