Norfolk Open Studios OPENING NEXT WEEKEND 25 September

One of the most successful Open Studios schemes in the country is set to return next weekend.

Makers and creators will be opening their studio doors across the county as part of Norfolk Open Studios.

The well-loved annual event, which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, will take place across 16 days in September and October, a change in dates for the event which will allow visitors to explore Norfolk in the autumn.

Visitors will find painters, sculptors, weavers, furniture makers, jewellery makers and lots more throughout the varied landscapes of Norfolk – and artists at all stages of their careers from school and college students through to emerging artists and established and professional artists and makers.

More than 320 artists will be taking part across 267 venues to share and sell their work – working from studios, garages, spare rooms, garden rooms and community spaces.

This year they will be joined by students from 22 of the county’s schools – from infant schools and academies to junior schools, colleges and primaries.

Ros Dixon, Norfolk Open Studios Administrator, said: “It’s very exciting that Norfolk Open Studios 2021 is nearly here! After last year’s event had to be cancelled and with this being the first year the event is being held in the autumn, it feels particularly special.

“It means a lot to artists that they can open their studio doors again and from what I have already heard, visitors are looking forward to exploring Norfolk and discovering, and being inspired by, the talented and diverse artist community we are lucky enough to have here in the county.

“I hope everyone has a wonderful and enjoyable time, artists and visitors alike!’

Throughout the duration of Norfolk Open Studios, artists will also be holding additional events, demonstrations and workshops to share their skills and practice.

There are 13 Art Trails in place across the county, which will allow visitors to enjoy several studios in one day.

Studios are free to visit and much of the work will be for sale. All details, including studio opening days, directions, art trails and additional events can be found in the Norfolk Open Studios brochure and on the scheme’s website.

Artists taking part could not be more excited to be opening their studios to visitors. Adam Slatter, an artist based in Norwich will be showing his highly decorative wildlife paintings with Martin Pigg in Rockland St Peter.

He said: “Norfolk Open Studios gives me the opportunity to be a part of a unique creative community whilst meeting lovely people and talking about art.”

Annabel Langhan is an artist based in Halvergate whose work is influenced by folktales, mythical creatures and Aboriginal art. She said: “I participated in Norfolk Open Studios for the first time in 2019 and loved everything about it. It’s a great way to reach the public and share with other artists too.

“I have been passionate about art all my life, but have been taking it more seriously over the last four years, hoping to build on a career as an artist.”

Painter Nigel Skinner, who is based in West Raynham, said: “After a long period of not being able to invite people into my studio I am excited to open my doors to the public once again.

“My studio is situated in the Old Chapel on the former RAF base. I have a keen interest in environmental issues and my work is predominantly made from salvaged and reclaimed materials.

“This year’s open studio is the first time in my twenty years of taking part that I am part of an art trail, with three other artists all based at West Raynham Business Park. We will also be hosting a mixed exhibition in spaces adjacent to our studios which will conclude with an art auction.

Tracey Ross, an artist based in Houghton St Giles near Walsingham, said: “My work explores the horizon and the beauty of Creation inspired by the North Norfolk coast. I love working in acrylics using mixed media to build up the layers and textures.

Studios are free to visit and much of the work will be for sale. All details, including studio opening days, directions, art trails and additional events can be found in the Norfolk Open Studios brochure and on the scheme’s website.

“I enjoy holding art workshops and am in the process of launching my first online art course! I look forward to welcoming you to my studio.”

A preview exhibition of the artwork created by students of all ages from some of the school taking part in Norfolk Open Studios will take place at Anteros Arts Foundation in Norwich. The free exhibition will take place between 28 September and 8 October.

Ros Dixon said: “We’re delighted with the number of schools taking part in Norfolk Open Studios this year. We really hope that people will be able to include a visit to these schools on their days out during open studios, as it’s always a real eye-opener to see the amazing work created by young people.

“It’s also worth visiting the school’s preview exhibition at Anteros Art Gallery in Norwich, as the work on show there will also amaze people.”

Norfolk Open Studios will take place between 25 September and 10 October 2021.

Brochures can be picked up from Tourist Information Centres, libraries, café and various art venues across Norfolk.

For more information visit norfolkstudios.org.uk

Norfolk Open Studios will be a part of Norfolk Wonder, a series of activities across the county this autumn presented by Norfolk & Norwich Festival. The programme is to be announced on 6th August. The Norfolk Wonder programme is a part of a Norfolk County Council initiative designed to attract audiences to Norfolk for experiential tourism in the off- season of October 2021 to March 2022.

Norfolk Open Studios

For 16 days each year, the award-winning Norfolk Open Studios celebrates the county’s artists and their achievements by offering them the opportunity to open their doors to the public to exhibit, sell and talk about their work.

In 2020 the event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and instead ran Norfolk Open Studios Online.

Norfolk Open Studios has established itself as one of the largest and most successful open studios schemes in the country. It gives visitors the opportunity to see new art, meet artists, and – with many of the works on display being for sale – to buy original artworks directly from their creators.

Studios are free to visit and visitors don’t need to book in advance, unless they are a large group.

Norfolk Open Studios is run by Norfolk & Norwich Festival as one of its initiatives. The Festival manages Norfolk Open Studios in partnership with Norfolk artists and makers. It is distinct from the annual Norfolk & Norwich Festival which takes place in May each year.

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