Nearly 100 north Norfolk artists will be taking part in this year's Open Studios event, which kicks off this weekend at studios, sheds, shops, schools and summerhouses all over the area.

The scheme, which is co-ordinated by a committee of artists and the Norfolk and Norwich Festival team, provides an opportunity for artists to showcase their work.

Events this year include artist-run workshops and demonstrations, ranging from weaving and painting, to bead-making and beachcombing.

Holt artists have teamed up with the villages of Aylmerton, Gresham, West Beckham and High Kelling to map out a 'Five Star' art trail featuring painting, spinning, stained glass and dying, with visitors given a chance to win prizes including pieces of artwork.

A similar scheme has been organised at Cromer and, at North Walsham, artists will be running a studio trail as well as exhibiting in local shops and cafes, and at the town's library in New Road.

Youngsters from North Walsham Junior School will also be staging an art show, while the new Atrium arts centre will be hosting a taster exhibition featuring work from 75 artists from north Norfolk and Broadland.

Textile artist Jill Hill, who is part of a five-strong team of Open Studios representatives for the north Norfolk area, will be running workshops and hosting an exhibition at her gallery, The Old Workshop, at Corpusty.

The show includes Jill's own work, as well as paintings by Patience Foster, sculpture by Harry Baker and abstract artwork by John Midgley, who will be giving a demonstration aimed at unravelling a few contemporary art cliches.

The gallery has been involved in Open Studios since the scheme was launched 18 years ago. 'I think it is a great platform for artists to show work that might not ordinarily be seen by the public,' Jill said. 'And because it is so well-established, people look forward to it and will often make a point of visiting the county especially.'

Open Studios runs from Saturday May 26 to June 10. For more information on participating artists, visit www.nnfestival.org.uk/openstudios.