The eighth Margaret River Region Open Studios has officially launched in Perth at the Art Gallery of WA (AGWA) ahead of its September opening.
Open Studios Chairman Jim Davies said this was the first time the event has had a launch event in Perth.
“Our aim is to make more art lovers from Perth aware of our record-breaking event and provide them with an opportunity to enjoy an art adventure in the Margaret River region,” he said.
“We were delighted to have AGWA host the launch, which was attended by more than 130 people.
“It’s wonderful they recognise the role that Margaret River Region Open Studios plays in bringing together so many artists from our region who open up their private studios to the public to see them at work, share stories, and appreciate their art for this 16-day event,” Jim said.
Accomplished painter and sculptor Lauren Wilhelm, who lived in inner city Perth before moving to a farm in Jindong 8 years ago spoke at the launch, saying she’s got so much out of participating in Open Studios over the past few years.
“Through being a part of this event I’ve found a wonderfully diverse and supportive arts community in our beautiful part of the world and made great connections with visitors who have become friends,” she said. “To share in the personal experience of seeing a working studio with its linseed oil smell and chaos, and have the gritty creative process demystified, well, I think it can only benefit viewer, artist and gallery alike.”
A record 140 artists from Bovell east of Busselton to Witchcliffe south of Margaret River will participate in the eighth Margaret River Region Open Studios from 11 to 26 September 2021.
As well as popular artforms such as painting, ceramics, sculpting, illustration, photography, jewellery and glass, this year’s Open Studios also features a number of more unusual creators including a milliner, hand-woven rug maker, two tattoo artists and a handcrafted book maker.
In 2020, Margaret River Region Open Studios moved to a springtime slot and studio visits were up 50 percent, the largest ever art sales were made, and over $7million in economic benefit was generated.
This year’s participating artists include Leon Pericles, Rebecca Cool, Rachel Coad, Lauren Wilhelm, Christian Fletcher, Fi Wilkie, Gerry Reilly and Ian Mutch plus more than 40 artists new to the event.
Visit mrropenstudios.com.au to check out the 2021 Margaret River Region Open Studios artists and plan your art adventure.
The free event guide is available to collect at Visitor Centres, Jacksons Drawing Supplies and tourism venues down south.
Keep an eye on the event’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest updates.
Margaret River Region Open Studios is supported by the Department of Local Government, Sports and Cultural industries, Tourism Western Australia, City of Busselton, Shire of Margaret River, Jacksons Drawing Supplies, Private Properties, Hemsley Paterson and our arts partner The Art Gallery of WA and more.