Taster Exhibition at The Forum for Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2014

150 artists provide a taste of county wide 20th anniversary art event, 18-25 April

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios (NNOS) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2014 and the first opportunity art lovers will have to see some of the treasures included this year will be at the Central Taster Exhibition, at The Forum Norwich from 18-23 April.

The exhibition is a great way to get a taste of what’s in store and demonstrates the extraordinary range and diversity of art produced in the county. On show there will be everything from painting, drawing, photography and printmaking to jewellery, ceramics, textiles, woodturning and sculpture. Much of the work will be for sale and artists will be on hand between 9.30am and 6.30pm each day to talk about their work. Demonstrations of different techniques and effects will also take place during the exhibition. Taster exhibitions are also taking place around the county at Attleborough Library 2-8 May; The Atrium, North Walsham from 1-17 May; Ravenous Café, Beccles 24- 26 May, 28 May-1 June, 4-8 June and for the very first time there will be a special schools Taster Exhibition at The Millennium Library 16-23 April. This will showcase a selection of artwork by young people from the schools taking part in the scheme this year, giving a great way to get a sense of the exceptional artistic talent of children across Norfolk.

Amongst those exhibiting at the Norwich taster is printmaker Martin Mitchell who took part in the very first Open Studios in 1995. Martin uses traditional Intaglio and relief process to produce stunning landscapes, figurative Mezzotints and lino cuts. He has a special interest in promoting printmaking amongst artists and the general public, set up the Norwich Print Workshop in 1990 and Norwich Print Fair in 1995. His work is held in many public and private collections. Martin said ‘It’s wonderful to be able to join in with other artists to work together in a great celebration of the visual arts

As well as individuals a number of groups will be showing their work including Five In Focus a group of five internationally respected photographers based in East Anglia supported by NNOS sponsors Wex Photographic. In all 150 artists will be showing their work at The Forum

The Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios itself takes place from 24 May to 8 June with artists across the county opening their home and studio doors to an eager public keen to view their work and see ‘behind-the-scenes’ of their artistic practices.

Run by Norfolk & Norwich Festival in partnership with Norfolk artists NNOS is now firmly established as one of the largest and most successful schemes of its kind in the country, Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios provides a simple way for artists to show and sell their work to a large and diverse audience. It also encourages everyone, from ardent art lovers to the curious first-time visitor, to get out and about, see art and meet artists in the informal surroundings of their studios away from the confines of the gallery.

In 2013, an estimated 33,000 members of the public roamed the county to visit over 470 participating artists in 231 studios. For this 20th anniversary year, with the support of sponsors Wex Photographic a record number of over 550 artists will be taking part in 272 different locations either as individuals or as a member of one of 33 participating groups. Some artists will be giving demonstrations or leading workshops and many will be serving refreshments. 20 different art trails across the county allow visitors to explore the studios of a range of artists in a particular area.

William Galinsky, Artistic Director of Norfolk & Norwich Festival said ‘I am so proud that Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is twenty years old and proud to be working with so many talented artists in a part of the world that has long been an inspiration for artists. The richness of delights on offer this year shows that this is still very much the case. And now with the enthusiastic support of Wex photographic we hope to attract even more visitors.’

Emma van Deventner, Events Manager Wex Photographic said ‘Backing the local arts programmes and festivals helps ensure that Norfolk remains an exceptional place for artistic development and achievement, for artists at every level’ said Emma van Deventer, Events Manager, Wex Photographic ‘Sponsoring Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is a natural extension of this for us. We are also especially proud to bring our exclusive Five in Focus exhibition to the NNOS calendar for the first time’

nnopenstudios.org.uk

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios Central Taster Exhibition
18-23 April, 9.30am – 6.30pm (4pm on 23 April), FREE
The Forum, Millennium Plain Norwich NR2 1TF

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios Schools Taster Exhibition
16-23 April, 9am-8pm (10.30am-4.30pm on 20 April), FREE
Norwich Millenium Library, The Forum, Millennium Plain Norwich NR2 1TF

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios
24 May – 8 June
Various locations around Norfolk 

nnopenstudios.org.uk

Norfolk & Norwich Festival is a flagship arts organisation for the East of England with a reputation for innovative, inspirational programming and commissioning. In addition to staging one of the most significant arts festivals in the UK each May, Norfolk & Norwich Festival collaborates throughout the year with local, national and international partners to produce work for a huge and diverse range of audiences, participants and communities.

The organisation has been granted Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation status from April 2012 and has been named as one of 10 Bridge Organisations with a mandate to develop arts and cultural opportunities for children and young people in the East of England. Norfolk & Norwich Festival is funded and supported  by Arts Council England, Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council and the generous support of sponsors and donors.

The Festival itself runs from 9-25 May, full details and ticket bookings at nnfestival.org.uk