Melville Open Studios 2026 has once again demonstrated the strength of Melville’s creative community, attracting more than 6,300 visits across the weekend and generating more than $126,000 in artwork sales for participating artists.
Presented with the support of the City of Melville as Principal Partner, the annual event invited visitors behind the scenes of local creative practice, offering a rare opportunity to meet artists, explore working studios and purchase original artworks directly from makers.
A standout feature of this year's event was the creation of The Amulet Vessel, a collaborative artwork created by ceramic artist Pamela Chaves of Elemento Ceramics.
Created during the Open Studios weekend, visitors of all ages were invited to handcraft small clay amulets carrying personal symbols, gestures and intentions.
These individual contributions were attached to a large vessel, transforming many individual voices into a single collective artwork, which Pamela has donated to the City of Melville.
The resulting piece celebrates creativity, belonging and connection, reflecting the community spirit that sits at the heart of Melville Open Studios.
The Amulet will be on display at AH Bracks Library, for the community to enjoy from July 2026.
More than 150 artists participated across 25 studio locations throughout the City of Melville on Saturday 2 May and Sunday, 3 May, showcasing a diverse range of creative disciplines including painting, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, photography, jewellery, printmaking and mixed media.
The event continues to provide valuable economic opportunities for artists and art groups while strengthening connections between artists, residents and visitors through meaningful face-to-face engagement.
Key outcomes from Melville Open Studios 2026 included:
• More than 6,300 visits across the weekend
• More than $126,000 in reported artwork sales
• More than 150 participating artists
• 77 registered studio locations across the City of Melville
• Strong community participation through demonstrations, workshops and collaborative art-making opportunities
• Artist networking and professional development opportunities supporting the local creative sector.
Looking ahead, Melville Open Studios will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2027 on Saturday, 1 and Sunday, 2 May.
What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into one of Western Australia's most successful open studio programs, connecting thousands of visitors with local artists and helping build a vibrant and connected creative community throughout Melville.
Planning is already underway for the milestone event, which will celebrate a decade of artistic excellence, community connection and creative discovery.
For more information, visit https://www.melvilleopenstudios.com/
Attribute the following comments to City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair:
“Melville Open Studios has become one of the City's most significant cultural events.
"Melville Open Studios showcases the extraordinary creative talent that exists within our community while providing important opportunities for artists to connect with audiences and generate income through their practice,"
"The event creates a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to engage directly with artists, gain insight into their creative processes and experience the diversity of artistic practice across our city."
Attribute the following comments to Melville Open Studios Coordinator Jennifer Gaye:
“The event's success extended beyond attendance and sales figures.
"While the economic impact for artists is significant, the true value of Open Studios lies in the conversations, connections and relationships that develop throughout the weekend," Ms Gaye said.
"Projects such as Pamela's collaborative vessel demonstrate how art can bring people together and create meaningful shared experiences."
Attribute comments to artist Pamela Chaves:
“This project was inspired by the power of making and creating together.
"The Amulet Vessel was created as a collaborative artwork between artist and community.
“Visitors were invited to contribute a small clay amulet carrying a personal gesture, symbol or intention, transforming many individual voices into one collective form.
“Created from earth, transformed by fire and enriched by many hands, the vessel stands as a lasting reflection of collaboration and community spirit within the City of Melville."
Image: Melville Open Studios Coordinator Jennifer Gaye, Mayor Katy Mair and artist Pamela Chavez with the artwork The Amulet Vessel.