Makers and creators will be opening their studio doors across the county as part of Norfolk Open Studios. More than 165 artists will be taking part to share and sell their work.
Artists will be at work in their studios, garages, spare rooms, garden rooms, community spaces and schools sharing how they work.
Artists at all stages of their careers will be taking part, from school and college students through to emerging artists and established and professional creators and makers.
Visitors will find painters, ceramicists, printmakers, woodworkers, sculptors, textile artists, jewellers, photographers, furniture makers, metal workers and lots more throughout the varied landscapes of Norfolk.
Potter Katrina Wheeler, is taking part for the fifth time, she said: “Norfolk Open Studios is an event that I really look forward to each year and a great opportunity to meet people face to face. I receive many return visitors and it is lovely to have a chat and show them new work in progress.
“When visitors arrive, I take them to the working studio which is tucked away in the woods at the back of my home, and explain my process. I often do live demonstrations on the potters wheel and the carving technique I use in much of my work.
“After viewing the working space visitors are welcome to wonder through the gallery which is housed in an old post WW1 hut that was put up for soldiers to help them get back on their feet and visitors are always very interested in hearing about the building, scruffy as it is!!
“I sell my work during Norfolk Open Studios which is a bonus , but that’s not really what it‘s all about. I work alone for most of the year and I really enjoy people popping in to chat to about my work and uncover some of the mysteries of the firing process.”
Many artists will be offering additional events, demonstrations and workshops to share their skills and practice.
There will be a preview exhibition at The Forum in Norwich and numerous art trails – allowing visitors to enjoy several studios in one day.
Daniel Randall, Norfolk Open Studios Producer, said: “Norfolk Open Studios is a fantastic opportunity to get a behind- the-scenes experience of Norfolk artists and creatives. Visitors can expect a huge array of artforms from painting and print to textiles and ceramics, all from the artist’s home or studio.
“There’s really something for everyone. When you visit an artist’s studio you can take part in their workshops, view their demonstrations, and even buy a piece of their work. Keep an eye out of for the Artist Preview Exhibition at The Forum in Norwich during August to get an exciting taste of what’s to come.”
One visitor to the last year’s Open Studios event said: “I loved discovering great artists who practically live on my doorstep! I wouldn’t have known about them otherwise.”
Another said: “I enjoyed meeting local artists who had opened their houses and shared their enthusiasm for art. I felt inspired by the people I spoke to and part of a community.”
The preview exhibition will take place at The Forum between 15th and 20th August, offering visitors the chance to get a taste of what is on offer and plan their Open Studios visits.
The free exhibition is open 9.30am – 5.30pm daily.
Norfolk Open Studios annually attracts thousands of visitors who flock to studios across Norfolk to meet our county’s artists.
Norfolk Open Studios will take place between 23rd September and 8th October 2023. For more information visit norfolkstudios.org.uk
