5 ways to discover the Margaret River Region on an art trail adventure

Now in its 10^th year, Margaret River Region Open Studios lets us step inside private studios and meet 166 local artists. Among them is a renowned surf photographer in a new gallery, a winemaker and his futuristic digital exhibition in an old cellar, a botanic artist painting delicate wildflower watercolours and a barista-turned-ceramicist sculpting whales.

Try an art trail adventure to meet some incredible locals and a new perspective on the gentle way of life between forest, coast and vines.

Winemaker and viticulturist Scott Baxter is putting the neon-lit finishing touches on a visual and sensory digital art installation in Gralyn Estate’s original 1978 cellar door. Inspired by the futuristic feel of a favourite Japanese restaurant, Scott blurs the lines of realism and digital culture in his not-for-profit exhibition, raising money for the Cancer Council of Western Australia.

Photographer Russell Ord is best known for his intense big-wave surf and ocean photography, and his willingness to take risks in pursuit of the perfect shot. Meet the man himself in his sleek new Russell Ord Gallery space just off Caves Road, pore over his latest works and learn how he emerges from some of the Indian Ocean’s gnarliest breaks.

After studying Horticulture at University of Melbourne, Christine Creswell was gifted a botanical illustration course at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Realising she loves painting plants as much as growing them, Christine’s watercolours depict well-known exotic plants to wildflowers endemic to the south west.

Paris-born photographer Martine Perret is known for her aerial landscapes and just released a new book Above – Margaret River, featuring the colours, patterns, and textures of Wardandi country.

In 2022 she travelled to Paris with Wardandi Elders Vivian Brockman Webb, Mitchella Hutchins and artist Roly Skender to launch the UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages, presenting Wannang Biridge which is exhibiting at Margaret Rive HEART.

Ceramic artist Kaya Danae channels the enchantment of a childhood spent exploring Margaret River’s forests, bushlands and deep blue sea in whimsical clay creations adorned with bespectacled whales and mermaids. Her talents converse at Two Seas Collective, where she makes excellent coffee and cakes each morning, and spends afternoons immersed in clay.

Margaret River Region Open Studios is free to attend. It runs 9^th to 24^th September across the region. Pick up an event guide or visit Meet the Artists to plan your journey.