Just a month until art comes alive across the Margaret River Region!
Final flourishes and studio spruces are underway before thousands of enthusiastic art lovers descend on the south west for Margaret River Region Open Studios (7 to 22 September).
The 11th annual event, the largest of its kind in Australia, will take over the region for 16 days with studio openings from Busselton to Augusta.
The event was officially launched last night at Swings & Roundabouts in Yallingup by Libby Mettam MLA, Member for Vasse, who spoke about the value it brings to the community.
“The challenge of being an artist and making creativity a commercial reality is a very tough gig. It’s something we all benefit from when it can be achieved. Apart from the tourism benefits we get from Margaret River Region Open Studios, as a community and as a society we benefit so much, and our artists are able to thrive.
“Last year there were 145,000 studio visits and $2million was raised for artists through art sales. I think it’s a wonderful thing. This event would not be possible without our wonderful artists who have put in the effort, believing in themselves, imagining they can, and expressing themselves as hobbyist, emerging or professional artists. Congratulations to the supporters, sponsors, artists and the many volunteers who make this event so special.”
As well as artist studio openings, there’s a colourful array of workshops, classes and events run by artists, from rope basket making to resin lazy susans, and pottery pinch pots to protea painting. These are available to view on the event’s new dedicated Events page: https://mrropenstudios.com.au/events/
This year, the event launches with a sunset Art Party at Hilton Garden Inn Busselton with views over Busselton Jetty. Enjoy an evening of art and music with fine wine, beer and canapes. Find out more and book tickets at https://mrropenstudios.com.au/art-party/
Margaret River Region Open Studios is made possible thanks to presenting partner Private Properties, Department of Local Government, Sport and Creative Industries, Tourism Western Australia, Jacksons Drawing Supplies, Rio Tinto, Swings & Roundabouts, City of Busselton and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
Fast facts:
- 144 artists from Busselton to Augusta
- Free to attend
- 16 days – 7 to 22 September 2024
- Visit painters, potters, printmakers, photographers, mosaicists, mixed media artists, metalwork and timber craftspeople, textile creators, illustrators, installation artists, sculptors, glassmakers, jewellers, textile makers, upcyclers, ceramicists, and furniture makers.
- Australia’s largest Open Studios event
- 30 new artists
- 4 Aboriginal artists – India Armstrong, Melanie Hume, Jo Bear and Kim Klosses (more than ever before)
- Renown artists include Leon Pericles, Rebecca Cool, Christian Fletcher, John Miller, Lesley Meaney and Lauren Wilhelm
- In 2023 the event attracted approximately 15,000 visitors who made 145,000 studio visits!
- Artists can sell their work as part of the studio visit experience.
