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Artists across the Margaret River Region will soon emerge from winter hibernation for the 9th annual Margaret River Region Open Studios, which opens on 10 September.

They’ve not been idle over the winter season though; in fact they’ve been busily creating works to show and discuss with visitors when they welcome them into their studios.

Chair Jim Davies said he was confident the free event would continue to break records.

“We’ve already beaten our records for the number of artists participating and new artists, so I believe we can reach the 10,000 visitor mark this year,” he said.

“Open Studios transforms the region into an artistic paradise for 16 days, enhancing the creative experiences on offer, in a breathtaking landscape.

“We provide a visual arts feast for visitors to get off the highways and take an artistic journey to meet artists who share their stories and inspiration. It’s a wonderful visitor experience, and Open Studios is now Quality Tourism Business accredited.”

15 of this year’s 168 artists have participated in all Open Studios events, returning each year to challenge themselves, meet with visitors who have become friends, to be a part of an artistic team, and get creative with new designs and techniques. In their words:

“What I love about Open Studios is that for the last few years at least I’ve taken it as an opportunity to test new designs and exhibit new artworks. It feels like the elders of the arts community and the more established practitioners have opened their arms to all the emerging artists who get to have a professional vehicle to display their works.” – Glassmaker Gerry Reilly

“I had to be really convinced to be in Open Studios in the first year but once I did I just loved it. It’s nice to sell a few paintings, but mostly it’s the opportunity to interact with lovely people I get the most out of. I learn more about my work through other people who tell me. I think there’s many more devoted art lovers coming now and they’re serious about it. I have had some really great conversations about art.” – Painter Lauren Wilhelm

“I got into Open Studios at the beginning because I really wanted to see more support for art in the south west, because it’s such an important part of the region. It’s a wonderful event that’s great to be a part of. Since Open Studios started there’s been a growing awareness that there’s more than surf, wine and food down here. Arts is a critically important part of the landscape and community and the things you can do here.” – Jeweller John Miller

“I just love it. When people come in, they’re so excited, they find places they’ve never been to. We artists hide away, so they come and find us which is really nice.” – Painter Peter Scott

“Open Studios has certainly given me a great opportunity to develop my art and go forward, I’m always excited to do it. It’s really given me a lot of confidence.” – Mixed media artist Pascale Abbott

“It’s always guaranteed to be a great experience. Meeting and talking to people about your art, giving yourself that challenge of putting together a new body of work for that. Visual art is very much a solo pursuit, but you now get a sense that you’re part of a bigger community.” – Painter Fi Wilkie. 

“I love the visitors, particularly speaking to them and talking about my work. I always like to have something new for people to see, so I do a diverse range of techniques and this year I’m doing collages which visitors haven’t seen before.” – Painter, llustrator and printmaker Kay Gibson

“I really like the camaraderie of the group of artists. It’s great to be part of a team, I love that.

In the beginning it was all about helping people and giving advice but now it’s become really important on the West Australian scene, let alone the Australian.” – Painter, printmaker and sculptor Leon Pericles

“MRROS has given me way to show my art and I keeps me focused during the year to produce more art. Sharing information, tips and techniques regarding my work is rewarding. Some visitors come back every year just to say hello and check out the garden.  One visitor from last year wrote this in my visitor’s book:  Love the art, took us on an adventure of tranquillity and serenity.” – Painter and printmaker Gay Scaddan

“Doing Open Studios each year is a no brainer. Return visitors and clients want to see what’s new. It’s a challenge they set me and I think ‘lets surprise them‘. Open Studios gives me a reason to have a bit of fun. I’ve made a set of huge metal wings for visitors to pose in front of this year.” – Sculptor Voytek Kozlowski

“Participating each year enhances the awareness of my bespoke furniture and brings a diverse range of visitors to my gallery.” – Furniture maker John Streater

Pick up an Event Guide from Jacksons Drawing Supplies Stores across Perth, Bunbury and Busselton, or Visitor Centres in the Margaret River Region and visit the website to view a copy online.

Margaret River Region Open Studios is made possible thanks to Tourism Western Australia, City of Busselton, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Jacksons Drawing Supplies, Private Properties, Rio Tinto, Swings & Roundabouts