Art Fair East: East of England’s biggest art event returns to Norwich, perfectly timed for Christmas shopping

Art Fair East 30 November – 2 December 2018

Over 200 artists from Norfolk, the UK and further afield, will be taking part in the eastern region’s largest and liveliest contemporary art fair at St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich from 30 November to 2 December.

Art Fair East has been likened to a London art fair transported to Norfolk. It has an international outlook that puts it on a par with the best the capital can offer. It showcases quality galleries, dealers and artists and in just four years has established itself as a permanent fixture in the diaries of many prestigious dealers, becoming one of the country’s leading fairs outside London.

All types of artwork are included, from painting, printmaking and photography to sculpture and mixed media – all original and all carefully selected by event organisers Will Teather and Brian Korteling. As artists themselves they are passionate about getting more people interested in original contemporary art and helping artists to make a living from their work. And their commitment is paying off. Now in its 4th year, Art Fair East has regular artists and dealers who return each year alongside new exhibitors who are keen to get their work seen by thousands of art lovers and potential buyers.

Brian Korteling said ‘We aim to deliver the best the art-world has to offer as well as introducing regional artists to a wider audience – we get a lot of artists from all over eastern England, but we also get exhibitors from across the UK and overseas, from as far afield as United Arab Emirates, China, Pakistan and Lebanon.’

Will Teather added ‘Because we select the exhibitors we can make sure there is a good variety of work that will appeal to different people and give an assurance of quality’

New participants this year include popular Norfolk-based artist Lucy Loveheart who creates magical pictures with a naïve and childlike charm. She has made commissioned work for private clients, Chatsworth House, Kew Gardens and Amnesty International as well as for companies such as Habitat, Liberty and Café Rouge.

Also exhibiting for the first time is Rachel Carter who is based on the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border.  Rachel creates amazing garden sculptures, as well as smaller indoor pieces, that look as if they are woven from willow or crocheted, but which are in fact made from bronze using a unique process that ensures every piece is an original. Simon Dry’s SweetArt limited edition prints are bold graphic images of ice lollies, Quality Street, Dolly Mixtures, jelly beans, wine gums, Jelly Babies and other iconic sweets – they look good enough to eat!

World-renowned Pop Artist Colin Self has confirmed his first attendance at the Fair and East London Printmakers are new exhibitors bringing a selection of original work from several artists.

One of Art Fair East’s regular exhibitors is the Underdog Art Gallery from London Bridge, who deal in artworks by famous names including Damien Hirst and Banksy. Sammy Forway, Director said ‘Art Fair East is a wonderful exhibition opportunity. It is a great way for us to create interest in our gallery and artists outside London. We met a lot of talented artists at the fair and have worked with a couple of them since. We also love the chance to talk to visitors about the artists we represent.’

As Jo Mullins of Norfolk’s Heart of Glass gallery says ‘Art Fair East keeps getting better, with a wide selection of art to suit all tastes and budgets and a very friendly, welcoming atmosphere.’ It’s one of the highlights of the year and it makes a great start to the festive season.’

Art Fair East is sponsored by Musker McIntyre.

www.artfaireast.com

Art Fair East

30 November – 2 December
St Andrews Hall, St Andrews Plain Norwich NR3 1AU
Friday  30 November 10.30am – 5.30pm
Saturday 1 December 10.30am – 6pm
Sunday 2 December 10.30am – 5pm
Admission: £3.50, £3 concessions, accompanied under 14s free.