The Blackwood River Arts Trail will once again transform the South West into a vibrant celebration of creativity when it returns from March 28 to April 6.
Now in its sixth year, the 10-day event invites visitors to meet more than 60 artists in their homes, studios, galleries and gardens across the picturesque Blackwood Valley. The trail spans the shires of Nannup, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Donnybrook-Balingup and Boyup Brook, offering a rare glimpse into the creative heart of the region.
This year’s program features 37 venues showcasing a diverse range of artforms including painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, mosaics, weaving, illustration, poetry, mixed media and fine furniture. Visitors can also take part in hands-on workshops such as wheel throwing, needle felting, live drawing, plein air painting and weaving.
Among the highlights are paintings by Helen Reading, Frances Kilpatrick and Philip Berry at Donnybrook’s Darlimurla Garden Studio, alongside embroidery by Judith Morrisey. Gary Smitherman’s outdoor optical illusion sculpture, set among native trees, blends art, technology and science fiction.
In Nannup, renowned artist and choreographer Chrissie Parrot AO presents her theatrical Parrot Fernaylia collection, while Miranda Free and Cher Shackleton combine painting and ceramics at the Eyrie Studio Gallery.
Bridgetown’s Kim Perrier exhibits 30 sculptures in his garden, joined by bronze equestrian works from 91-year-old artist Margaret Beechey Rothery.
Boyup Brook’s celebrated painter Lori Pensini, recognised as Australia’s highest awarded artist from 2020 to 2025, will exhibit her human-botanical narratives at her Farm Studio. Other local artists will display paintings, pottery, textiles and mixed media works at The Little Art Gallery.
Chairperson Liz Janney said the trail continues to strengthen connections between artists and the community.
“Our guiding principle is to provide opportunities for the public to engage with artists from the Blackwood River Valley region,” she said.
“Autumn is a beautiful time to explore this area, with its orchards, forests and charming main streets.”
Running alongside the trail is the fifth annual Blackwood River Film Festival, featuring six short films and three feature films across five towns.
The program includes the regional premiere of Pointe – Dancing on a Knife’s Edge, a documentary about Australian dancer Floeur Alder, screening at Balingup Town Hall on March 28.
Tickets are $10 per session or $20 for three. Screenings will be held in Balingup, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Nannup and Ampersand Estates, with additional workshops and performances by Floeur Alder presented by the Balingup Arts and Cultural Hub.
Full details and the online trail guide are available at www.blackwoodriverartstrail.com.
