Open Studios: 10 Must See Artists

This annual event is free to attend and it’s the perfect place to connect with and buy directly from the region’s most talented artists. With 166 artists (including 44 new to the event), where do you start?

Grab a free Event Guide or browse the artists online, and you can also peek behind the scenes and share your adventure in art over on Instagram @margaretriverregionopenstudios.

In the meantime here are a few recommendations to get you started. By the way, narrowing it down to just 10? Nearly impossible – allow yourself a few days to explore if you can.

One of the most immersive Open Studios experiences, you’ll marvel at Leon’s intense creativity as you enter his creative realm. The garden is lush and generous, overflowing with sculptures made of upcycled road signs, taps and other treasures. Kids gather round the koi pond and adults wander the Ancient Moss Ruins – a creation involving porous bricks and a blended moss-buttermilk mix.

Venture inside for a look at how Leon produces his collagraphs and etchings on an antique printing press. His vast studio is a treasure trove of collected jewels, ready to be incorporated into a painting, plus fabulous things collected on his travels – an alligator scull, beautifully painted violins. Even the Egyptian-themed toilet is amazing.

A fascination with whale sharks lured Ian from London, and he celebrates Australia’s oceanic fauna with life size paintings in glorious colour and high gloss. The scale is awe-inspiring, and his cropped composures are equally exciting.

His Cowaramup Studio will be open 10-6 on special event days.

Reif’s work is best described as art to be enjoyed rather than analysed. Combining humour with clusters of detail, and bold colours they become conversational pieces.

His artwork is heavily influenced by beach culture including some of his signature favourites beach umbrellas, thongs, seagulls, Greek vases and wine to name a few.

Visit his exhibition at Shelter Brewing Co., and while you’re there, do yourself a favour and try their magnificent ‘Root Stout!

You can recognise Emily’s beautiful work instantly – bright, bold depictions of the bush and wildlife we love so much, overlaid with banksia flowers and birds. Inspired by the region’s biodiversity and the Wadandi Track just metres from her Margaret River home, Emily depicts birds, flowers, seed pods and trees in her work.

She layers etching, lino and mono printing, drawing and painting in her art, and has even coined the term “stratisart” to describe her unique layered technique.

Oriel Karridale Gallery is a small gallery run by Heather showcasing a diverse selection of exciting art. Heather lives on site producing her innovative mixed media art in her studio.

Think sumptuous textiles, luscious colours, natural materials with threads and fibres scattered throughout the pieces which are mostly inspired by nature.

Travel diaries consisting of many small sketchbooks and tiny paintings document her interests and inspirations and the changing colours and cultures from around the world.

It’s exciting finding an artist doing something totally different, and Deidre’s semi-abstract figures, inspired by life drawing are a joy. She uses mixed media and techniques; layering paint, collages, interesting shapes she’s found in magazines, sometimes framing her completed works in ornate wood.

Just outside Dunsborough set in beautiful bushland, be sure to visit Deidre for a shot of energy and vibrant colour.

Georgia’s second year taking part in Open Studios, and exhibiting her merry band of pirates and sea farers. Handbuilt with clay, her sculpted busts of pirates and functional ware is inspired by the ocean, a constant backdrop in Georgia’s life.

Georgia shares her creativity at ArtGeo Cultural Complex in Busselton, alongside  other artists.

If Open Studios helps you get under the skin of the Margaret River Region, then exploring Fi’s Toot Studio is the ultimate art adventure (it’s named for the steam train that would toot as it chugged past the farm).

The rusty shed with its fireplace is charming, with plenty of space for Fi to paint and host her collage workshops. Magpies, wattlebirds, banksias and flowering gums feature in her art, and Fi will be there waiting to welcome you for a chat about art, life and this beautiful town she calls home.

Step inside Christian Fletcher’s Dunsborough gallery for a view into many of the most awe-inspiring places in Australia and the world. A gifted photographer, Christian captures light beautifully in his landscapes.

Christian’s collaborative exhibition running during MRROS will feature 26 South West artists. They will each interpret a different image of his, in their own style. Christian’s piece and the artist interpretive piece will be hung, side by side, in an unique and wonderful exhibition.

Roslyn’s semi-abstract landscapes feature glorious granite boulders in all their fabulous colour and shape – think Pilbara and Kimberley orange, red and pink hues.

You’ll find Roslyn painting on the deck overlooking a dam, just outside Dunsborough, capturing these grand scenes from winter camping trips north with likeminded local artists.