Meet the Artist Families Behind Margaret River Region Open Studios

Four families of artists are among the creatives opening their studio doors for this year’s Margaret River Region Open Studios (MRROS), running from 12–27 September 2026.

Jewellery artists François and Nicholas Payet create work inspired by the beauty of nature. The brothers’ collections reflect organic forms, natural textures and colour, featuring striking gemstones and lustrous pearls.

Anthony Debbo, his wife Kate Debbo, and their son Tom will also participate, opening their shared Margaret River studio to visitors. Anthony is a printmaker and sculptor, producing works ranging from outdoor timber sculptures to wall-mounted pieces and linocut prints, all created in his studio. Marine themes feature strongly, with works described as playful and quirky.

Kate Debbo is a painter whose colourful abstract landscapes in oil often feature a horse motif within dreamlike, atmospheric settings. Their son Tom creates detailed sketches and drawings of animals, people and creatures on cold pressed watercolour paper, with a strong focus on concept and design.

Husband-and-wife team Julie and Wayne Smith are long-time participants in MRROS. Visitors are invited to wander through their gardens to Julie’s studio, where she presents vibrant ceramics, layered textiles and outback-inspired works. Wayne creates Corten steel sculptures influenced by organic forms in nature.

Helga Seward, a former book illustrator, works across oil painting, drawing, sewing, watercolour, pottery and printmaking. Her daughter Inessa Brock produces textured abstract oil paintings inspired by the Margaret River landscape, exploring light and atmosphere.

Now in its 13th year, the award-winning MRROS has become one of Western Australia’s most popular arts events, according to Chair Jacquie Happ.

“MRROS is a truly special event for both artists and visitors, offering rare access to art and creativity in the places where it is made,” she said.

“We are thrilled that this year there are several families – husbands and wives, mothers and daughters and brothers – who are sharing their passion for art.  My husband Myles is also an artist.”

She said she was delighted to confirm Private Properties as Principal Partner for a third consecutive year.

“As a local business, this represents a significant commitment.”

In 2025, MRROS attracted approximately 15,000 visitors and generated more than 110,000 studio visits over 16 days. An A3 Event Guide will be available closer to the event from Jacksons Drawing Supplies stores, regional visitor centres, participating galleries and online.

Visitors are encouraged to book accommodation early via event partner privateproperties.com.au or margaretriver.com.

MRROS is supported by Private Properties, Tourism Western Australia, City of Busselton, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Jacksons Drawing Supplies, Wayfarer, Shelter Brewing and other partners.