Our artists are looking forward to seeing you in 2024 and inviting you into their creative spaces.

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The open studios event is a once-a-year opportunity to meet our artists and to discover where the magic happens.

 

Creative inspiration

The Hills of the Mundaring area have long been a hub for creative people who find inspiration from the natural environment, with its spectacular forests, winding waterways and prolific wildlife.

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Mundaring is a little over 30km from the city and makes for a comfortable day trip for people who want to sample a slice of the Hills life and to discover the artists who make the area their home.

 

Something for everyone

This year, Mundaring Hills Open Studios is bigger than ever, with 75 artists working across a wide range of mediums and genres. There are 37 studios open to visitors, stretching from Swan View and Greenmount in the west to Chidlow and Gidgegannup in the east.

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Whether you enjoy landscape paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, abstracts,
glass, textiles or woodwork, there is something to appeal to everyone.

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To view the artists and their work click here.

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Plan ahead

Please take time to browse this brochure. There is a lot to take in on the art trail so it’s useful to plan ahead and map out a journey. This will help you take in your own highlights at a leisurely pace and connect with the artists and artworks that are right for you.

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Take a chance on an artist you don’t know, especially those in the eastern part of the region. You never know what you will find!

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You can also visit our website mundaringhillsopenstudios.com or scan the QR code below on adjacent page for more information about our artists and see more of their work before you set out.

 

Respect

Our artists are excited to see you, but we ask that you supervise your children and pets while you are in their studios.

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Please ask permission before photographing any artworks.

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Feel free to ask questions. Our artists love to talk to people about art!

But remember, if you feel unwell, it is best to refrain from visiting.

 

Eat, drink, stay

While you are in the Hills, take the time to enjoy our other attractions. There are many places to eat and drink – from charming old pubs to cafes, restaurants and wineries serving a diverse range of quality fare.

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There are also many places to stop and enjoy the natural environment that inspires our artists. Take time to breathe the air and take in the scenery.

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And if you want to stay a little longer, there is a variety of places for overnight accommodation to really appreciate the Hills lifestyle.

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Click here to find a few places to try.

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We hope you enjoy your experience of Art in the Hills. See you on the art trail.

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acknowledgements

We thank Silvana Ferrario, Liz Berry, Denise Bending, Anna Whiteside, Yvonne Wadley, Julie Smith, Neil Elliott, Melissa de Winter, Jen Kerr, Ian Kay, Stacy Gardoll and Craig McKeough (the organising committee) who give their time to make this event happen; the advertisers who help make this brochure possible; and all our volunteers.

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A big thanks also to the visitors who appreciate and support local artists and, of course, to all the artists who have opened their studios with a warm welcome.

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history

During the ‘80s, potter Greg Crowe held open studio sales of work at his home in Hovea. In 2002 he participated in the St Croix Valley Pottery Tour in Minnesota, USA. On his return he mentioned to fellow ceramicist/painter, Joel Smoker, about the idea of starting something similar. ​

In 1991 Joel moved down from Kununurra to a property in Stoneville where he established a ceramics studio and kiln shed. Joel’s art sold through various galleries and craft shops and he was also keen to sell from home.

In the mid 2000s Joel and his wife visited a number of art studios one spring weekend in Kalamunda. The Shire of Kalamunda event involved an art trail using a provided map that showed the location of the open studios.

With this in mind and Greg’s USA experience, Joel approached the Mundaring Arts Centre. No funds were available so he presented a proposal to all the artists and craftspeople that he could think of in the Shire of Mundaring. There were 10 responses and a meeting was set up.

After much discussion it was decided to hold the first MHOS event on the last weekend of October, 2009. A bank account was opened and each artist contributed money to pay for the trail maps to be distributed around the Shire. Each member also had a role to play in facilitating the success of the project. Artists involved in that first MHOS weekend were; Brian Aylward, Joanna Capella, Greg Crowe, Inta Goddard, Willem Heyneker, Christine Hingston, Jeremy Holton, Judy Kotai, Graeme Pages-Oliver and Joel Smoker – and you will note – some are still participating.