Your chance to watch artists at work

Artists from the Aylsham area and beyond are getting ready to open their studio doors as part of a major art event.

In celebration of the area’s talents, makers and creators will be showing visitors how and where they work as part of North Norfolk Studios, which will take place between May 23 and June 7.

A record-breaking 173 artists will be taking part in the free event across North Norfolk, offering visitors a rare insight into their working spaces – from studios and gardens to spare rooms and garages, shared spaces and sheds.

There were so many artists wanting to take part this year that the district was split into 14 areas to visit during the event. This includes a total of seven artists on the Aylsham trail and lots more within easy reach of the town.

Artists at all stages of their careers will be taking part across the district, from emerging talent to established masters of the county’s creative scene. Painters, ceramicists, printmakers, woodworkers, sculptors, textile artists, jewellers, photographers, furniture makers and metal workers will be taking part.

TOWN TRAIL: Some of the artists taking part in the Aylsham trail are (L-R) Jennifer Brett, Susan Bell, Mary Newton, Fiona Burton, and Carey Whiteman (Carey’s Recycling). Picture: DEREK BURTON

Visit www.northnorfolkstudios.co.uk for full details about the artists, their addresses and when they will be opening. A brochure about the event can also be downloaded from the website and is available locally.

Fiona Burton, an Aylsham-based artist, said: “We are all delighted to be taking part in North Norfolk Open Studios this year.
“We are all showing very varied artwork from contemporary and traditional painting in watercolour, mixed media, pastels, oils along with pottery and upcycled art. I’m looking forward to engaging with people and showing how and why I create. It’s a chance to browse, ask questions and engage with us all, and I hope people will embrace that idea.”

Fellow Aylsham artist Mary Newton said she was pleased so many local artists were taking part in the event.
“Aylsham has got a lot going and it would be nice for people to spend the whole day here,” added Mary.

The other artists on the Aylsham trail are Susan Bell, Jennifer Brett, Carey Whiteman (Carey’s Upcycling), Ahoney Bee, and Eleanor Torbati.

Further afield, Michael Scott will be welcoming visitors to his studio in Skeyton during the event.
He said: “It gives the public the opportunity to visit local artists in their studio, see them at work, browse and even buy their work. Entry is completely free and you might even get a cup of tea or a glass of wine at some studios!”
An advert with details about Michael’s studio appears in the event brochure, which can be viewed on the North Norfolk Studios website.

AT WORK: Michael Scott at his studio in Skeyton.

Meanwhile, four artists – Jo Hillam, Lesley Ash, Angie Maddigan and Maggie Simmons – will be exhibiting at the same venue in Wickmere.

CREATIVE: Artist Jo Hillam.