A record breaking number of art lovers and visitors to the South West took part in this year's Margaret River Region Open Studios, which organisers say is the best result in the event's eight year history.
Open Studios Chair Jim Davies said this year's event surpassed all previous records.
"We had a 30 percent increase in overall visitor numbers compared to 2020," he said.
"There were a staggering 85,000-plus total studio visits to our 140 artists over the 16 days.
"We had the largest ever visitation from Perth art lovers with a 33 percent growth and more than half our visitation making the trip from Perth to visit artist studios from Busselton to Witchcliffe.
"This year also saw a high number of first-time visitors, with 37 percent of art lovers enjoying Open Studios for the first time."
On average visitors stopped in at more than 10 studios during their time in the region, and 66 percent bought artwork from the region's artists during the event.
Mr Davies said visitors responded to the variety of art forms on offer through the program, including ceramics, photography, tattoo artistry and millinery.
"I am always delighted how overwhelmingly positive all the comments are on the annual visitor survey, it's a testament to the lovely way our artists welcome visitors to their studios," he said.
The event will return to the South West again in 2022, from September 10 to 25.
Artists residing in the Margaret River Region can register for next year's event from February 1 and registrations will close on March 31.
For more information visit mrropenstudios.com.au
