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(Written by Ara Jansen)

Ever wondered how artists make their work? Australia’s largest open studio event is happening right in Western Australia’s backyard so you can find out.

Come September, 144 amazing artists fling open the doors to their making spaces across for the Margaret River Region Open Studios. From painters to potters and printmakers, milliners to mosaicists, timber craftspeople to textile creators and illustrators to installation artists, the event presents a rare experience to get inside an artist’s mind through their art and creative spaces – to talk to them in person about their inspiration, process and style, and see where the artistic magic happens.

The participating artists are as diverse as the region they call home. Their studios are spread across hay sheds and cow barns, inside their homes (and sometimes spread throughout!), in purpose-built idylls, converted water tanks, sea containers and renovated train carriages. Artists who already have galleries and showrooms take it a further step and invite visitors into their private workshops and back rooms where the creativity usually takes place behind closed doors. Creativity runs in the blood of several of our artists who are sharing their creative havens with siblings, parents, children and partners.

Open Studios encompasses creators just starting their artistic journey and those, like Leon Pericles, Rebecca Cool, Christian Fletcher, John Miller, Lesley Meaney and Lauren Wilhelm, who have been successful commercial artists for decades. Four Indigenous artists join Open Studios this year – the highest number in the event’s history. India Armstrong, Melanie Hume, Jo Bear and Kim Klosses will bring inspiration from Aboriginal history, traditional stories and culture.

A free event, last year around 145,000 studio visits were made. You’ll also be able to buy work direct from the artists you meet.

Margaret River Region Open Studios runs from September 7 – 22. For all the details about the artists and planning which studios you’ll visit: https://mrropenstudios.com.au/