Art - Norfolk Open Studios

Norfolk at its creative best

Artists from across South Norfolk will welcome visitors into their studios as part of Norfolk Open Studios, which will take place from 24 September to 9 October.

The free event will see more than 290 artists taking part throughout the county, and in South Norfolk more than 43 artists will be sharing and selling work from their studios, garages, spare rooms, garden rooms, community spaces and schools.

Artists at all stages of their careers will be taking part, from school and college students, through to emerging artists and established and professional creators and makers. Visitors will find painters, sculptors, weavers, ceramicists, furniture makers, wood workers, jewellery makers, pyrographers, textile artists and lots more throughout the varied landscapes of Norfolk.

The Arboretum Gallery will be opening in Heckingham and features the woodwork of six makers. Woodworker David Bartram said: “We always look forward to Norfolk Open Studios,

Nicola Slattery in her studio - Credit Kate Royall

having been a part of it for several years – it's always great to meet the wide variety of people it attracts. While we mainly make commissioned furniture and do conservation work for organisations such as the National Trust, we wanted to have a space to display our own designs, so last year we opened The Arboretum Gallery.

“The gallery’s focus is on contemporary pieces made primarily of locally sourced timber. Ranging from wall art and fine jewellery boxes to dining tables, the space holds a diverse collection, and visitors are welcome to look around the gallery as well as take guided tours of the adjoining workshop."

Painter Nicola Slattery from Alburgh said: “I first took part in Norfolk Open Studios over 20 years ago and I have participated whenever I have been able to since then. I find working as an artist is often a solitary life. Taking part in Open Studios enables me to receive feedback on my work directly from visitors.

“I'm very excited to be taking part this year, especially as I have a lot of new work to show and

ART

visitors will be able to view recent paintings, limited-edition prints and some earlier works. I work in a purpose-built studio which is part of my home – converted from an old cart lodge barn. There are greetings cards depicting over thirty of my paintings, as well as unframed limited-edition prints in a browser. The kettle is never far away and I'm always happy for visitors to call in for a chat and a cuppa.”

Art Trails will also be in place across the county, allowing visitors to enjoy several studios and local attractions in one day. Throughout the duration of Norfolk Open Studios, artists will be offering additional events, demonstrations and workshops to share their skills and practice. In South Norfolk there will be a have-a-go day in Diss, a landscape in acrylics workshop and a drawing workshop.

Ros Dixon, Norfolk Open Studios Administrator, said: “It’s always exciting planning for Norfolk Open Studios. The event brings so much pleasure and inspiration to visitors, and it gives people a brilliant reason to go out and about in Norfolk to explore and discover.

“The artists look forward to it so much as well, they really enjoy the opportunity to invite people into their workspaces and to have a chat about their work. There are some amazing Norfolk schools taking part, the work they create is extraordinary. It’s well-worth including some of these schools in your studio visits.”

In South Norfolk, the Langley School is taking part with an exhibition of current work from both the Senior and Prep Schools, set in the Senior School Art Department. One art trail organised by artists – the South Norfolk Art Trail – will take in five artists throughout Framingham Earl, Stoke Holy Cross and Shotesham.

One visitor to the last Open Studios event said: “A marvellous insight into the incredibly talented artists we have here in Norfolk! Loved it.” Another said: “In a world of mass production, it is easy to forget about creativity.”

All details, including studio opening days, directions, art trails and additional events and demonstrations, can be found in the Norfolk Open Studios brochure and on the event’s website norfolkstudios.org.uk

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

Safe Harbour (drypoint) by Nicola Slattery

Wild Rose by Nicola Slattery