WA artists to open studio doors for peek inside workspaces

Perth Now

29-04-2025

The sixth annual Peel Open Studios is inspiring artists across the Peel region to open their studio doors to the public.
Presented by the City of Mandurah and supported by the Shire of Murray, more than 70 local artists from Serpentine to Waroona will take part in the event from May 3 to 11 showcasing a behind-the-scenes look at their workspaces.
Visitors will have an opportunity to look into the artistic processes of different mediums including painting, ceramics, printmaking, textiles, sculpture and much more.
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Local artists Barb Thoms, Robyn Lowry and Denise Fisher are teaming up for the fourth year in a row to exhibit their art together in Thoms Dudley Park studio.
The trio of longtime friends said they began exhibiting together due to their shared love for nature and environment-style pieces across different genres and mediums.
Thoms said it made sense to share their work together as they complemented one another so well.
'Not only do we work so well together but it gives visitors the opportunity to see three accomplished artists all in the same space,' she said. Barb Thoms has been painting Mandurah on location for more than 20 years. Credit: Supplied
In 2024, Peel Open Studios attracted more than 4000 visitors across 36 locations.
Mandurah mayor Caroline Knight said the event was all about celebrating and supporting Peel's strong, talented and engaged artistic community who make important contributions to the city of Mandurah and the wider region.
'It's also a great opportunity for local artists to promote their art, sell their work and connect with the community,' she said.
Thoms agreed and added it's great for artists to talk about their work and brings a whole other meaning to the regular selling space.
'If your work is just hanging on a gallery wall, without that dialogue it doesn't have the same story,' she said.
'I find people like to buy more when there's a story associated with the work, they enjoy having a conversational piece.'
Thoms said the event was a really supportive and non-competitive environment for local artists, particularly for those who may not be ready to exhibit on their own. Robyn Lowry's colourful bird and floral paintings will be on display. Credit: Supplied
'Knowing that it comes up in May every year really inspires and motivates you to create work in preparation for the event,' she said.
'It's very well run and something I look at as a safe space of infrastructure to participate in.'
Alongside the open studios, the Alcoa Mandurah Art Gallery at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre is hosting an exhibition until May 11 featuring a collection of artworks by artists participating in the Peel Open Studios event.