Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Three MRROS art trails you’ll love
www.timcampbellphoto.com
One of the South West’s most popular events, Margaret River Region Open Studios 2022, is just around the corner. And this year is shaping up to be a bumper one.
If you’ve never been to MRROS, you need to rectify this ASAP. This is no ordinary art event – it’s the biggest of its kind in Australia! Over two weeks (10 to 25 September – whack that in your diary), a record 168 artists open their studios to the public, where you can discuss their work, ask for priceless advice, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces. We’re talking pottery, painting, photography, furniture-making, hat-making, and even tattoo artistry.
This year, we’re focusing on three art trails so you can experience the MRROS in stages without feeling overwhelmed. You’re welcome!
1. Margaret River Region Open Studios 2022: The Northern Trail
We recommend starting in Busselton at Ian Daniell’s exhibition at Shelter Brewing Co where he has life-sized ocean art that will boggle your mind in its enormity. Then pop down the road to Georgia Zoric, exhibiting at MRROS for the first time, at ArtGeo to see her unique ceramic puppets.
There are dozens more to see in Busselton so you can absolutely stay in town, however we think it’s time to jump in the car to Dunsborough. First stop is Roslyn Hamdorf on the outskirts of town to check out her abstract landscape paintings, then on to the gallery of famed photographer Christian Fletcher in the heart of town. He has an interesting exhibition this year, collaborating with 15 fellow artists who have interpreted his photographs in their own way.
Heading away from Dunsborough, round out your trail with Deidre Bruhn, a mixed media artist who constructs and reconstructs collages, and Mary-Lynne Stratton who draws inspiration from the red-dirt country of northern WA.
What to do after: Looking for something nearby, after marvelling over all that creativity? Drop by Credaro Wines for a wine tasting, grab a gourmand share plate or two at Swings & Roundabouts – also great if you have little people – or sip a delicious brew at Wild Hop.
Looking to stay in Dunsborough for MRROS? Click here to browse our Dunsborough holiday homes.
2. Margaret River Region Open Studios 2022: The Central Trail
The Cowaramup area punches above its weight in the art world. There are a few creators within a small radius here, including Musa Agri who honed his woodworking craftmanship in his birth country of Sudan.
Great bang for your buck is The Farm Margaret River on Burnside Road, which converted hay and machinery sheds into art studios. This year you can see Paul Gatopulosz who has exquisite charcoal portraits, Martine Perret, a photographic artist known for aerial shoots, and Jolene Hewison who makes ceramics and pottery.
Nearby is the studio of a true legend of WA art, Leon Pericles. The master printmaker, painter and sculptor has an incredible workshop. His hand-painted etchings are intricate and unique, and his paintings intriguing – you’ll be staring intensely at his pieces in awe, without a doubt. Lastly, make sure you visit Rachel Coad in Gracetown for her hauntingly beautiful portraiture.
What to do after: Stay with the country/farm theme and visit the café at Olio Bello. Or if you feel like indulging, award-winning Vasse Felix isn’t far away. Sip premium WA wine and enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal at this much-loved winery/restaurant.
Looking to stay in Yallingup for MRROS? Browse our Yallingup holiday homes.
3. Margaret River Region Open Studios 2022: The Southern Trail
This section is the biggest of them all, with a gallery or unique artist every which way you turn.
If you want to be in one spot and take in the work of several artists, head over to The Hive. You’ll get to see the beautiful paintings of Wendy Henderson and Mehera Kidston, the ceramics of Caroline Bannister, sculpture and pottery of Yu-Hua Lan, and timeless style by hatmaker Kimberley Box. Close by in the centre of ‘Margs’, Sarah Hewer is the artist in residence at Dormilona, and she’s an excellent photographer with a huge portfolio range including food, wine, portraits, and travel.
Buckle up and head out of town for even more art-loving fun. If it’s bright and happy you seek, Joanna Alferink’s mosaic tiling is a thing of beauty (her birdbaths are famous in these parts). Last stop is a drive towards seaside Gnarabup, where Jacqui Brown’s work will make your heart sing, with paintings of seascapes, forests, and birds.
What to do after: If you’re in Gnarabup, stop by casual beachside White Elephant Café, otherwise go back into Margaret River and get ready for dinner: tapas, live music, and cocktails at Morries; high-end Japanese at Miki’s Kitchen; a hearty South American meat-fest at El Toro; or cosy Italian at La Scarpetta Trattoria.
Looking to stay in Margaret River for MRROS? Browse our Margaret River holiday homes.
Immerse yourself in art and culture at this year’s epic Margaret River Region Open Studios festival. Browse our portfolio of luxury holiday homes today.
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