Join me at the NR23 Exhibition at the Wells Maltings
- Sophia Williams
- Sep 2
- 4 min read
Meet local Norfolk artists showcasing authentic coastal artwork
I'm thrilled to be part of the NR23 exhibition at Wells Maltings this September. You'll find me manning the gallery on Thursday 4th September from 11am-4pm, ready to chat about Norfolk's coastal landscapes, my selective focus painting approach, and the magical local fauna and flora that inspire my work.
What is NR23?
The NR23 group represents artists living and working within the Wells-next-the-Sea postcode area. Since 2022, Wells Maltings has opened the prestigious Handa Gallery to local artists, creating a platform that "signalled how we as a creative organisation can work to give support to artists at all levels and stages of their careers."
This isn't just another art fair - it's a celebration of authentic local creativity, featuring artists who live and breathe the Norfolk coast.
What you'll find at the exhibition
My work at the exhibition I'll be showcasing three original oil paintings. Here is a sneak preview of two of them:
Meet the NR23 Artists The exhibition features diverse local talent from Wells-next-the-Sea, Stiffkey and Warham. This year's participating artists include:
Hazel Ashley • Chris Dilks • Ann Egan • Linda Gower • Alison Henry • Pia Henderson • Thea Hickling • Pippa King • Bryony Knight • Debbie Lyddon • Helen McConnell • Moff Moffat • Hannah Nelson • Toby Newman • Linda Pattrick • Carla Phillips • Joy Pitts • Sue Rainsford • John Richter • Cherry Vernon • Caroline Wheeler • Sophia Williams and others.
Each artist brings their unique perspective - from coastal landscapes and wildlife studies to abstract works, portraits, sculpture, and contemporary themes. It's a brilliant opportunity to discover the creative diversity within our local Wells-next-the-Sea, Stiffkey and Warham community.
Why visit during the exhibition?
Meet the Artists Each day of the exhibition from 11am until 4pm on 4th-14th September, you'll find different NR23 artists manning the gallery. Thursday 4th September is your chance for a proper conversation with me about my work, whilst other days offer opportunities to meet the other talented artists and discover their unique approaches and inspirations.
Personal Artist Chat When you visit during artist attendance days, you can discuss the inspiration behind each piece, learn about different techniques, and discover what it's like to live and create in this special corner of Norfolk.
Behind the Scenes Stories Hear about painting wildlife in Norfolk's landscapes, the challenges of capturing movement and light, and the local flora and fauna that inspire my work. I'm currently exploring ideas for a migratory bird series as autumn migration brings incredible species to our coastal marshes.
Meet Other Artists' Perspectives Throughout the exhibition run, you'll have the chance to meet different NR23 artists and discover their unique approaches - from abstract interpretations to traditional landscapes, sculpture to contemporary themes.
Commission Opportunities Thinking about commissioning a piece of your favourite Norfolk spot? Thursday's the perfect time to discuss possibilities and see examples of my work in person.
Exhibition Details
Where: Handa Gallery, Wells Maltings, Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AU When: 4th September - 14th September, 11am-4pm daily Artist in attendance: Thursday 4th September, 11am-4pm Entry: Free Parking: Available at Wells Maltings or nearby public car parks
Gallery Information The Handa Gallery is on the first floor with lift access. The venue includes a café serving local suppliers' produce - perfect for combining art viewing with a proper Norfolk coffee break.
Please note: Dogs are not permitted in the Handa Gallery, though they are welcome in other areas of Wells Maltings including the café and ground floor spaces.
Link to our NR23 group page: https://www.wellsmaltings.org.uk/nr23-art-group/
Planning Your Visit
Make a Day of It Wells Maltings sits in the heart of Wells-next-the-Sea, surrounded by independent shops, cafés, and the famous Wells Heritage Harbour. Perfect for combining gallery visiting with exploring this charming Norfolk coastal town.
Getting There
From Norwich: 1 hour via A148 then A149
From London: 3-4 hours via A11 then A148
Public transport: Coasthopper bus service connects Wells to other coastal villages
What's Next for My Work?
With sea lavender season now finished, I'm exploring ideas for my next artistic direction. The autumn migration is bringing incredible bird activity to Stiffkey's marshes - perfect inspiration for applying my selective focus approach to wildlife subjects.
These studies might develop into something special - perhaps a Norfolk wildlife travel poster celebrating the incredible biodiversity that makes our coastline so unique.
Supporting Local Art Matters
When you visit exhibitions like NR23, you're supporting artists who document and celebrate Norfolk's coastal heritage. Each purchase helps preserve the tradition of authentic local art-making that connects us to place in ways mass-produced prints never can.
Come and Say Hello I'd love to meet you and chat about Norfolk's incredible landscapes, the painting techniques that bring them to life, and what makes this corner of England so endlessly inspiring. See you at the gallery on Thursday!
Link to the NR23 Art Group: https://www.wellsmaltings.org.uk/nr23-art-group/
Comments