Artists are gearing up to fling open their studio doors in what is set to be the biggest open studios event in Norfolk this year. 

In celebration of the area’s artistic talents, makers and creators will be showing visitors how and where they work as part of North Norfolk Studios. 

A record-breaking 173 artists will be taking part, offering visitors a rich and rewarding insight into their working spaces – from studios and gardens to spare rooms and garages, shared spaces and sheds. 

Artists at all stages of their careers will be taking part, from emerging talent to established masters of the county’s creative scene. 

“A unique opportunity to explore the region”

Visitors will find painters, ceramicists, printmakers, woodworkers, sculptors, textile artists, jewellers, photographers, furniture makers, metal workers and lots more throughout the varied and stunning landscapes of North Norfolk. 

Alex Boardman of North Norfolk Studios said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming a record 173 artists to North Norfolk Studios this year. Spread across fourteen areas, the event offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region while discovering the extraordinary breadth of creative practices, from established names to emerging voices across a diverse range of media. 

“It’s an exciting moment for North Norfolk Studios and a real celebration of the area’s creative energy promising a rich and rewarding experience for visitors.” 

The applications from artists to take part this year were so high the event has created 14 areas of artists across the district, so visitors can enjoy several studios in one day, planning their trips around artists they already love and artists they have yet to meet and chat with – all while exploring and enjoying the stunning scenery this area of Norfolk has to offer. 

Potter Kat Wheeler, whose work is quietly informed by the open beaches, wide skies and surrounding countryside of North Norfolk, said: “I’ve taken part in North Norfolk Studios since the very first year, and it’s something I genuinely look forward to every time. I love opening up my working studio and sharing how pieces are made, not just the finished work. There’s something special about the conversations that happen when people see pots in progress, shelves mid-cycle, and the reality of a working practice rather than a polished gallery setting. 

“My studio is in a beautiful wooded area at the back of my home and visitors are stepping directly into the space where the work is actually made, fired and finished. I think that honesty — showing the mess, the tests, the failures as well as the finished pieces — is what people respond to most. Many visitors return year after year, which feels like a real conversation over time rather than a one-off event. My working space is where ideas come to life.” 

“I love opening my studio up to the public”

North Norfolk Studios is a unique opportunity for visitors to browse and buy directly from artists in their own creative spaces, while also picking up inspiration along the way. 

Printmaker Kurt Moore, who is based in the Nar Valley will be opening his barn-style studio in his garden, he said: “I love opening my studio up once a year to members of the public to come and enjoy the space, browse, enjoy the garden and also see what I do. It is lovely to get to know people and also share my passion. 

“While visiting, I will do demos on printmaking and carving so people can learn about lino printing. I’m very happy to share my process and maybe inspire people too.” 

North Norfolk Studios annually attracts thousands of visitors who flock to studios across the diverse and rich landscape which has been an inspiration to artists for centuries. 

Jo Pluckrose, who draws inspiration from the countryside around her studio, makes nature-inspired sculptures from wire, she said: 

“North Norfolk Studios is the last remaining, widespread open studios event in Norfolk; I feel it’s vitally important to support an event run by artists, for artists and I feel incredibly excited and privileged to be a part of the biggest art exhibition art lovers will get to see in Norfolk this year!” 

North Norfolk Studios will take place between 23rd May and 7th June 2026. All studios are free to visit and a brochure detailing all the locations will be available towards the end of April and on the event’s website. 

For more information visit www.northnorfolkstudios.co.uk