Now in its third year, the Arts in East Herts showcase is a fantastic opportunity for local people of all ages to explore new art forms, learn new skills and have a go at something creative, with a wide range of free or reduced-rate workshops and events on offer.
From botanical plaster casting, painting and pottery to collage, life drawing, cushion and lampshade making, printmaking and machine embroidery, this year's programme offers plenty of opportunities to try something different.
There are also lots of exciting projects and returning favourites to look forward to across the district.
Something new for this year is the Ware Kindness Project which is inviting residents to create positive and kind messages which will then be distributed at hubs around the town, providing a little boost to local people during the autumn months.
Hertford Regional College is taking part again, offering a range of different printing workshops alongside painting and pottery activities. At Much Hadham Forge Museum, residents can create their own murals, taking inspiration from the village's 450-year-old Tudor murals.
There will also be a Zentangle workshop with artist Becky Harley, who painted the Zentangle bench featured in the Hertford to Ware arts trail, giving participants the chance to explore this distinctive and relaxing art form for themselves.
The 2026 programme welcomes a number of new artists and creative organisations. Manic Ceramics will be running workshops where participants can make handmade pottery poppies in preparation for Remembrance Day, while ArtVibe Community will bring a week-long exhibition to Jackson Square in Bishop's Stortford alongside a programme of workshops. Betty Grove will offer textile printing workshops for adults and children, and Hazel Russell will lead eco workshops encouraging participants to create art using discarded materials.
A number of popular artists and organisations are also returning to the programme. Ore Projects will offer free decorative welding sessions, while Matipo Arts will bring its Wild Tales and Creature Puppets interactive storytelling sessions for children. Drawing Voices will also return with art sessions designed for carers.
Councillor Alex Daar, Executive Member for Communities at East Herts Council, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Arts in East Herts back for a third year and to once again showcase the fantastic creativity and talent we have across our district.
“This year's programme really demonstrates the breadth of arts and cultural activity taking place across East Herts. From pottery poppies and community mosaics to printing, welding, storytelling and the Ware Kindness Project, there are so many different ways for people to get involved.
“It’s particularly exciting to welcome new artists and organisations alongside some of the brilliant creatives who have taken part in previous years. Whether you’re an experienced artist or have never tried a particular art form before, there’s something for everyone – and many of the activities are free or available at a reduced rate.
“We hope residents will take the opportunity to try something new, meet other people in their community and discover some of the incredible creative talent we have right here in East Herts.”
The programme is available online: https://yourvoice.eastherts.gov.uk/arts-in-east-herts-2026