Norfolk Open Studios … still open this weekend

Norfolk Open Studios will take place between 23rd September and 8th October 2023.

Artists across Norfolk will open their studios to visitors this weekend as Norfolk Open Studios begins.
Makers and creators will be opening their studio doors across the county to share their creative processes.

The well-loved annual event will take place across 16 days, with more than 240 artists taking part across 167 locations.

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 are 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.

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.”

Many artists will be offering additional events, demonstrations and workshops to share their skills and practice.

In total there are 167 studio venues, 8 schools taking part and numerous art trails – allowing visitors to enjoy several studios in one day.

Studios are free to visit and much of the work is 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.

Amelia Mills, a painter who is based in Walcott, said: “I’m excited to be taking part in Norfolk Open Studios for what will be my seventh year. It’s always a great opportunity to show my work and talk to the public about my art process. Who doesn’t love to look round a messy studio and see how art is created!”

Painter Sara Edwards will be hosting two workshops during Norfolk Open Studios for people of any ability who want to spend a relaxing day painting, she said: “Norfolk Open Studios is a wonderful opportunity to engage directly with so many people who are interested in art. I can talk about art, sell art, discuss commissions, and even encourage people to have a go at art, all in an informal studio setting.

South Creake artist Ricardo Pimentel said: “It’s such a rewarding experience. People drop by and are genuinely interested in what you do and just want to know more about your practice, which is really enjoyable. Sometimes one person drops by and at other times a whole family or group of friends call in. It’s the variety and interest that makes it so enjoyable for the artist.”

Norfolk Open Studios annually attracts thousands of visitors who flock to studios across Norfolk to meet our county’s artists.

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.”

Norfolk Open Studios will take place between 23rd September and 8th October 2023.

For more information visit norfolkstudios.org.uk

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