10th & 11th October 2026
For more than 25 years, Kalamunda Open Studios has offered a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and experience art where it is created. Founded by local artists Cedric Baxter and Dan Mazzotti, the event invites visitors into the working studios of some of the region’s most talented artists.
Coordinated by Mikaela and Stephen Castledine since the early 2000s, the event showcases more than 30 artists across the City of Kalamunda. Held annually in Spring, and occasionally in Autumn, it offers a unique self-guided trail through one of Western Australia’s most creative communities.
This year’s Open Studios takes place on the 10th and 11th October with studios from Wattle Grove to Gooseberry Hill open from 10am – 5pm. Pick up a brochure from the Perth Hills Kalamunda Visitor Centre or download from the website.
Artist Spotlight
Kjerstin Bjelland – Weaver
A passionate self-taught weaver since 2008, Kjerstin enjoys sharing her craft with the public during the Kalamunda Open Studios weekend. For many visitors, it is their first encounter with a loom, and they are often amazed by the skill, preparation and numerous steps involved before a single thread is woven.
“Weaving is a craft that combines patience, creativity and technical skill,” says Kjerstin. “Opening my studio gives people the chance to see what happens behind the scenes and, hopefully, inspires them to appreciate handmade textiles in a new way.”
Her studio in Walliston is in the family shed, which is carefully tidied and transformed for the Open Studios weekend. An additional section of the shed becomes a gallery space where she displays a range of her woven works and products. Visitors will have the chance to see three floor looms, along with all the equipment required to prepare and dress a loom. They can also browse Kjerstin’s extensive collection of weaving books and magazines and admire her impressive collection of beautiful yarns, she loves working with mostly natural yarns like wool, alpaca, cotton, linen and silk.
One of the looms will be set up as an interactive display, giving visitors the opportunity to try their hand at weaving for themselves.
For more information follow Kjerstin on her social’s pages @handwovenbykjerstin
Danica Wichtermann – Ceramicist
Ceramic artist Danica Wichtermann welcomes visitors to her Wattle Grove home studio as part of the Kalamunda Open Studios weekend. Alongside her distinctive ceramic creations inspired by Australian botanicals and black cockatoos, Danica will also host several guest artists, offering visitors the opportunity to experience a diverse range of local creative practices in one location.
Guests can step inside a working ceramics studio, discover the process behind Danica’s handmade pieces, meet the artists, and browse a collection of unique works available for purchase. Throughout the weekend, visitors of all ages can take part in mini clay workshops, with sessions priced between $10 and $20, giving them the chance to get their hands dirty creating their own keepsake to take home after firing.
For Danica, the Open Studios experience is about more than showcasing artwork. “I love connecting directly with people and sharing my creative process,” she says. “Open Studios gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the time, skill and stories behind handmade work, while supporting local artists and discovering places they may never have visited otherwise.”
Whether visitors are searching for a one-of-a-kind piece, keen to try clay for the first time, or simply looking to explore the creative side of the Kalamunda region, Danica’s studio promises an engaging and welcoming experience.
To find out more about Danica and her work visit her website www.rediscovering.com.au and follow her on socials @RediscoverCeramics
Meet artists face-to-face, watch creativity in action, and find a unique piece of art to take home, all while exploring the beautiful Perth Hills.
For a full list of artists and their opening times please visit the Kalamunda Open Studios website www.kalamundaopenstudios.wordpress.com and follow them on Instagram @kalamundaopenstudios
To discover more exciting spring events and to plan your trip, please visit www.experienceperthhills.com.au/kalamunda or pop into the Kalamunda Visitor Centre, open 7 days a week.