Now in its 13th year, Margaret River Region Open Studios is the largest event of its kind in Australia. This free event connects 155 artists including painters, ceramicists, sculptors, Aboriginal artists, and jewellers with curious visitors seeking authentic connection with the arts.
For artists, it’s a chance to connect with their audience and hear how their work resonates, and for visitors, the event provides a new appreciation of how to view art in different ways.
According to Amberley, a visit to Open Studios is revealing.
“The event made me realise there is a whole creative layer to the region that I hadn't explored,” she says. “I can see why creatives are drawn to that region because there is inspiration everywhere. You can really slow down and notice things.”
Photography by Christian Fletcher, Margaret River Region Open Studios
Among the highlights for Amberley was discovering the art of Georgia Zoric, a sculptor creating ceramic puppets that capture an element of movement. Meet Georgia, see her works in progress and completed sculptures at Shelter Brewing Co on the foreshore in Busselton (Undalup) for the 2026 program.
“Georgia is absolutely incredible,” Amberley says. “Her work is full of these quirky, colourful clay characters. I wanted to take every single thing home with me.”
Georgia Zoric, Margaret River Region Open Studios
Photographer Christian Fletcher is another featured artist; one Amberley is familiar with.
“What I love most about Christian's work is his perspective,” Amberley says. “He had this beautiful photo of a grass tree, but it was an aerial. So, you were looking down at this grass tree with a completely new perspective.”
This year, Christian gave 25 of his photos to 25 Open Studios artists and invited them to create an artwork inspired by the image. During Open Studios, Christian’s photos and the artworks are on display at the Christian Fletcher Gallery, in Dunsborough, making it a great introduction to the participating artists.
Christian Fletcher, Margaret River Region Open Studios
For Amberley, the theme of perspective appeared again when she met Aboriginal artist, Kim Kiosses.
“The visit with Kim was so special because there was so much storytelling behind it,” Amberley says. “Being able to hear the stories directly from her, and then see how they came through in her paintings, it added such an incredible layer to her artwork.”
During the 2026 program, Kim will be painting at her home studio, making this a rare opportunity to meet Kim and watch her artist practise in motion.
Kim Kiosses, Yallingup Aboriginal Art
Nestled in bushland outside Margaret River town, a cute 1950s train carriage houses the studio of oil painter, Tamika Hogan.
“Tamika had work that she was currently tinkering with, and her finished works, so I loved seeing a bit of her process,” Amberley says. “Also, just seeing what she's looking at out her windows when she's painting is really cool, there were kangaroos out there!”
Aside from the space, Amberley connected deeply with Tamika’s landscapes.
“She captures tiny details, like the light changing in the sky,” Amberley explains. “There was one she was working on when I was there. It was on a country road somewhere; the blue of the sky changed so subtly throughout the picture. I've actually caught myself out walking, looking at the sky and trying to see the different colours from her work.”
Ceramics by Georgia Zoric, Margaret River Region Open Studios
The southwest arts vibe is at its most lively during the annual Margaret River Region Open Studios event, but beyond the studio trail, this creative community connects visitors to art all year round.
On any trip, visitors can drop by galleries like the Saltwater Gallery, Busselton, with its year-round rotating exhibitions, or visit the Origins Market, part of the Dream Collective showcasing WA’s best experiences. Here, crafty locals sell everything from 3D prints to crystal sun-catchers and upcycled furniture.
Mix your art with fine dining and premium wines at Leeuwin Estate, where the gallery showcases paintings commissioned for the ‘Art Series’ wine labels including originals by John Olsen, Sir Sidney Nolan and Arthur Boyd. Don’t miss Yallingup Aboriginal Art, a gallery featuring Aboriginal art from around Australia, including southwest artists like Kim Kiosses.
However you choose to spend your time at the Margaret River Region Open Studios, you’ll be surprised and delighted by the creatives that live and work in this uniquely Western Australian destination. You may even return home enriched by the southwest creative spirit.
Published September 2026.
