Wooditchup Bilya Community Art Workshops

Join Wardandi custodians and internationally acclaimed artists for a hands-on creative experience celebrating Wooditchup Bilya (Margaret River) — where culture, art, and ecology meet along the river.

Across four community workshops (Sat 7 – Sun 8 March), participants will learn crafts from professional artists and take part in the creation of artworks that become part of the Wooditchup Bilya Wongi – Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail, an immersive trail beginning at the Old Settlement and shaped by local and international artists, school groups, and the wider community. The trail will officially launch with a free, family-friendly event on Sat 14th March – find out more here. 

Guided by Wardandi custodians Nan Vivian Brockman Webb and Mitchella Hutchins, alongside internationally recognised land artist Elaine Clocherty and local weaver Cynamon Aeria, and land artist Mick Hart, the workshops offer opportunities to learn artistic techniques while engaging with storytelling, stewardship, and connection to Country.

Participants can choose between:

Land Art Workshops
Create ephemeral artworks using natural materials with Elaine Clocherty, Nan Vivian Brockman Webb, Mitchella Hutchins and Mick Hart exploring how art can express cultural and ecological stories of place.

Weaving Workshops
The Weaving Workshops offer participants a chance to contribute to the community Art Trail installation of Flying Birds – feathered abstract bird installations celebrating the diversity of bird life along the Margaret River. Experienced, local weaver Cynamon Aeria will guide you to gather natural materials, learn fibre techniques to make string and use random weave to make bird frames.

***Remember to wear: To stay safe while collecting natural land art and weaving materials on site, please wear sturdy covered shoes, long pants and shirt, and bring a pair of gloves (gardening gloves are perfect!). All other workshop materials will be provided.

Artist profiles

• Nan Vivian Brockman Webb & Mitchella Hutchins — Wardandi cultural leaders and artists sharing storytelling and collaborative practices grounded in intergenerational care for Wooditchup Bilya.

• Elaine Clocherty — internationally recognised land artist with 25+ years of site-responsive practice across Europe and Australia, known for ephemeral installations using natural materials which tell stories of Place and connection.

• Cynamon Aeria — local weaver and facilitator specialising in participatory fibre artworks that foster creativity, connection, and environmental awareness.

• Mick Hart — experienced land artist creating works exploring place, texture, and environmental connection.

Workshop times

• Sat 7 March morning, 10am-12pm: Land Art

• Sat 7 March afternoon, 1-3pm: Weaving

• Sun 8 March morning, 10am-12pm: Weaving

• Sun 8 March afternoon, 1-3pm: Land Art

Workshop details

• 2-hour workshops

• Meet under the trees, between the Margaret River Old Settlement and the river

• $10 per workshop (includes morning or afternoon tea). If the price is a barrier, please reach out — they can offer complimentary places to ensure everyone can participate

• No experience required

• All ages can attend but parents are requested to please stay with children in their care

• To stay safe while collecting natural materials on site, please wear sturdy covered shoes, long pants and shirt, and bring a pair of gloves (gardening gloves are perfect!) All other workshop materials will be provided.

Respectful Participation & Trail Etiquette

Workshops take place within a culturally and environmentally significant landscape. Participants and visitors are asked to:

• Follow guidance from Elders and artists

• Use natural materials respectfully and return unused materials to the landscape where appropriate

• Stay on designated paths and protect vegetation

• Keep dogs on leads

• Avoid touching artworks unless invited

• Engage with curiosity, care, and respect for the cultural knowledge shared

These practices support the shared stewardship of Wooditchup Bilya and honour the cultural and ecological values embedded in the trail.

The Wooditchup Bilya Wongi – Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail is a collaborative project bringing together Wardandi Artists and custodians Nan Vivian Brockman Webb and Mitchella Hutchins, Artists Elaine Clocherty, Cynamon Aeria, Kyllie Deltondo and Mick Hart, and Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, alongside local schools and community participants.

The project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program, with additional support through the Protect Wooditjup Bilya project — a four-year initiative supporting research, conservation, cultural knowledge sharing, and community stewardship of the river – supported by the Ian Potter Foundation, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, the Water Corporation, and generous local donors.