Herts Visual Arts Open Studio showcase at Bishop’s Stortford Museum

 By Sinead Corr  sinead.corr@iliffemedia.co.uk

Bishop Stortford Independent

 Published: 16:28, 12 September 2023

 | Updated: 13:06, 14 September 2023

Bishop’s Stortford Museum has welcomed three of the town’s artists to showcase their work as part of Herts Visual Arts Open Studio events this September.

The trio are exhibiting until October 1 at the South Road venue, part of South Mill Arts, each bringing their distinctive vision, perspectives and techniques. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to view the pieces, but the artists will also be on hand to talk through their creative processes.

Tracey Fernandes showcases handmade books and lampshades using her own individually designed fabrics. Having taught for many years, she started creating items after her classes stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic. Using techniques and processes including eco-dyeing, eco-printing, screen-printing and cyanotype, Tracey creates truly individual pieces.

Shveta Maini will be exhibiting contemporary abstract art working with mixed media. With a background in surface textiles, she has a deep understanding of the interplay of colour and texture, which is evident in the vibrant and dynamic paintings. 

Yvonne Estop, who is also a Bishop’s Stortford town and East Herts district councillor for the Labour Party, explores the “expressive chair” with her work. Over many years, she has explored domestic narratives in furniture design, translating familiar objects into seating, and visitors can look around the museum to find some of them.

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Event Hub, Berkhamstead

Follow the Yellow signage on art trails across the county to visit studios, pop-ups, galleries, shops, theatres, museums and much more.

You’ll see finished and ‘in progress’ artwork; be able to chat to the artists, and find out more about the tools and techniques they use.

With hundreds of artists working in many different media, all sharing their creative talents with visitors, there’s something to appeal to everyone’s taste.

Find out who is taking part near you in Berkhamsted & HP4 at www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/herts-open-studios

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Herts Visual Arts Open Studio is back

Herts Visual Arts is bringing artists, artisans and art lovers together for inspiration and discovery.

By Katie JonesContributor. Published 6th Sep 2023, 14:30 BST- 3 min read

Running from 9th September to 1st October, Herts Open Studios is a popular and well-established part of the annual art calendar. Visitors can enjoy everything from classical to contemporary, decorative to functional, figurative to abstract, wall-hung to 3D art. 

This year, 10 Dacorum artists are taking part – opening their studios, pop-ups and exhibitions to the public, free of charge.

In Berkhamsted, you can visit Katie Jones and Mitzie Green. In Winkwell, Donice Sousa will be welcoming you to her studio. Meanwhile in Hemel Hempstead, Cal Hoy, Carolyn Storey and Katharine Harper are opening their doors, and Carla Valente, John Durham and Pete Greening are exhibiting together at the Old Town Hall. Plus you can find Berkhamsted knitter Elspeth Hector’s creations at Sofas & Stuff in St Albans.

Katie Jones says: “Herts Open Studios is such a fantastic way to explore the many creative pockets around Hertfordshire. It’s one of the highlights of my year. "I love chatting to visitors and sharing my art in such a relaxed setting.” 

This is an opportunity to meet local artists, see art being made, and enjoy and discuss the artists’ work. Visitors can expect to be inspired by original artwork, prints and greetings cards. Finding an Open Studio is simple. Use the Herts Visual Arts website and brochure (pick up a copy at your local supermarket or library) to plan your visits before you set out. Look out for the yellow bunting, banners and arrows positioned near each venue, inviting you in.

Herts Visual Arts Chair Sally Taylor says: “With many new artists joining our event alongside long-standing participants, there is just so much to explore. We look forward to welcoming all our visitors.”

Herts Open Studios website: https://www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/herts-open-studios

Herts Open Studios brochure: https://www.hvaf.org.uk/sites/default/files/hosbrochurea52023.pdf

www.hvaf.org.uk ‘More creativity, more fun, more buzz, more laughter in our lives’.

About

Herts Visual Arts is the largest county-wide volunteer-run organisation for amateur and professional artists and makers in Hertfordshire. An annual program includes members' meetings, exhibitions, Art Showcases, the Big Art Fair, and Herts Open Studios.

Many join simply to take part in Open Studios each year – but there is so much more to the excellent value annual membership (currently just £45 per year)*.

Benefits of annual membership include a Gallery on the HVA website, social media promotion across HVA platforms, and a PRIVATE Facebook group to connect with other members. There’s also access to opportunities and a full annual program of meetings and events, just for members. Newsletters, including our new Quarterly News ‘magazine’, includes news, opportunities, and exhibitions across Hertfordshire, as well as hints, tips, and articles on Open Studios, marketing, and more. Members can also promote their workshops, classes, exhibitions, and publications and contribute to the newsletter itself.

Non-members can sign up for our monthly e-newsletter free of charge via a form at the end of any page on our website. Sponsors can also take advantage of several opportunities to engage with the Hertfordshire art community: https://www.hvaf.org.uk/news.

https://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/arts-and-culture/herts-visual-arts-open-studio-is-back-4282785

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