News type: Press releases

Herts Visual Arts (HVA) and Letchworth Educational Settlement are delighted to announce their new partnership, starting from 1 April 2023. This collaboration brings together the 300+ Hertfordshire artists and craftspeople of HVA, with the teaching facilities and centre for creative and life-long learning run by the Settlement at its centre in Letchworth Garden City. There are many strands to this partnership. It will benefit practising artists and makers in the county, and bring an exciting range of new courses to the public at the Settlement. Local creatives who are members of HVA will have new opportunities to develop their skills and income through teaching.

The first fruits of this partnership will be seen in the Settlement’s new Easter School, which runs from 1st to 6th April. Approximately half of the 15 workshops taking place are being offered by HVA artists. This programme of one off, one day workshops introduces exciting new crafts such as willow weaving, and linocut printing to the Settlement.

Nick Skinner, Manager of Letchworth Educational Settlement: “We are excited to have forged this partnership with HVA. Any education centre is only as good as its teachers – and through HVA and its talented membership we can source new tutors, offer new subjects to study, and offer artists a second income stream through teaching. Everyone benefits”.

A second strand of the partnership is joint marketing – HVA and the Settlement will join forces to promote Hertfordshire’s artistic talent, exhibitions and creative learning. HVA is well known for organising the annual Open Studios event, in which artists and crafters exhibit their artworks and working processes to the public. In addition to this, HVA provides a platform for their members to promote work all year round – via its website and online galleries, a quarterly magazine and the Open Studios brochure. The Settlement also has a community of members and a wide reach within North Hertfordshire as a result of its educational and community activities that draw a large number of people to the Centre each week.

Val Lawson, HVA North Herts Area Coordinator: “HVA sees great potential in this partnership. We complement each other in what we do, and by working together we can promote and encourage the incredible creative talent we have in Hertfordshire more effectively. We’re also pleased to offer our artist members new ways to develop their professional skills and practices”.

HVA’s Spring magazine will be available in early April and will include more details about workshops and joint initiatives between the Settlement and HVA.

Supporting information
For more information about this partnership, please contact Nick at  manager@letchworthsettlement.org.uk and Val at nherts@hvaf.org.uk

A spectacular exhibition of art and design is being shown at South Mill Arts centre in Bishops Stortford at the end of February 2023. Artists from across Hertfordshire will show work in three dimensions celebrating form, scale and texture.

The Big Makers Fair, where you can view and buy work direct from the artist, will be on Saturday 25 February 10.00 to 17.00 and Sunday 26 February, 10.00 to 16.00.

The Big Makers Fair will open up a treasure chest of contemporary creativity, revealing the artist as maker of beautiful objects. It will include sculpture, pieces made with ceramic or glass, imaginative textile work, jewellery and furniture. It will reveal how artists use a range of techniques to transform material and realise their vision for beauty.

Herts Visual Arts (HVA) is the only county-wide visual arts organisation for Hertfordshire. Embracing all visual arts, full and part-time artists, HVA is run by an enthusiastic voluntary organising group. The Big Makers Fair is the first of a programme for 2023 that will include the annual Big Art Fair and the Open Studios event in September.

HVA Chair Sally Taylor said, ‘we are excited to mount our first Big Makers Fair, after waiting through the pandemic for a chance to organise an exhibition. HVA has a wealth of artists working in three dimensions, and visitors can expect visual surprise and delight in textiles, silverwork, wood, glass and stone.’

For South Mill Arts, this show marks a new venture, as they look forward to more visual art in the coming months. Operations Director Paula Holland said ‘we have wanted to have visual arts events at South Mill Arts to complement our extensive performing arts activities, and we are delighted to show the art of making in our large auditorium space. We look forward to more visual art activity in our arts space and in the museum and have a small advisory group looking at future exhibiting opportunities.

Do you enjoy art? Discover inspirational art and local talent at the Big Art Fair 2022.

This unmissable event is run by Herts Visual Arts, a voluntary group promoting creativity across the county. Returning to Hitchin Town Hall from 15 to 17 July, this year’s event showcases around 50 artists. The skills involved and variety of styles are amazing … and local!

The Big Art Fair has become a regular date for artists and art lovers, involving an abundance of talent and a vast array of media. Whether you enjoy paintings, sculptures, textiles or other creative media …  this event has something for everyone! You can also meet the artists and find out more about their inspiration, process and finished artwork. Enjoy browsing and, if you fall in love with a piece, treat yourself! Original art and products such as prints and greetings cards will be available to buy throughout the Big Art Fair weekend.

The event starts with a preview night on Friday 15 July, 7pm – 9pm. Entry is just £2 on the door, with drinks included. Be among the first people to see the amazing talent exhibiting at this year’s show. You can also visit the Big Art Fair for free on Sat 16 July (10am – 5pm) and Sun 17 July (10am – 4pm).

Throughout the weekend, visitors will vote for their favourite artist. You’ll be spoilt for choice! The winner will be announced at the end of the final day. Who will you choose?

“All our Big Art Fair artists are looking forward to this year’s event and we’re grateful to our sponsors, Dragonfly Digital, Consensus HR and Meridian Capital, for their support,” says Sally Taylor, Chair of Herts Visual Arts. “We’d love to welcome lots of people to enjoy our art and any local artists who’d like to be a part of future events.”

The Big Art Fair takes place 15 – 17 July at Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin SG5 1HX. Pop in and enjoy some truly inspiring, local art. Enjoy!

To find out more about HVA, please visit the Website at www.hvaf.org.uk/.

ENDS
For immediate release.

More details: https://www.hvaf.org.uk/
Herts Visual Arts (HVA) is the only countywide visual arts organisation for Hertfordshire. It is run by an enthusiastic voluntary Organising Group, with members from all areas of involvement in the visual arts.
Contact:

Sally Taylor, HVAF Chair, chair@hvaf.org.uk

Artists!! Open Studios registration is now open!

Members of Herts Visual Arts are now able to sign up to take part in our county-wide annual event, Open Studios. 

Registration is now open until 22nd April for this year’s HVAF flagship event. Running from 10th September through to 2nd October, there are three weeks of inspirational and beautiful art from creators and makers around the county.

Herts Visual Arts is bringing artists, artisans and art-lovers together for inspiration, discovery and a rich opportunity – art in the heart of our communities across Hertfordshire. Running now for over 30 years, Herts Open Studios remains a popular and well-established part of the annual Hertfordshire art calendar. This year Herts Open Studios runs from 10th September to 2nd October. It’s Hertfordshire’s largest county-wide art event with every venue free-to-enter, again delivering 3 weeks of live, in-person art. Visitors can enjoy everything from classical to contemporary, decorative to functional, figurative to abstract, wall-hung to 3D art.

We are delighted to be sharing our art with the world again and we know our visitors are ready too. Are you up for the adventure and exceptional opportunity to let our art unfold? Visitors can expect to be inspired by original artwork, prints and greetings cards. What can be more exciting that the chance to experience, or even perhaps purchase a special piece of art, direct from the artist?

Let’s get out there – what will you discover?

“With many new artists joining our event alongside long-standing participants, there is just so much to explore.” said Herts Visual Arts Chair, Sally Taylor, who continued “It’s wonderful to see the excitement already building, as our artists prepare to open their doors in September. We look forward to welcoming all our visitors.”

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

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

Annual membership is currently just £45 per year, with senior concessions available. Benefits include a Gallery on the HVA web site, social media promotion across HVA platforms, a PRIVATE Facebook group to connect with other members, and monthly newsletters which include news, opportunities, hints, tips, articles and more. Non-members can also sign up for our newsletters.

Sponsors can also take advantage of a number of opportunities to engage with the Hertfordshire art community: https://www.hvaf.org.uk/news
*Registration for Open Studios and some other events is not included in the cost of membership.

September/October: Herts Open Studios 2022
Herts Open Studios is Herts Visual Arts annual flagship event, when artists open their doors to visitors. There is a comprehensive advertising and sponsorship offering. 

The easiest way to join HVA is online:  www.hvaf.org.uk

Twitter: @HVAF #HertsOpenStudios
Instagram @HertsVisualArts
Facebook: @HertsVisualArts
Press contact: marketing@hvaf.org.uk

Press Release by Sally Taylor: chair@hvaf.org.uk

Press Release

Herts Visual Arts at Living Crafts, Hatfield Park, 5-8 May 2022
 
Spending the day in a tent brings back memories of childhood holidays – and I’m not really an outdoors person!  But, like most artists, I welcome opportunities to display my paintings, demonstrate the techniques I use, and talk about the work I create to people who appreciate original handmade artwork.

Herts Visual Arts (HVA) has a small centrally located marquee where our Members will be showcasing their talent.  Each day six different artists/makers will show and share work in a variety of creative genres; each will demonstrate their skills and explain their techniques to visitors.  Work in progress will be on view and finished pieces will be for sale, making ideal gifts and mementos of the day.
 
Living Crafts at Hatfield Park is the perfect event for this activity.  Over four days in early May, the showground becomes a great festival featuring all kinds of arts and crafts.
 
About
As the largest volunteer-run arts organisation in the county, HVA has over 300 individual Members.  All are Hertfordshire based artists and makers working in a wide range of artistic disciplines.  Our annual programme includes various events for our Members to meet, to exhibit or to sell their work.  The highlight is Herts Open Studios in September/October when Members open up their workplaces to visitors, or collaborate in pop-up galleries and shops.  We also have permanent exhibitions in various business premises – currently in Stevenage and Potters Bar.

HVA offers support and advice to its Members through training and networking sessions.  As well as area groups, there is a well-established group of Textile artists, and two new specialist groups are being formed – one for Abstract artists and the other for Makers.  

Annual membership is currently just £45 per year, with senior concessions available.  Benefits include a Gallery on the HVA Website, social media promotion across HVA platforms, a PRIVATE Facebook group to connect with other members, and monthly Newsletters which include news, opportunities, hints, tips, articles and more.  Non-members can also sign up for our Newsletters.

Our new printed quarterly magazine is distributed to Members, available to read or download online and at various public venues.

Some key dates are:

• 15th – 17th July 2022: Big Art Fair

#BigArtFair, https://www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/big-art-fair

10th September – 2nd October 2022: Herts Open Studios 
#HertsOpenStudios https://www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/herts-open-studios-2021

The easiest way to join HVA is online: www.hvaf.org.uk
Twitter: @HVAF
Instagram: @HertsVisualArts
Facebook: @HertsVisualArts
Linkedin: @herts-visual-arts
Press contact: marketing@hvaf.org.uk
Press Release by Val Lawson: nherts@hvaf.org.uk
 

2021 has certainly been different, but it’s brought into even stronger focus the wide-ranging benefits of the arts: creating, experiencing, enjoying. Browsing and shopping on-line, and a renewed desire to support local communities are both truly here to stay.

Launching on the 19th November and running through to the end of December, our Christmas Showcase takes full advantage of our dynamic website with it’s unique on-line exhibition, plus our artists’ Galleries, videos and social media features.

With this in mind we’re inviting the whole of Hertfordshire (and beyond) to join our seasonal visual arts celebration where we bring artists, artisans and art-lovers together to support and promote our independent, small, local businesses.

What can you, the on-line visitor, see? From the comfort of your own home, or wherever you might be, browse the work of our vibrant artist community. Be inspired by the skill and variety of work on show: wall art, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, glass, jewellery, artisan-made gifts, homewares, decorative and functional items, cards and stationery, and so much more. Perhaps you’ll find something you need, unique treats, or gifts for yourself or someone else.

Artists will also be posting about their work on Instagram and Facebook, so it is entirely possible to have a new adventure every day.

Follow #HertsChristmasArts for up-to-the-minute content, with a special focus on social media stories and video. Some specific event dates include:

19th November: Christmas Showcase Video and Flipbook launch

27th November:  (from 4 pm) Special Christmas Showcase Live across social media

5th December: (from 5.30 pm) Special Christmas Showcase Live across social media

#HertsChristmasArts is fully accessible on phones, tablets, computers or other internet-connected devices.

#HertsChristmasArts pulls visitors into our social media wall of live information with up-to-the-minute collated news.

We’re bringing art into the heart of our communities. With no physical restrictions on venues, opening times or travel, we can share our artists’ responses to the season via an exciting range of on-line experiences.  

Looking for something special? Want to get to know an artist or see them at work? Viewing our artists’ Live presentations is a great starting point – a great opportunity to view art in the moment. Plus, our social media provides an instant connection to our artist community.

Purchasing art direct from an artist is always special and we expect our visitors to see work that they love and want to buy – it’s very easy! Simply get in touch with the artist whose work you covet and arrange a safe transaction. From greetings cards through to prints or original statement pieces, there’s bound to be something for every pocket and taste. 

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 programme includes members’ meetings, exhibitions, Art Showcases, the Big Art Fair and Herts Open Studios.

Annual membership is currently just £45 per year, with senior concessions available. Benefits include a Gallery on the HVA web site, social media promotion across HVA platforms, a PRIVATE Facebook group to connect with other members, and monthly newsletters which include news, opportunities, hints, tips, articles and more. Non-members can also sign up for our newsletters.

Some key dates are:

• 19th November – 31st December 2021: Christmas Showcase
  • #HertsChristmasArts
  • https://www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/christmas-showcase
• January 2022: Members Conference 
  • https://www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/members-conference
• 15th – 17th July 2022: Big Art Fair.
  • #BigArtFair
  • https://www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/big-art-fair
• 10th September – 2nd October 2022: Herts Open Studios 
  • #HertsOpenStudios
  • To view last years’ Open Studios’ event: https://www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/herts-open-studios-2021

The easiest way to join HVA is online:  www.hvaf.org.uk
Twitter: @HVAF #HertsOpenStudios
Instagram: @HertsVisualArts
Facebook: @HertfordshireVisualArts

Press contacts are:
For marketing email marketing@hvaf.org.uk

Press Release by Sally Taylor chair@hvaf.org.uk

ENDS

 

Herts Visual Arts is bringing artists, artisans and art-lovers together for inspiration, discovery and a rich opportunity – art in the heart of our communities across Hertfordshire. Running now for more than 30 years, Herts Open Studios remains a popular and well-established part of the annual Hertfordshire art calendar. This year Herts Open Studios runs from 18th September to 10th October, with lead-in promotion from 11th September. It’s Hertfordshire’s largest county-wide art event with every venue free to enter, again delivering 3 weeks of live, in-person art. Visitors can enjoy everything from classical to contemporary, decorative to functional, figurative to abstract, wall-hung to 3D art.

Our recent successful and very busy Big Art Fair in Hitchin clearly demonstrated a great thirst for being out and about. We’re delighted to be sharing our art with the world again and we know our visitors are ready too. Who’s up for the adventure and exceptional opportunity to let our art unfold? Visitors can expect to be inspired by original artwork, prints and greetings cards. What can be more exciting that the chance to experience, or even perhaps purchase a special piece of art, direct from the artist? Let’s get out there – what will you discover?

This year our hybrid event captures the best of both worlds. Artists will again be opening their studios, pop-ups and exhibitions to the public, free of charge, with a special focus on local art trails and community collaborations that make visits even easier. Throughout Open Studios there are thousands of opportunities to meet artists, to enjoy and discuss their work.

The original In-Person Open Studios format is now enhanced by all the virtual capability developed in 2020, and we have artists taking part In-Person and Online. New web – and social media-based Virtual Open Studios features allow Open Studios to be enjoyed 24 hours a day, wherever the visitor might be: at home, on the road, or at a venue.

Our website is an invitation for the whole of Hertfordshire (and beyond) to join our amazing celebration of the visual arts. Powerful, simple and effective searches allow viewers to explore trails via art media, theme, location, opening day or other personal criteria. A special section includes live information, featuring up to the minute news from around the county, collated from social media. Would you like a personal virtual appointment with one of the Open Studios Artists? Just get in touch via their Gallery page to arrange an appointment.  Want to see working studios? There will be plenty of in-person options and also video studio tours to browse. Want to find out more about an artist? Again, biographies and meet-the-artist videos are a simple and informative way to start.

2021 features the daily themes that proved so very popular in 2020 when they were introduced. Our artists take this inspiration to present or discuss different aspects of their art practice with daily Flipbooks, videos, live social media streams and on-line exhibitions. To illustrate just three of this year’s 23 themes, we nod to the Olympics with Going for Gold, expect visitors to enjoy Small Pleasures, or perhaps spend some time with Reflections.

Finding an Open Studio is simple. Use our website and re-designed online e-Brochure to plan your visits before you set out.  On the street, just look for yellow bunting, direction arrows and banners outside venues. Our yellow pavement branding is like a friend to welcome you at the gate, saying come on in.

“With many new artists joining our event alongside long-standing participants, there is just so much to explore.” said Herts Visual Arts Chair, Sally Taylor, who continued “It’s wonderful to see the excitement already building, as our artists prepare to open their doors in September. We look forward to welcoming all our visitors – In-Person and Online.”

This summer sees a change in the popular county-wide art membership organisation, Hertfordshire Visual Arts Forum (HVAF), with a new Chairperson taking the reins to steer this 300 plus membership group into the future.

This year we say goodbye to Hillary Taylor, who stood down as Chair after 4 years in which she transformed Herts Visual Arts (HVA) into the connected active community it is today. Hillary handed over the vision of the organisation and it’s day-to-day business to Sally Taylor who comes from both a business and creative background, and who has been a Member for 5 years. In her first year Sally joined the Organising Group, and was elected Vice Chair last year. As Chair, Sally will start with a focus on developing the membership, the core of the organisation. Her vision is to build “a community where Members matter to each other, where there is a feeling of belonging”. Sally continues, “Hillary has shaped HVAF to a vibrant, modern and flexible organisation ready for whatever the future brings. Thank you Hillary for your dedication, your work, and your guidance”.

A Chartered Engineer with a strong creative background, Hillary was a Member for many years before becoming Vice Chair in 2016, then Chair in 2017. In stepping down, Hillary says, “I came into the role of Chair with the clear intention to stay just a short while before handing over to new leadership. I’m honoured to have been trusted with steering our wonderful art community over these past four years. Most recently, in navigating the challenges of 2020, I’m delighted that our members have embraced the opportunities, connections and potential that 2020 brought to our door”. She adds, “It’s been a genuine pleasure to work with Sally as my Vice Chair over the past year. I have every confidence that her stewardship will continue to take Herts Visual Arts forward, and I look forward to her leadership”.

HVAF will continue to organise exciting events for the membership to take part in including the Big Art Fair, Open Studios and many more held throughout the year.

Back after a break last year, our popular Big Art Fair will once again be part of the Hitchin Festival and will be held in Hitchin’s Town Hall, a big and bright venue with space for over 50 artists and their work; with many have already booked to be part of our colourful and vibrant exhibition over the weekend of 16th to 18th July.

Our flagship event, Open Studios, takes place over 3 weeks in September/October. Herts Open Studios connects our Members with art-lovers, providing a unique opportunity for inspiration, discovery, and a chance to purchase direct from the artist. Launched over 30 years ago, it’s a popular and well-established part of the Hertfordshire annual art calendar.

Our events are funded by the participating artists, commercial advertising, and other sponsorship where available. This year we have both in-person and virtual options, with everyone able to expand their digital skills and market reach by taking full advantage of the Forum’s website and online marketing.

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

About

Herts Visual Arts Forum is the largest county-wide volunteer run organisation for amateur and professional artists and makers in Hertfordshire. An annual programme 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)*. Registration for Open Studios and some other events is not included in the cost of membership.

*Benefits of annual membership include a Gallery on the HVAF website, social media promotion across HVAF platforms and a PRIVATE Facebook group to connect with other members. There’s also access to opportunities and a full annual programme of meetings and events, just for members. Newsletters, including our new Quarterly News ‘magazine’, contain 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 to our Newsletters free of charge via a form at the end of any page on our website.

Sponsors can also take advantage of a number of opportunities to engage with the Hertfordshire art community: www.hvaf.org.uk/news

We were delighted to be a finalist for the Herts Chamber Inspiring Hertfordshire Award for our work with the Herts Year of Culture (HYOC award) which ran through 2020.

17th-18th July: Herts Visual Arts Big Art Fair. Our exclusive Preview Night on Friday 16th July will feature Sponsors Choice Award Certificates and also the launch of Herts Open Studios publicity. There is a comprehensive advertising and sponsorship offering.

18th September – 10th October 2021: Herts Open Studios 2021

Herts Open Studios is Herts Visual Arts annual flagship event, when artists open their doors to visitors. Details of participating venues and artists will be available online from the summer. There is a comprehensive advertising and sponsorship offering.

The easiest way to join HVAF is online.

Web: www.hvaf.org.uk

News: www.hvaf.org.uk/news

Twitter: @HVAF #HertsOpenStudios #BigArtFair #LivingCraftsShowcase #HertsVisualArts

Facebook: @HertsVisualArts

Instagram: @HertsVisualArts #HertsVisualArts

Instagram: @HertsVisualArtsChair

YouTube: Herts Visual Arts

Press Release: by Sally Taylor. chair@hvaf.org.uk

Press contact: marketing@hvaf.org.uk

ENDS

 

 

 

Herts Visual Arts January Members Conference 2021 goes Virtual

Herts Visual Arts popular January Members Conference is back for a 5th successive year on 18th January 2021. This year it’s all on-line with 4 exciting streams: sustainability, wellbeing, digital skills, the business of art.

Started in 2017, our conference gets the art year started, and this year is no different to previous years – we plan to make 2021 one to remember for all the right reasons. 

With 100 on-line places available on 18th January, it’s free for members. We would really recommend taking part, especially if you haven’t attended one before.

This highly interactive and participative event is a great opportunity for our creative community to come together and support and inspire each other. In these times of change we want to look at how we can work together – to create opportunities and build a better, more flexible future for the creative community in Hertfordshire. We’re also delighted to feature a number of guest speakers.

2020 was a difficult year for many, so in 2021 we are continuing our mission to support all our members on their art journey, including digital skills. Our focus this conference is around 4 core themes: wellbeing, sustainability, digital skills and managing your creative business. It will include contributions and perspectives from Herts Visual Arts as well as members who are theme-specialists. Confirmed (so far) guest speakers also include Esther Lafferty (Director, Oxford Art Weeks), Rosie Scares (social media expert/consultant) and Jo Askham (arts and wellbeing consultant).

Not just a listening event, our annual conference is a chance to connect, learn, inspire and get ready to embrace new opportunities ahead. From presentations, shared video/content, expert-led discussions, breakout rooms, chat and on-line question/answer – there’s bound to be something for everyone.  Full details, running order and speakers are being finalised and will be confirmed closer to the day, and are published on our web site.

Moving on-line for September 2020’s Open Studios paved the way for more on-line events that support member’s art journeys and also our 2021 calendar, as we continue to bring art into the heart of our communities. Our members are professional and amateur visual artists, makers and designers who share their work, studios, workshops and exhibitions via a full and exciting range of online offerings, supported by deep and flexible on-line search capabilities.

“2021 marks our 5th annual conference, where members connect, support and also importantly have their say about how Herts Visual Arts continues to develop into the future.” said Herts Visual Arts Chair, Hillary Taylor, who continued “it’s another example of the three core ways Herts Visual Arts aims to support our members journey. We want everyone to feel connected and supported, to grow digital skills and experience opportunities for wider visibility. Going virtual makes it easier for our members to take part and even easier for our guest specialists to lead conference segments”

Although our Conference is for members only, it’s easy to join Herts Visual Arts and take full advantage of all member benefits that include networking, events and on-line galleries. Membership for 2021/2022 is now open and artists can find out more/join here: https://www.hvaf.org.uk/artists

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 programme includes members meetings, exhibitions, Art Showcases, the Big Art Fair and Herts Open Studios.

Many artists join simply to be part in Open Studios each year, but there is so much more to the excellent value annual membership (currently just £45 per year, with senior concessions available).

Benefits of annual membership include a gallery on the HVA web site, 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 programme of meetings and events, just for members. A monthly newsletter includes news, opportunities and exhibitions across Hertfordshire, as well as hints, tips and articles marketing and more. Members can also promote their workshops, classes, exhibitions and publications and contribute to the newsletter itself.  2020 has seen significant additional member benefits added to our web site, including virtual events, Themes and more.

Non-members can sign up for our newsletter.

*Registration for Open Studios and our Makers/Art Fairs is not included in membership, and full membership must be taken out to take part in our events.

24th November 2020 – February 2021: Winter Exhibition https://www.hvaf.org.uk/latestshow

18th January 2021: Members Conference https://www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/members-conference

20th/21st March 2021: Makers Fair https://www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/makers-fair

16th-18th July 2021: Big Art Fair.  https://www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/big-art-fair

September 2021: Herts Open Studios https://www.hvaf.org.uk/our-events/herts-open-studios-2021

The easiest way to join HVA is online:  www.hvaf.org.uk

Twitter: @HVAF #HertsOpenStudios

Instagram: @HertsVisualArts

Facebook: @HertsVisualArts

Press Release by Hillary Taylor chair@hvaf.org.uk

Press contacts are:  For marketing email marketing@hvaf.org.uk