Margaret River art galleries and events

While there haven’t been as many events on the calendar as usual, for obvious reasons, there are still some amazing festivals lucky enough to roll out as per usual.

One of these is the iconic 16-day free art extravaganza ‘Margaret River Region Open Studios’, now in its 7^th year. It has been so popular, the MRROS is the biggest event of its kind in Australia, and it officially starts on September 12.

This is not just an event for art aficionados – this event is seriously interesting for everyone. For one thing, it’s a unique format compared to what you might be used to. You have the opportunity to visit artists personal studios and meet the artists themselves; hear about their life, career and their thoughts and advice about their craft. From Busselton to Cowaramup, Dunsborough to Margaret River, there will be more than 100 professional artists involved, including famed photographer Christian Fletcher and much-loved painter, printmaker and sculptor Leon Pericles. There are so many talented individuals we could talk about, but we’ll leave it up to you to discover your new favourites. Take a look at the attending artists, who is open when, and plot your personalised art trail.

Even if you can’t make it to MRROS this year, the South West has incredible art offerings year-round and some outstanding galleries that are must-visits. Here are some of our favourites:

Gunyulgup Galleries

The word ‘Gunyulgup’ is an indigenous word meaning ‘resting place near water’. When you arrive, you’ll see why; the gallery overlooks a peaceful lake and is beyond perfect to have a leisurely art afternoon. Spend some time browsing the paintings, prints, sculptures – and more – from the talented hands of more than 80 artists.

Where: Yallingup

Find out more: gunyulgupgalleries.com.au

Christian Fletcher Gallery

Christian Fletcher Gallery

It doesn’t get more South West than one of Western Australia’s most famous landscape photographers, Christian Fletcher. The gallery has dozens of his showstopping images, as he captures the sublime South West beaches in blue, pink and purples hues, the raw ruggedness of the state’s North West, as well as some exquisite international shots.

Where: Dunsborough

Find out more: christianfletcher.com.au

JahRoc Galleries

Love cool or unique furniture? Bookmark this page asap. The talented team uses local hardwood to craft their spectacular contemporary pieces, and have won more than 50 industry awards for their work. Wine racks, mirrors, coffee tables, bench seats; they have so many interesting items on offer.

Where: Margaret River

Find out more: jahroc.com.au

Dilkes-Hoffman Studio Ceramics

We love the smaller galleries just as much as the big ones. This family-run business delivers high-quality and unique pottery, sculptures and ceramics. You must find a home for their fruit bowl, succulent pot, or vase here – it’ll be a one-of-a-kind to show off.

Where: Margaret River

Find out more: dilkes-hoffman.com.au

Injidup Beach at Yallingup Galleries.

Yallingup Galleries

Nestled in natural bushland in a country-style two-story property, is this lovely gallery. There is a large variety of works available from dozens of artists, from furniture to textiles, glass to ceramics. The collection of paintings is also impressive.

Where: Yallingup

Find out more: yallingupgalleries.com.au

Boranup Gallery

Pretty as a picture in the most fairy tale of settings within Boranup Forest. They produce their own top-notch designer furniture, as well as offering paintings and other fine art produced by fellow artists. If you want a beautiful standout piece of wooden furniture to keep for a lifetime, come here.

Where: Forest Grove

Find out more: boranupgallery.com

Outdoor sculptures, Boranup Gallery

Wilyabrup Dreaming Pottery

Positively dripping with Margaret River charm, we love the mugs and ornamental vases from this team. Think swirls of blue and green, and subdued rusts; it’s a back-to-nature style of ceramics and sculpture.

Where: Wilyabrup

Find out more: facebook.com/willyabrupdreaming

The Studio Gallery and Bistro

Beautifully set out, the light and spacious gallery features modern and contemporary paintings, sculptures, and jewellery. The attached bistro is a Gold Plate Award-winning restaurant – the food is sublime – with a gorgeous view the pretty native bushland from the deck. This is the perfect, leisurely South West afternoon.

Where: Yallingup

Find out more: thestudiogallery.com.au

John Miller Design

John Miller Design

Buy an original piece of high-quality jewellery meant just for you. There are bangles, rings, pendants, earrings, cuffs and more in store, or you can request a bespoke piece. The natural environment is a strong influence on design, with each item managing to tell a story in an incredibly small amount of space. This is art you get to wear.

Where: Margaret River and Yallingup

Find out more: johnmillerdesign.com

Vasse Felix: Holmes à Court Gallery

The original Vasse Felix winery has been preserved as an art gallery, owned by prominent Western Australian Janet Holmes à Court. The gallery displays a series of seasonal exhibits, the Art of Sound exhibition (in partnership with the National Film and Sound Archive), as well as a sculpture garden.

Where: Cowaramup

Find out more: vassefelix.com.au/Visit/Art-Gallery or holmesacourtgallery.com.au

Vasse Felix Gallery

Leeuwin Estate

Not content with being one of the region’s best wineries and hosting legendary concerts and events, it also has a beautiful art gallery. You might be familiar with their Art Series wine labels. For several decades now, Leeuwin commissions an artist to produce an original piece (with a few exceptions) for each vintage label and as artwork for the gallery. There are now more than 150 of these on display.

Where: Margaret River

Find out more: leeuwinestate.com.au/visiting/art-gallery

And whilst you’re travelling through the beuatiful Margaret River region look out for inspiring artworks by local Dunborough artist Ian Mutch. Ian’s murals can be found throughout the region in Margaret River, Cowaramup, Dunsborough and Busselton. This article’s lead image is by Ian, entitled ‘Beach Blanket’.

Enjoy an art-inspired getaway to WA’s South West, experiencing culture at its finest. Book one of our luxury holiday home to cap off a perfect escape. Browse our portfolio today.

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