This weekend is the last chance for visitors to take a peek inside 254 studios across Norfolk as more than 500 artists take part in the last weekend of Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios.

It is the perfect opportunity to explore the width and breadth of the county on what should be a bright weekend.

As one of the biggest open studio schemes in the country, this ever popular art event offers visitors the chance to see how, and where, artists work.

A total of 13 schools are also taking part, and 17 art trails have been organised by artists, each one offering routes linking neighbouring studios.

The trails allow people to make a full day out of their visits, to enjoy not only the art but also as a way of exploring the beautiful Norfolk countryside.

Artists taking part are working in a diverse range of art forms and techniques, including wood turning, sculpture, glass work, papercuts, painting, textiles, jewellery, printing, ceramics and mosaic.

Ros Dixon, Administrator of Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios, said: “Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios has been celebrating the diversity and talent of the county’s visual artists for more than twenty years.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to see and meet artists in traditional studio spaces as well as garages, sheds and spare rooms.

“I look forward to Open Studios each year, and I’d like to thank all of the funders who help support the Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios scheme, and in particular to thank our lead sponsor Wex Photographic.”

The 16-day scheme attracts thousands of visitors each year, and as one visitor said: “I love to hear how each artist develops their ideas and concepts and relish the opportunity to purchase not only beautiful creations, but something with meaning. It is the highlight of my summer!”

Some of the artists taking part have been involved since the scheme was launched 23 years ago and, for others, it will be their first year.

Broadland and Great Yarmouth Open Studios artist, Colin Palmer, said: “This is my very first year participating in Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios and it has been a great experience meeting fellow artists. There are some very beautiful pieces of Art being quietly produced in this area by truly modest people with natural talent.”

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is organised in partnership with Norfolk artists and in association with Wex Photographic.

Continuing their support since 2014, Emma van Deventer, Events Manager at Wex Photographic, said: “We are delighted to be associated with the Norfolk & Norwich Open Studio programme, whose commitment to encouraging and promoting local artists reflects Wex Photographic’s core ethos.

“I look forward to experiencing the best of the Norfolk arts scene again in 2017.”

Studios are free to visit and all details, including studio opening days, directions, Art Trails and additional events and demonstrations, can be found in the Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios brochure and on the website.

Brochures can be picked up from participating artist’s studios, Tourist Information Centres, Libraries, Cafes and various art venues across the county.

Sculptor Henry Stephen, who is taking part for the first time, said: “I had already heard of the fab network of Norfolk & Norwich Open Studio artists, and I wanted to take part and connect to something larger than my own practice. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The event runs until 11 June 2017.
For more information visit www.nnopenstudios.org.uk