Margaret River set to burst with colour, culture and creativity during its two-week Open Studios program

By creammagazine, August 27, 2025

When international travellers visit Western Australia, there’s usually a spot or two on their itinerary with Margaret River highlighted. The region is renowned as one of the must-visit destinations on the ~~West Australian~~ world map and with good reason.

World-class viticulture makes Margaret River synonymous with some of the globe’s greatest wine-making. Add to this stretches of stunning scenery, and of course the great river itself, and there are plenty of reasons for interational and local tourists to visit the area.

During September is possibly the best time to visit for this is the month when art, culture and good food and wine are in absolute abundance.

The Margaret River Region Open Studios – more than just an arts festival – is this year celebrating its 12th anniversary, running from 13th to 28th September. Over two weeks, artists of all creative persuasions will take part in a program – opening up their studio doors ad preparing their works so as the public can come and see them operating up close.

BushBoard by Keanan Hardegon (2024).

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.

Artists we’ve already highlighted in the program include glass artist Namaya Fox (work pictured above), ceramics and mosaics creator Joanna Alferik (pictured top of story), sculptor or all things geometric Holly Perry, visual artist of rustic pop art Faye Mildenhall (I’m loving the artist’s VW piece, below), the expert papercraft of Amanda Hanson (featured bottom of story) and oh-so many more.

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) where you’ll also spot maps that’ll lead you to each artist’s studio.

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

Antonino Tati