8 Amazing Artistic Adventures

There has been a significant resurgence in the popularity of pottery and ceramics over recent years. Whether it’s thank to the calming circular motion of a pottery wheel, the fun feeling of wet clay between ones fingers or the union of creativity and practicality; there’s something deeply satisfying about walking away with useable cup, bowl, vase or plate after the creative process has been completed in the studio.

There are a number of options for pottery lovers in the region. Happs Pottery has been around for many years – you’ll find their handiwork on the tables of a number of the local restaurants too. Myles Happ will create the experience you are after, whether it’s a beginners intro or the chance to step up your skills to the next level. Sally May Mills is another fabulous ceramic artist and educator, jump in for a class at her Busselton based Claylines Studio.  Try the pottery wheel or give hand building a go. You’ll leave with a fabulous creation, and perhaps even be back for more!

For those that don’t think they have a creative bone in their body, a session at Margaret River Printmaking will quickly turn things around. Francesco Geronazzo lives and works in Margaret River, Western Australia and Castel del Rio in Italy – so you’ll be getting a touch of international creativity with this class. Settle in with a glass of wine and a hunk of cheese and let Frank guide you through the basics of printmaking. You’ll find inspiration in nature and learn a variety of techniques, tricks and artistic design elements. Oh, and you’ll also have a heap of fun and head home with a finished piece of art.

With over a hundred artists living in the region, it’s no surprise that there are some fabulous galleries to visit year round. Smack bang in the town of Margaret River sits JahRoc Galleries, housing a diverse collection of local and Australian artwork and furniture and hosting a calendar of 5-7 exhibitions annually. Pop in during Open Studios and you’ll find abstract artist Liv Vardy as an artist in residence alongside her solo exhibition.

Head down to Karridale, and you’ll catch Welsh artist Heather G Lowe-Sims at her gallery and working studio, Oriel Karridale Gallery. Filled with ocean hues and beachy vibes, her work ranges in medium from textiles through to paint and mixed media. Opening earlier this year, Bina Maya Aboriginal Art Gallery is the only gallery in the region focused on Aboriginal artwork, and is committed to the fair and ethical trading of indigenous art. You’ll find a selection of local and national art to inspire and learn more about the oldest living culture in the world.

Finally, if you’re ready to settle in for some lunch and a glass of wine, try The Studio Gallery and Bistro. After you have browsed the artwork in the gallery, head through to the restaurant for a relaxed dining experience in the sculpture courtyard.

Fi Wilkie is based at her Margaret River creative hub, Toot Studios, and here you’ll find all sorts of inspiration to boost your own creative practice. One of the regions most established artists, Fi has a wide range of workshops on offer from beginners painting workshops, through to collage workshops and creative art and travel journaling. You can even get out in the fresh air and try your hand at her ‘open air art gym’. It’s practically impossible not to find creative inspiration after a session with Fi, no matter what age or experience level you are at.

Towards the northern end of the capes, you’ll find Busselton’s heritage precinct which is also home to the Art Geo Cultural Complex. Put aside an hour or so to wander through the bush food garden, the historical buildings and art exhibitions before jumping in and developing your own artistic instincts at one of their regular workshops. Classes range in focus from printmaking through to painting, drawing, jewellery and creative writing so there’s always something new to give a go.

Of course, the ideal pick for a family based crafternoon involves something that keeps the grownups AND kids busy. Entering The Quill Collective is akin to Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Settle into a cosy armchair in the library or bring in a craft project for the craft tables. The kitchen garden will provide green thumbs with inspo and kids can run amuck in the Gulliver’s garden , the Swallows and Amazons garden or the woods. Here it is all about crafting and creating, so check out the ever changing list of art and craft classes and workshops on offer. The café produces some darn tasty grub too, to help keep up energy levels.

The sense of smell is often forgotten about when it comes to creative ponderings. There are several options to heighten your olfactory skills, from candles through to gin.

An afternoon at Vasse Virgin is filled with opportunities to succumb to the world of scent. You can fill your basket up with goodies to get creative in the kitchen back at home, but we’d recommend taking things one step further and try one of the classes on offer. From a simple lip balm through to a full afternoon of natural perfumery creation, you’ll leave with your own piece of artistry and a head scintillated with sublime smells.

For those that like to sniff AND sip, Giniversity is the ultimate in creative adventures. You’ll spend the afternoon at the Margaret River Distilling Company learning the craft of distilling gin and the secrets behind blending aromatics. Learn exactly what it is you like and dislike, and finish up with your own bespoke bottle, crafted precisely to your tastebud’s preferences.

Just a short drive south of Margaret River, you’ll be able to find the Margaret River Candle Company in the heart of Witchcliffe. Alongside a store full of fire-friendly goodies, they also offer individual and small group candle making classes. The gift that keeps on giving, candle making combines the joy of creation with the relaxation of enjoying the finished product long after the wick is set in wax.