THE Margaret River Region Open Studios (MRROS) event is in full swing and art enthusiasts have until April 24 to make the most of the opportunity the event provides to step inside regional studios and meet the artists themselves.
Chairman and co-founder Bill Castleden said the event was an overall success, bringing visitors from Perth and interstate to the region.
“In particular the emerging artists are thrilled with the result, being new to the program they were not sure what to expect and they have responded very well to having visitors to their studios,” Mr Castleden said.
Prevelly artist Anita Haywood said the response to her latest works from Visitors to her studio had been positive.
“I really enjoy meeting people as they explore the region and discover artists they wouldn’t usually have the chance to visit in person,” Ms Haywood said.
Trained in Edinburgh as a conceptual sculptor, Ms Haywood’s quirky, expressive art combines stitching and paint to create unique canvases with deep stories to tell.
“In much of my portrait work I use a sewing machine to stitch my models and subjects, along with their stories, in real time,” she said from her studio.
“I then use a variety of paints and techniques to build on the inspiration. In some cases I will come back to a piece I’ve already worked on quite
some time ago to re-imagine it with paint or added features,” she said.
The 16-day event is now in its third year and provides a platform for more than 120 artists and artisans in the region to introduce their work to the public.
“There has been many comments made over the years that tourists need another option alongside the usual wine tours and scenic activities in the region, and we are proud to provide that in MRROS,” Mr Castleden said.
“Next year we move to a slightly different time of year and will open the 2017 event immediately after the April school holidays,” he said, noting that while the event will not compete with an already-packed school holiday schedule, artists will rely heavily on cross promotion within the tourism industry.
“With the move to a slightly quieter time of the year we will need as much support as possible from accommodation providers, wineries and restaurants to promote the open studios.”
For Ms Haywood the event is a valuable one which she hopes to be a part of for years to come.
“It’s wonderful to welcome people to the studio, have a cup of tea and to explain the process and the stories behind the art,” she said.
“Where else can you venture into some of the most beautiful scenery in the world to appreciate art, with the artist themselves?”
Margaret River Region Open Studios runs until Sunday. More information can be found at mrros.com.au
