Creativity Cast Ashore for Sculpture at Bathers 2025

Fremantle’s creativity, vibrancy, and pure artistic energy come to life this autumn as Sculpture at Bathers returns for its sixth year. Running from April 4–21, this much-loved event will showcase 57 of WA’s most innovative sculptors at Bathers Beach Art Precinct / Manjaree, transforming the coastline into an inspiring open-air gallery.

This year, the exhibition expands in an exciting new direction—alongside the stunning beachside installations, visitors can explore an indoor sculpture showcase at the WA Shipwrecks Museum, adding a fresh dimension to this cultural celebration.

For over a decade, Sculpture at Bathers tells the story of West Australian sculpture as a distinctively special practice —a homegrown event celebrating WA artists against the breathtaking backdrop of Bathers Beach. This year, 57 talented sculptors will transform the coastline into an open-air gallery, bringing together bold installations, intricate sculptures, and thought-provoking pieces.

Artistic Director Sandra Murray captures the essence of the event: “I am so looking forward to sharing the inspiring public artworks of our sculptors in the beautiful and historic setting of Manjaree / Bathers Beach. Sculpture at Bathers combines the friendly vibe of the beach with high-calibre sculptures of WA’s most innovative and exciting artists. I encourage everyone to visit and enjoy this event.”

It’s not just about viewing art—it’s about experiencing it. Visitors can join artist-led tours, take in the works by twilight with a torch in hand, or even get creative with hands-on workshops on the sand. For the first time, the exhibition extends into the WA Shipwrecks Museum, adding a new depth to the event. Plus, the satellite exhibition, Seed at Old Customs House, shines a spotlight on artists who have undertaken a residency in Switzerland, pushing their practice in new directions

Valerie Schönjahn, a local and selected artist 2025 explains “Sculpture at Bathers makes art accessible to the public, while at the same time supporting local artists and strengthening community. I was lucky to receive the inaugural “S@B Emerging Artist Award” in 2022.  This allowed me to receive invaluable mentoring throughout the following year.”

Alessandra Rossi, also a Fremantle local and selected artist for S@B 2025 notes, “It’s inspiring to exhibit alongside other sculptors from WA. There’s something special about building those connections with fellow artists, it’s motivating and pushes me to elevate my work. Also, working on Bathers Beach in Walyalup, with all its historical and cultural significance, feels like the perfect setting to bring to life my new piece for S@B: “Ester I am Land, Land Is Me”.”

It’s a perfect excuse to make a day (or a weekend) of it—grab a coffee, soak up the sculptures, then wander into town for the buzzing street atmosphere.

Fremantle is at its best when art and community come together, and this season is no exception. Whether you’re strolling through sand-side sculptures, taking lunch at one of the many local eateries or combining other Easter long weekend entertainment, the city’s vibrant, creative soul is on full display. Don’t miss it!

Sculpture At Bathers is a small not for profit organisation led by a dedicated group of artists, arts workers and volunteers. For the full exhibition program, visit: www.sculptureatbathers.com.au | @sculptureatbathers.

Full artist listing

Outdoors artists: Richard Aitken, Tim Burns, Ryan Cant, Elaine Clocherty and Mick Hart, Jennifer Cochrane, Jake Coghlan, Merle Davis, Tony Davis, Kevin Draper, Tom de Munk-Kerkmeer, Fiona Gavino, Simon Gilby, Mandy Hawkhead, Sam Hopkins, Tony Jones, Jina Lee, Anton Lord, Tim Macfarlane Reid, Melanie Maclou, Gordon Mitchell, Greg Molloy, Jennie Nayton, Jill Paynter-O’Meehan, Tony Pankiw, Sakura Motomura, Johannes Pannekoek, Alessandra Rossi, Aaron Seymour, Jon Tarry, Sioux Tempestt, Steve Tepper.

Indoors artists - WA Shipwrecks Museum: Claire Bailey, Mikaela Castledine, Nic Compton, Eileen Cunningham, Stuart Elliott, Marcia Espinosa, Susan Flavell, Dawn Gamblen, Phil Gamblen, Marian Giles, Yoshiko Gunning, Adam Hisham Ismail, Todd Israel, Paul Kaptein, Anne Neil, Britt Mikkelsen, Janine McAullay-Bott, Sherry Quiambao, Valerie Schönjahn, Helen Seiver, Sally Stoneman, Yuko Takahashi, Gabby Testaferrata Olivier, Rima Zabaneh, Gisela A. Züchner-Mogall.