Since 1994, Open Studios has become an important part of the visual arts landscape in Norfolk.An Open Studios ‘taster’ exhibition is the ideal way to sample the enormous range of work produced by local artists – and to plan your studio visits

Whether you’re interested in oils, sculpture, watercolours, linocuts, quilting, basketmaking, collage, photography, etchings, sketches, pots or fabric design, Norfolk Open Studios has plenty to offer everyone. But with hundreds of artists taking part in the scheme every year, it can be difficult to know which studios to head for first. A good place to start is at one of the ‘taster’ exhibitions held around the county. Almost always staffed by artists, these exhibitions gather the work of various artists in each district together in one venue. Attending a taster event gives visitors a chance to see some of the artists’ work in the flesh and decide which studios to make a beeline for. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the artists taking part, their inspiration, ideas and techniques, through pen portraits and CVs. Regional maps are available too, to help with route planning. Meanwhile the taster venues themselves provide an intriguing backdrop to the art on show – from the charm and character of a converted stable gallery to the ultra-modern ambience of the Forum in Norwich. “The taster is an important facet of Open Studios,” says Roger Gamble, a working artist who represents Breckland on the Open Studios committee. “Breckland covers a very large geographical area and the public has this opportunity to see examples of the artists’ work in one place, before deciding which of the 30-plus studios to visit once the main event gets under way.” The Breckland area has held Open Studios tasters for the past seven years. In 2008 the elegant Assembly Rooms in the centre of Swaffham are once again the venue, and a wide-ranging mix of styles and influences will be on show.

“Open Studios creates a relaxing atmosphere ... where you can chat over coffee or a glass of wine”

Alison Wagstaffe, North Norfolk’s representative on the committee, agrees that the taster sessions are well worth attending. “The taster gives the public a chance to see what’s hidden up in those studios before making the trek!” she explains. “Through Open Studios I get to meet those anonymous people who kindly write out cheques at galleries to pay for my pictures. It’s encouraging to see their appreciation and interest in how I make my work, to open up my private little world to them and hear their stories – and everyone has a story to tell – about why a particular picture appeals to them and why they like what I do.” For Vicky Ellis, deputy representative for Norwich, the best part of the Open Studios scheme is the informal environment, with the taster sessions offering people the opportunity to meet some of the artists involved before deciding which studios they’d like to visit. “Unlike most settings, Open Studios creates a relaxing atmosphere for people to see work and where you can sit and chat over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet people who you wouldn’t necessarily otherwise meet, whether they buy, commission or not, just to spread the word of what I and other artists do. It also helps dispel the myth of artists being unapproachable!” So don’t miss the tasters! Details of taster exhibition venues and opening times are shown on the right, but watch the Open Studios website for details of tasters not confirmed at the time of going to print.

Taster exhibitions and dates.

Breckland

Swaffham Assembly Rooms
10am–6pm, 14–15 May
The Marketplace
Swaffham PE37 7QH
01760 722800

Broadland

Details tbc

North Norfolk

The Stable Gallery
10am–5pm (Mon–Sat)
10am–4pm (Sun)
26 April–1 June
Kelling Estate
Kelling, Holt NR25 7EW
01263 710610

Norwich/Central

The Forum
9.30am–6.30pm
18–24 April
2 Millennium Plain
Norwich NR2 1TF
01603 727950

South Norfolk

South Norfolk Council
8.45am–5.00pm (Mon–Thurs)
8.45am–4.15pm (Fri)
6–9 and 12–16 May
Swan Lane
Long Stratton NR15 2XE
01508 533979

West Norfolk & King's Lynn

No taster for this year!