Horstead Church hosts open studios and concert

The village of Horstead is abuzz with creative energy as the Horstead Church and the Horstead Centre prepare to host their first Open Studios event, showcasing the talents of local artists, craftspeople, and schoolchildren. The event, scheduled to take place on July 19 and 20, will have a special focus on Julian of Norwich, a 14th-century writer and mystic who is considered one of the most important figures in English literature. As part of the event, artist Julia Van Griensven has been commissioned to create a new work in response to the stunning East Window of All Saints Church, which features Julian of Norwich in a beautiful stained-glass depiction. Van Griensven, who lives in France but draws inspiration from Julian’s words and images, aims to capture the essence of Julian’s writing from a contemporary art perspective. According to Van Griensven, Julian’s work is all about helping people feel better by sharing her unique conversations with God, and her writing describes the feminine side of God – gentle, hopeful, non-judging, and infectiously optimistic.

The Open Studios event promises to be a thrilling celebration of creativity, with exhibitions, workshops, activities, and a craft fair featuring the work of local artists, craftspeople, and children from Coltishall, Frettenham, and Hainford Schools. The event will take place at the Horstead Centre, Horstead Church, and Tithe Barn, and will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, July 19, and 10am to 3pm on Sunday, July 20. Visitors can look forward to a fascinating exploration of the magnificent stained-glass windows in All Saints Church, including the ones that show or relate to Julian of Norwich, created by the renowned Kempe Workshop around 1910. Churchwarden Lucy Care, art trustee for The Friends of Julian of Norwich, notes that Julian of Norwich was an artist in her own right, and the beautiful East window shows her admiring her own work – a rare depiction of a woman in a position of creative authority. The event will conclude with Songs of Praise at 4pm on Sunday, July 20.

One of the highlights of the Open Studios event is the new work by Julia Van Griensven, which will be unveiled during the exhibition. Van Griensven’s art is deeply inspired by Julian’s writing, and she aims to capture the essence of Julian’s unique conversations with God. According to Van Griensven, Julian’s work is not just about spirituality, but about helping people feel better by sharing her experiences and insights. The beautiful East Window of All Saints Church, which features Julian of Norwich in a stunning stained-glass depiction, will be the focal point of Van Griensven’s new work. The window, created by the Kempe Workshop around 1910, is a masterpiece of stained-glass art and a testament to the enduring legacy of Julian of Norwich. Visitors to the Open Studios event will have the opportunity to see Van Griensven’s new work and experience the beauty of the East Window up close.

In addition to the Open Studios event, the Horstead Centre will also host an Early Evening Summer concert on Saturday, July 26, featuring the Parish Choir of St Barnabas Dulwich, London. The concert will take place in All Saints’ Church Horstead from 6:30pm to 7:15pm and will feature works by renowned composers such as Bob Chilcott, Eleanor Daley, John Rutter, Parry, C. V. Stanford, and Wood, among others. The concert is free, with a retiring collection, and promises to be a wonderful celebration of music and community. The Parish Choir of St Barnabas Dulwich, considered one of the finest parish church choirs, will bring their unique sound and style to the concert, which is sure to be a unforgettable experience for all who attend.

The Open Studios event and the Early Evening Summer concert are just two examples of the vibrant cultural scene in North Norfolk, which is home to a thriving community of artists, musicians, and writers. The region’s stunning natural beauty, rich history, and strong sense of community make it an ideal place for creative expression and inspiration. Whether you’re an artist, a music lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, North Norfolk has something to offer. The Open Studios event and the Early Evening Summer concert are just two examples of the many events and activities that take place in the region throughout the year, and are a great way to experience the best of North Norfolk’s culture and community.

The Open Studios event and the Early Evening Summer concert are also a testament to the enduring legacy of Julian of Norwich, who continues to inspire artists, writers, and musicians to this day. Julian’s writing, which describes the feminine side of God as gentle, hopeful, non-judging, and infectiously optimistic, has had a profound impact on literature and spirituality. The beautiful stained-glass windows in All Saints Church, which feature Julian of Norwich in stunning detail, are a lasting tribute to her legacy and a reminder of the power of art and creativity to inspire and uplift us. Whether you’re interested in art, music, literature, or spirituality, the Open Studios event and the Early Evening Summer concert are not to be missed, and offer a unique opportunity to experience the best of North Norfolk’s culture and community.