More than 100 artists from Busselton to Witchcliffe are making final preparations to open their studios, in places like workshops, homes and sheds to the public for next month’s Margaret River Region Open Studios.
The 7th annual Open Studios event was originally scheduled for April/May but was postponed to September due to COVID-19.
Chairman Jim Davies said there was a definite sense of excitement amongst participating artists in the lead up to the September 12 to 27 event.
“New works have been created, art workshops are being planned and there is a really positive energy.
“Having more time leading up to the event hasn’t allowed our artists to rest on their laurels, in fact it seems to have had the opposite effect,” Jim said.
“Artists have been busy creating. Some have been influenced by the impact of COVID-19, others have turned to nature or to environmental themes of re-purposing and sustainability, and others to life’s simple pleasures.
“A number of artists are planning small-group workshops for children, novices, amateur artists and those with more experience.
“Across the board we are all grateful for the opportunity to be able to stage our event this year welcome visitors from across WA to share our passion for artistic pursuits and the Margaret River Region. They will be in for a treat,” he said.
Margaret River Region Open Studios features painters, sculptors, illustrators, jewellers, printmakers, glassblowers, ceramicists, potters, photographers, furniture makers, woodworkers, textile artists, metalworkers, mixed media artists and upcyclers. Some have lived in the Margaret River region for many years and others hail from other corners of the world and now call it home, living on farms, in town, on rural retreats, in the forest or on the coast.
To find out who is participating, view studio details, maps and opening times more visit mrropenstudios.com.au and download the updated event guide to your phone, iPad or laptop. Follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.
Image: Ian Thwaites and Sarah Scheltema . Photo: Tim Campbell