Visitors to a contemporary coastal art show next month should 'expect the unexpected'.

North Norfolk News: Laurie RudlingLaurie Rudling (Image: Archant)

The Cley 13 event, organised by the North Norfolk Exhibition Project, will be based in St Margaret's Church and the surrounding area between July 4 and August 5.

About 6,000 people are expected to attend the annual event, which started in 2000 at Salthouse church.

The pieces of work from the 65 artists, who either live in Norfolk or have a connection to the county, will be on show between 10am and 5.30pm each day as well as on sale.

They will include paintings, prints, textiles, sound demonstrations, sculptures and large installations.

One of the organisers Mary Crofts, an artist from Billingford, near Dereham, said: 'People should expect the unexpected. The exhibition was originally set up to fill a gap because there wasn't a commercial gallery for contemporary art in north Norfolk. It gives artists the chance to create art that they would not normally be able to make. It allows them to step out of their comfort zone and fill a large space.'

The free annual exhibition attracts a lot of people from out of Norfolk and several people arrange their holidays around the event, according to Mrs Crofts.

'I think it gives people who might not normally view contemporary art the chance to see something totally different. There is a myth about art that it is elitist but that is totally not what we are about,' Mrs Crofts added.

As well as the art, children, adults and schools will be able to take part in 12 workshops across the month.

These will be looking at different techniques including experimental printmaking, acrylic painting, cyanotypes, camera-free photography and textiles.

Booking is essential and they range fom free sessions to £60. Visit www.cleycontemporaryart.org/workshops.htm for more information.

There will also be a sound walk on July 18 at 4am to celebrate World Listening Day.

Tickets cost £8 and will include a breakfast at 5.30am. To book a place email rosie@cleycontemporaryart.org.

Curator Ian Starsmore said: 'There is a wonderful diversity of work, all of it serious and rewarding. I have loved the way everyone has thought about the project, visited the church, reflecting and planning.'

This year's theme is ecology.

Visit www.cleycontemporaryart.org