Local artists will paint the town red as Melville Open Studios returns for its biggest year yet in 2026. For one weekend only, Melville artists will open their home studios and dedicated hubs for the community to wander through at leisure. Some 77 local artists are taking part in the ninth Melville Open Studios this year. The artist-run event invites visitors into their private working spaces to get a peek behind the scenes and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces.
A Unique Artistic Experience
Melville Open Studios Coordinator Jennifer Gaye emphasised the diversity of the event. "We try to have a little point of difference between each hub, so you don't feel like you're seeing the same, same. I try to put different artists in different spaces, and complementing artists together." Artists specialise in various disciplines, including ceramics, painting, printmaking, floristry, mixed media and textiles. Some operate out of their home studios, while others will join together in several hubs throughout Melville. Key locations will be Atwell House, Goolugatup Heathcote, Applecross Art Gallery and Feld & Co. Myaree Ceramics will also be operating as a key hub, showcasing work from five artists and offering a home-styling masterclass.
Guided Bus Tours and Community Connection
Guided bus tours are returning to the event for the third year, covering six routes throughout Melville to make travelling easier between studios. The goal is to connect solo artists opening their home studios with the larger hubs, which Ms Gaye said often attracts more visitors. "You can feel quite isolated when you're opening your own studio, so it sort of helps create a community between the artists as well as the visitors," she said. "This year, we've gone over and above and included every artist and location."
Artist-Led Growth and Support
Ms Gaye began coordinating the event in 2022, after the City of Melville handed it over to the participating artists. "It allows the event to grow, because (the City of Melville) can only do so much. The funding comes directly from the city, they're still the main sponsor and partner of the event," she said. "The City of Melville always wanted the event to be local artists and creatives opening up their home studios or art spaces to the public. Normally, people view art in galleries, and this gives people an opportunity to see where artists create their work from, and invites them into their creative spaces to purchase and talk directly to the artists."
Record Sales and Growing Participation
About 5000 people ventured through the studios last year, and 2026 is expected to be even bigger, with more artists and venues on offer. The event allows artists to sell to the public and be paid directly for their art, commission-free. "Last year, collectively all sales of all artists collected over $100,000, and those monies go back directly to the artists," Ms Gaye said. "We keep attracting more and more new and professional artists to the event, so it's very exciting to see how it's growing."
New Participants and Floral Artistry
Sisters Cecilia McMillen and Jessica Stevens, of Amalgam Floral, are new participants this year and will share their native botanical designs. "As floristry artists who primarily work using preserved and dried florals and botanicals, we will be showcasing our floral painted canvases, botanical wall hangings and floral installations," Ms McMillen said. They will be opening their home studio to host a variety of artists over the weekend, including Ms Gaye, Tessa Smith, Kane Hermens and Clair B Bushby. "Melville Open Studios hosts an incredible selection of artists in the City of Melville, and the opportunity to be involved in such an important event could not be passed up," Ms Gaye said. "We are looking forward to sharing our space with the other artists and meeting members of the community who appreciate the arts as much as we do."
Mayor's Endorsement
Melville mayor Katy Mair said there was a growing community of talented artists in Melville, who deserved to be recognised. "Melville Open Studios offers a unique opportunity for the community to connect directly with the artists who live and work in our city, and to experience creativity in its most authentic setting," she said. "The City of Melville continues to invest in arts and culture because of the important role it plays in building connected communities and supporting a thriving local creative economy." The event runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, across Melville.
