Local artists put their stamp on Christmas
Some of the Shire’s newest artists got a sneak peek at their upcoming collaborative art installation this week.
Earlier this year, around 45 school-aged children took part in a series of creative workshops led by local artist Fi Wilkie to create original artworks to help our community celebrate Christmas in a distinctly local way.
Following an expression of interest process, Ms Wilkie was commissioned by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River to develop a series of original designs that will be featured on banners along Margaret River’s main street and decorations in Augusta during the festive season.
Ms Wilke and a selection of the children who participated in the workshops joined Shire president Julia Jean-Rice to view the street banners ahead of their installation later this month.
Shire President Julia Jean-Rice said she was delighted with the results.
“We’re so pleased with the bright, fun and joyful designs Fi and our local children have created.”
“It feels really special to have unique and authentic artworks which feature our local plants and wildlife as Christmas icons, rather than generic imagery.
“I’m confident the banners will resonate with visitors and residents alike and will become a source of pride amongst our community when they’re installed along the main street later this month.”
Ms Wilkie said she was constantly inspired by the rich biodiversity of the Margaret River region and was delighted to work with local children to bring the project to life
“For me, this project was more than just creating Christmas-inspired artwork. It was about celebrating our local environment and helping the young participants develop a connection to this amazing place we call home.”
Ms Wilkie worked with the children to create colourful collages representing three distinct landscapes and the iconic species found across the region.
“We explored three local landscapes - forest and bushland, shorelines and ocean, and farmland and open pastures - and the children added their own creative ideas and painted papers to bring the unique artwork together as part of a coordinated design.”
Junior artist and workshop participant, Alex Gardiner (aged 6) said she enjoyed being a part of the process
“It was so fun doing the workshop with Fi, and I can’t believe our collages have been turned into proper artwork that will be displayed on the main street!”
The art project is one of several Christmas initiatives that will be supported by the Shire in 2026.
“Our residents have told us they’d like our towns to feel more festive, so we’re excited to help bring Christmas to life through event support, community grants, local arts projects and festive lighting and decorations,” said Shire President Jean-Rice.
“We’ve carefully balanced our investment against other key priorities and focused on establishing a program that can continue to evolve with community feedback over the coming years.”
For more information about the Shire's 2026 Christmas program go to yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au/christmas-2026.