Margaret River set to burst with colour and culture when Open Studios runs this September

Jennifer Goodall, Parrot’s Parade (2024 glass on glass), just one of the hundreds of artworks that will be on display at the Margaret River Open Studios event.

Margaret River is renowned as one of the must-visit destinations on the Western Australian map. With its stunning scenery, world-class viticulture making it synonymous with some of the world’s best wine-making, stretches of stunning scenery, and of course the river itself, there are plenty of reasons for tourists and WA folk to visit the area.

Now there’s another great reason: the Margaret River Region Open Studios – an art festival of sorts that this year celebrates its 11th anniversary, running from September 7th-22nd.

Artists of all creative persuasions are taking part in this year’s program, preparing their works and throwing open their studio doors so as the public can come and see them working up close.

This fly-on-the-wall experience is pretty rare on the arts scene so we’re excited we can share in the creative process.

Art of all kinds will be on exhibition, as will the creative process of these: from painting to ceramics, sculpture to furniture-making, photography to video and mixed media, expect to see a lot of everything!

During the 16 days of the award-winning event – the largest of its kind in Australia – visitors will not only get to see art at work, but fit in plenty of other tourist attractions, vineyard visits and wine-tastings.

The ceramic art mastery of Georgia Zoric.

Artists we’ve already highlighted in the program include Jennifer Goodall – whose mosaics take on a stunning modern aesthetic; Georgia Zoric – an artist that turns ceramics see ancestral themes mixed with storybook-style sculptures; and Ian Mutch whose nature-themed murals have dressed many a wall around Australia.

A mural featuring the art of Ian Mutch.

During the Open Studios event, finding the artist you want to get up close to is easy. Simply check out the free event guide (available online) or the Open Studios website, both which present maps and directions to each of this year’s 140 artists’ studios.

Most of the venues will be open from 10am to 4pm, some open from 12noon to 6pm but you’ll find all this info in the event guide.

For more information visit mrropenstudios.com.au and get set for a brilliant high-Spring experience in glorious Margaret River!

Antonino Tati

THE POP SHOP