About Our Art Trail | Mundaring Hills Open Studios

About Mundaring Hills Open Studios

The Perth Hills are at their beautiful best in spring, and our artists are looking forward to opening the doors of their creative spaces to share their work and their unique environment with visitors.

This October, discover 86 artists across 34 studios on the trail, stretching throughout the Mundaring Hills from Swan View and Greenmount in the west to Gidgegannup and Chidlow in the east.

Something for everyone

Open Studios showcases an exciting mix of art forms, including contemporary and traditional painting and drawing, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, sculpture, woodwork, glass, metal work, mosaics and more.

All of this takes place amid the stunning natural landscapes of the Perth Hills – old growth forests, peaceful waterways and an abundance of native wildlife. Come and experience the creativity, community and inspiration of Mundaring Hills Open Studios 2026.

To view the artists work click here. Some artists also have videos where they discuss their art. You can see that here. You can also view the artists featured at the venues here.

Plan your art trail

Take your time exploring this brochure – there’s so much to discover along the art trail. With plenty of studios to visit, a little planning can help you enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace and make sure you don’t miss the artists and places that catch your eye.

We’ve created an interactive Google Map to help you find each studio and artist, so you can easily plan your own adventure through the Perth Hills.

We also have an MHOS App where you can plot your trail and choose the artists you want to visit through medium or location.

Why not try something unexpected? Visit an artist you haven’t seen before, or wander a little further off the beaten track – you never know what inspiring work or beautiful hidden corner you might discover.

To learn more about our artists and explore more of their work, click here

Respect our spaces

Our artists are really looking forward to seeing you and sharing their work. As many studios are also their homes, we kindly ask you to be mindful and respectful of their spaces, and to keep a close eye on children and pets during your visit.

If you’d like to take photos, just check with the artist first – they’re usually happy to say yes, but it’s always nice to ask.

And most of all, feel free to chat and ask questions. Our artists genuinely enjoy talking about their work and what inspires them.

Eat, drink, stay

While you’re out in the Hills, take your time and enjoy everything the area has to offer.

It’s a great day trip destination, with plenty of places to grab a bite or a drink – from country pubs and cosy cafés to bakeries, restaurants, wineries and distilleries.

There are also lots of lovely spots to stop, take a breather, and soak up the natural scenery that inspires so many of our artists.

And if you feel like staying a bit longer, you’ll find a range of great accommodation options nearby. For more information visit our local tourist information centre at experienceperthhills.com.au/mundaring

Aknowledgements

We respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we operate, the Whadjuk people, as well as other First Australians connected with this land. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present.

We thank the organising team Silvana Ferrario, Liz Berry and Antoinette Boyd and volunteers Betty McKeough, Cindy Watson, Craig McKeough, Dee Constable, Ian Kay, Jen Kerr, June Stevens, Kat Hardwick, Karen Price, Louise Thorpe, Melissa De Winter, Neil Elliott, Shirley Kaye, Stacy Gardoll, Tina Bryce and Yvonne Wadley, who gave their time to make this event happen, and the advertisers who help make this brochure possible.

Thank you to the Shire of Mundaring for their valuable support.

And a special thanks also to the people who appreciate and support local artists. Whether you are new to the art trail or a return visitor, we can’t wait to see you!

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, 2010. 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.