About

About Us

“To provide a launch pad for all members of the community to achieve their artistic potential.”

Courtyard Arts is a unique, artistic hub located in Hertford. Comprising a gallery and shop with two teaching studios, it has been a meeting place for creative minds for almost 25 years.

The centre was established as a charity by a group of passionate, local artists seeking to create a space for all to enjoy art in a friendly, open environment. A quarter of a century later, Courtyard is now Hertford’s leading visual arts venue.

The gallery at Courtyard Arts – alongside the spaces the centre curates at Hertford Theatre and Hanbury Manor – showcases an exciting and diverse range of work from both established and emerging artists. In addition to hosting exhibitions, each year the centre offers up-and-coming

practitioners the opportunity to explore, develop and share their practice through student shows and an artist’s residency. Classes at Courtyard offer everyone of all ages and abilities the opportunity to discover a variety of media, including ceramics and glass in our fully–equipped studio, housing pottery wheels and kilns.

As a locally loved art centre, community support is a fundamental part of Courtyard’s offering and the team, regularly run art programmes with young carers, dementia sufferers, recovering addicts, the elderly and local schools. In addition, Courtyard runs art classes at the centre for home-schooled children.

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Volunteering with Courtyard

We wouldn’t be able to open our doors without the support of our team of volunteers. We believe volunteering should be an enriching experience that supports personal development, and love to help people break through their own boundaries, both personally and creatively.

If you could offer some of your time – in whatever capacity – we’d love to hear from you, please contact us, drop in at the Centre or call us on 01992 509596

Membership

As a member you help us to flourish – fostering a culture of creativity and supporting activities that enrich the local community.

Enjoy the benefits of becoming a Courtyard Arts member:

Private Events
Invitations to private view events at our galleries
Regular Updates
Regular news, updates and opportunities
Get involved
Join us for social and cultural events

Members’ Shows
Exhibit your work in our Members’ Show
Volunteering
Get involved – try volunteering
Annual Party
Enjoy our annual members’ party!

The support and engagement of our members is the foundation Courtyard Arts is built on.

From creating public art projects and taking part in Hertford Carnival, to nurturing our sculpture garden or running our gift shop, the activities of our members make a real difference!

Our History

1980’s
The Beginnings

In the late 1980’s, a group of friends met up regularly to draw together.

They began to envisage a wider community interested in nurturing its creativity, not just in each others’ homes, but at a local arts centre. The group expanded and moved to The Pioneer Hall in Hertford.
1980’s
Finding a Home

In time a more permanent home was needed, so the group approached East Herts District Council for vacant premises in Hertford.

Highways Yard, an old derelict stables block in Port Vale, was suggested.

1980’s
1995
Courtyard is Born

The council approved plans for the conversion of the site to an arts centre, agreeing an award of £50,000 and a low-cost lease.

Pioneer Arts became Courtyard Arts Centre, obtaining charitable status and a board of Trustees.

The extensive renovation works to transform the building began in the autumn of 1995 and were completed in May 1996.
1996
From Stables to Gallery

Alongside members of the group, many local tradespeople volunteered their time and skills to transform the old stables into studio and gallery space.

The original horse stalls and hay baskets remain, with the former groom’s accommodation converted into artists’ studios.

Made locally, the wrought iron gates to the centre were a reminder of the building’s equine heritage.

1996
1996
Raising Funds

The Robert Kiln Trust covered the cost of a ceramics kiln and a donation of £10,000 was made by Littlewoods Pools.

Fund-raising events were held, grants applied for and local support elicited.
1996
The Doors Open

Courtyard Arts Centre opened its doors in 1996.

The first children’s art workshop was held in August, followed by other popular arts and ceramic classes.

The centre was officially opened in September by film critic and local resident Barry Norman.

1996
1996
Staffing the Centre

The success of Courtyard Arts grew and funds became available to employ a part-time administrator.

Later, a part-time Director was appointed.

Much of the work responsible for Courtyard thriving was however carried out by dedicated volunteers, as it still is today.
Today
From strength to strength

Courtyard Arts is a self-funded charity, now running a packed and popular programme of classes, events and outreach activities.

The Gallery hosts over 25 exhibitions a year, as well as curating the programme of exhibitions at Hertford Theatre Gallery.

Over time a shop, selling unique gifts by local artists, and a small cafe have been added, raising income and enticing people into the Centre.

Today

Trustees Staff Tutors Tab 4

Trustees

Barbara Hopkin

Professional background/experience

Barbara Hopkin is retired from running her own legal practice where she specialised in representing children and families in court proceedings. She is a jazz singer and has sung many times for charitable causes as well as for events at the Courtyard. Barbara has a grown up son and daughter and lives locally in Bengeo

What is your role at Courtyard?

She is keen to expand the influence of the courtyard in the local area and is hoping to set up a regular dementia singing class after a successful musical tea last year.

What do you like about working at Courtyard?

She is interested in a variety of arts and crafts and believes that involvement in the arts enriches the lives of children and adults alike.

Anna Fuller

Professional background/experience
I have a range of experience from Customer experience optimisation to project planning. Currently, I work in the Construction industry as Data & Project Support for a busy IT team.

What is your role at Courtyard?
On Saturdays I steward at Courtyard Arts, welcoming & assisting visitors. As a trustee I aim to promote inclusivity and ideas on what we can provide for local young people.

What do you like about working at Courtyard?
I really enjoy the wide range of interactions with people passing through the doors, getting to the see the exhibitions & being surrounded by creatives is inspiring !

Mike Robinson

Treasurer & Company Secretary

Professional background/experience
Accountant with a number of local authorities over a 36 year period, focusing particularly on education and school finance and accounting, and the development of public and private sector trading organisations. Secondary School Governor (and Chair of Finance).

What is your role at Courtyard?
I am responsible for the Centre’s finances, including the preparation of accounts and returns. I also act as Company Secretary.

What do you like about working at Courtyard?
I enjoy working with so many talented people who contribute so much to the community of Hertford.

Sarah Pickup

Procurement, safeguarding and development

Professional background/experience
I worked for Hertfordshire County Council for 27 years in a variety of roles across adult social care, finance and other services. I was deputy chief executive and finance director for two years before I left. I now work as the Deputy Chief Executive of the Local Government Association which is the national membership body for councils. I am a qualified accountant.

What is your role at Courtyard?
I joined Courtyard as a trustee in 2019 and take the lead on procurement and safeguarding policies and help with planning the development of the centre

What do you like about working at Courtyard?
I love that Courtyard and its activities are at the heart of the community in Hertford. My children attended a few holiday classes when the were young, and it is great that Courtyard helps the whole community to access art in different ways – whether taking classes, exhibiting as artists or just enjoying community exhibitions and events like the art trail.

John Clark

Health and Safety

Professional background/experience
Long history of working in Financial Services with 25 years spent working at a variety of Stock Brokers, Investment Managers, Private Banks and Commodities Trading houses in The City of London and Singapore. Court member of the Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers and Tobacco Blenders and part time sportsman.

What is your role at Courtyard?
I am responsible for Health and Safety, general policy review and committee based decision making.

What do you like about working at Courtyard?

I enjoy being part of a centre which is able to offer exposure to art in the local community, whether this is through provision of excellent art classes, outreach programmes for less able and special needs persons or simply for people to visit the gallery and exhibitions.

Denise Carolan

Human Resources

Professional background/experience

Since graduation, I developed a career in HR and Learning and Development, working in a variety of roles in the City, with my latter career spent leading HR teams for global organisations in Insurance and Shipping. I am passionate about developing people, which along with my Chartered profession, led me to qualify in career coaching and the use of psychometrics tools. This has enabled me to assist individuals both professionally and personally in supporting their self-development and wellbeing.

What is your role at Courtyard?

Living locally in Hertford I knew of Courtyard and became more involved with their work when I joined as a Steward (volunteer) in October 2021. As a Steward, it’s a rewarding role where you meet a range of people from the Centre including our visitors, tutors, members, artists, and other volunteers. I was immediately impressed by all who I met and the vast range of activities and exhibitions that Courtyard provide in the community. I am delighted to join as a Trustees in 2022 to support Courtyard in their continued creativity and future development, providing my expertise in HR and oversight of its people.

What do you like about working at Courtyard?

Joining Courtyard as a Steward, I was welcomed immediately by all who I met and I feel very much at home in the surroundings of the Centre. I attended one of Courtyard’s ceramic class (something that had been on my bucket list for 20 years!) which provided supportive tuition and I thoroughly enjoyed. I continue to be impressed by the offering of Courtyard (despite its size), and the friendly and inclusive environment it embodies.

I look forward to being more involved in the valuable work of Courtyard as a Trustee. I believe the Centre provides a vital contribution to our local community and I feel lucky we have such a special, creative space on our doorstep.

Bill Cox

Professional background/experience

For the first 35 years of my working career I was mainly involved with Financial institutions, Hire purchase, turf accountancy, a metal company and then as chief finance officer for the Inns of Court school of law. Very involved towards the end with putting in computerised accounting systems.The final years of my career took me along a different path altogether working with a Sporting travel company arranging large football and rugby events around the UK.This involved a lot of travel, together with my love of arranging events and football my hobby.Since retiring I have spent all of my time on voluntary assignments, and was responsible for the return of the Hertford Carnival in 2012 which attracted 9000 persons. I have also been membership secretary for the local U3A and arranged for the 25th anniversary celebrations another large event in 2017 at Haileybury.I am very much involved with the Hertford symphony orchestra and the Hertford festival of music. I am front of the house at Hertford theatre. During the pandemic I volunteered as a vaccination marshal at Hertford and Hoddesdon. I now arrange the rota for the Hertford vaccination marshals. Lately I work part time at Hertford Museum.

What is your role at Courtyard?

I have been involved for nearly 18 months at Courtyard arts, mainly in a stewardship role. I tend to be the barman at private view events. Now I have been appointed as one of the trustees, and I hope that my organisational skills would be a help to all the other dedicated people involved there.

What do you like about working at Courtyard?

I love working at Port Vale, as I find everyone so nice and friendly, and I am beginning to enhance my knowledge about the different forms of art.

Staff

Laura Burns

Centre Director

Professional Background

Graduating from university in Graphic Arts and Design, I have had many years of working as a freelance Designer, creating work in the corporate and interior design sectors. I currently create my own artwork as Laura B Makes and have sold pieces across the world. I have a strong retail and marketing background, which has given me lots of experience working within different organisations.

What do you do at Courtyard?

Courtyard Arts is a community and I believe my role as Centre Director is making sure that community runs effectively for everyone involved with it. Reporting to the trustees, I am responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Centre which includes co-ordinating our tutors and volunteers.

I joined Courtyard as the Volunteer Shop Manager in 2018 and I haven’t looked back since. I used my graphic design and marketing background to produce literature and advertising materials and assisted the previous Centre Director.

What do you like about Courtyard?

I love being a part of a community that enjoys art as much as I do. The people bring the space to life and I enjoy every second I spend there. I look forward to continuing Courtyard’s growth and importance in the local community.

Sandra Yarker

I am a fresh graduate from the University of Hertfordshire with a BA(Hons) in 2D animation and character design. I also work as a freelance digital artist.

I’m massively inspired by online communities of animators and artists, many of whom started posting their silly shorts to YouTube as kids and are now becoming industry professionals. I love the variety of unique ideas and artstyles these communities provide, and the sheer love and support that comes with it no matter the skill level.

What do you like about teaching at Courtyard?

Though I’m new to Courtyard, it’s made me feel right at home! I love the sense of community here and the dedication to uplifting and sharing artists. I also really enjoy meeting and getting to know the students; their energy is truly infectious.

See Nick’s classes

Nick Howard

What classes do you teach?

Ceramics.

Artistic training and influences

From a long line of potters, I was first taught pottery by my father. I am influenced by classic Chinese and Korean pottery – as well as British Studio potters, including Derek Clarkson.

Teaching experience

One-to-one tutoring and throwing demonstrations.

What do you like about teaching at Courtyard?

I’m new to Courtyard in Autumn 2019 – it is great to have the opportunity to pass on my enthusiasm for ceramics to like-minded people in a friendly environment.

See Pat’s classes

Pat Joyce

What classes do you teach?

Pottery and Ceramics.

Artistic training and influences

I first tried my hand at pottery through an evening class about 12 years ago. I’ve had my own ceramics studio for 10 years – starting with a fellowship at Digswell Arts, before moving to my current studio in Hertford. I make and sell both functional art, such as hand-thrown kitchenware, and more decorative sculptural pieces.

Teaching experience

I have been teaching at Courtyard since around 2015. Prior to that I ran practical pottery workshops for adults living with mental and physical health challenges, with support from Guideposts Trust. I have also run raku firing workshops for students at Stevenage Arts Society and Courtyard Arts, provided throwing demonstrations to the public for Dacorum and Chiltern Potters Guild at Childwickbury Arts Fair, and for Herts Visual Arts at Living Crafts.

What do you like about teaching at Courtyard?

I love the friendly and welcoming environment and the opportunity to work with people, helping them to explore their creativity and become more skilled in using clay as an artistic medium.

See Polly’s classes

Polly Kiernan

What classes do you teach?

Tiny Artists for pre-school children and their parents and carers, exploring the creative process and looking at how art-making in early childhood develops skills in cognitive, socio-emotional and motor development. Dreamers & Doodlers, an imaginative class for older children. Outreach community-based art projects.

Artistic training and influences

Applied and Media Arts BA(Hons). Childhood associations with the West coast of Ireland – where once religious ritual, myth and magic were an integral part of life – draw me to objects and places that embody a sense of enchantment. Big skies, old storybooks read over and over by the firelight, holy relics invested with so much heart-rending trust. A full moon that showers the garden at midnight with silver. The ability that small children, cats and dogs have to sit and stare at things that adults cannot see. All the visionary artists, writers, poets and music makers that give me joy and make the invisible visible to the world.

Teaching experience

For over ten years I have worked as a tutor for Courtyard Arts and also as a freelance community artist. I work with children and adults of all abilities and I have a wide range of experience and training in planning and delivering bespoke art workshops in the following community settings: primary schools; local authorities; charities who support people with mental health issues, learning disabilities and physical impairments; children’s centres; schools for children with additional educational needs; museums/The Big Draw; Paradise Wildlife Park; residential homes for the elderly with dementia.

See Teresa’s classes

Teresa Morton

What classes do you teach?

Ceramics.

Artistic training and influences

With a BA(Hons) in Ceramics, I am influenced by the human form, especially the implied movement of sculpture and facial expressions. My inspirations include Edvard Munch, Anthony Gormley, Barry Flanagan, ancient ruins and mythology.

Teaching experience

This has been my first opportunity to teach. Since finishing my Ceramics degree, I worked for over ten years in creative marketing. I am very excited to be working professionally within the world of ceramics, passing on my knowledge, skills and ideas.

What do you like about teaching at Courtyard?

I’m thrilled to be part of such a warm and creative environment, to be part of a place where art is for everyone of all abilities. It’s a sentiment close to my heart.

See Jude’s classes

Jude O’Sullivan

What classes do you teach?

Printmaking.

Artistic training and influences

After a Foundation Diploma at St Albans School of Art, I studied Graphic Design and Typography at Wimbledon School of Art. My early career was in advertising and as a freelance Graphic Designer.

I have been influenced in my latest work by Japanese woodcuts and designers Sybil Andrews and Cyril Power. Coming from a design rather than fine art background, my printmaking uses pattern and line to a great degree and is influenced by the Modernist movement. I have also been playing around with type as an image for a number of years, influenced by Alan Kitching and the Dutch typographer Hendrik Werkman. I like to experiment and combine different techniques: mono printing, lino, dry point and screen printing. I always take a sketchbook with me to record ideas when I travel. I enjoy sharing ideas and find there is always something new to learn from other artists and students.

Teaching Experience

I have 25 years’ experience teaching subjects including Graphic Design, Advertising, Printmaking and Art & Design (at a range of levels: CGSE, A level, BTEC, GNVQ, AVCE, Foundation Degree and community and adult learning). I became Head of Art at Oaklands College in 2009. I am now retired but still teach and run workshops.

What do you like about teaching at Courtyard?

I began teaching here after becoming a member in 2013 when I moved to Hertford, but I have known of Courtyard for many years. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach here and am looking forward to getting to know other members.

See Deana’s classes

Deana Kim Page

What classes do you teach?

Acrylic Painting and Sketching workshops.

Artistic training and influences

I am self-taught. I have worked as a professional commission artist since 2002. My passion and focus is to help others realise their creative dreams and goals in art.

Teaching Experience

I coach, mentor and teach adults and children in art workshops and one-to-one lessons. I run art holidays and teach a range of different media. I have taught at various locations across the region in recent years.

What do you like about teaching at Courtyard?

The people are all so friendly and passionate. It is an honour to be involved with a creative centre offering dedicated creative learning to the community of Hertford.

See Claire’s classes

Claire Preston

What classes do you teach?

Fun Art and Exploring Art for children.

Artistic training and influences

Art has played a big part in my life since childhood. I studied Graphic Design at Hertford Regional College after leaving school. During my time there, I found a love for illustration and painting. I am interested in finding new ways to produce art works and I continue to enjoy learning and being inspired by those around me. My influences include Monet and Van Gogh; Picasso and Dali are also particular favourites of mine. And from the world of illustration, Quentin Blake (of course), Maurice Sendak and Anthony Browne, to name a few.

Teaching experience

I am currently an Early Years Foundation Stage teaching assistant at a local Hertford school. My experience also extends to teaching art clubs and helping with various art projects for the school over the years: back-drops for plays, printing and model-making are among the things I have been involved with. More recently, guiding Year 6 children in producing canvases for their leaving legacy to the school.

What do you like about teaching at Courtyard?

Courtyard is full of inspiration, from the exhibitions, to the people I have met and continue to meet. It is a friendly, welcoming place for all. To be able to be part of Courtyard and provide children with a place to explore their own creative sides is a dream come true. It has provided great opportunities for my own children also, who have attended – and still attend – classes here.

See Amanda’s classes

Amanda Towers

What classes do you teach?

Life Drawing and Printmaking.

Artistic training and influences

I studied Graphics at Loughborough University and completed a certificate in Education at the University of Hertfordshire. I continue to practise as a printmaker from my home studio – specialising in lino, drypoint and monoprinting – exhibiting and selling my work locally.

Teaching experience

I have been involved in art education for over 30 years, progressing from Lecturer to Head of Art, Design Media and Performing Arts, and then to Director of Faculty of the Arts in further education colleges. I have taught across a range of disciplines – including life drawing, painting, photography, graphics and printmaking – to ages from 16+ to the over-eighties. I have coordinated an access programme designed for adults returning to education and I particularly enjoy engaging people in the world of art. I am a committed educationalist, passionate about developing individuals’ creativity.

What do you like about teaching at Courtyard?

I am new to working at Courtyard and am looking forward to becoming part of the team. so far everyone has been extremely welcoming and supportive.

See Sue’s classes

Sue Wagstaff

What classes do you teach?

Art & Clay for home educated children.

Artistic training and influences

BA in Fine Art; PGCE in Art & Design; trained to teach Arts Awards (bronze and silver).

Teaching experience

Teaching in schools and private tuition.

What do you like about teaching at Courtyard?

It’s a friendly, caring environment with varied classes and activities aimed at a broad audience. The small class sizes mean you get to know your pupils and vice versa.

About

About Us

“To provide a launch pad for all members of the community to achieve their artistic potential.”

Sign up for news from Courtyard Arts

Volunteering with Courtyard

Membership

Our History

1980’s

1980’s

1980’s

1995

1996

1996

1996

1996

1996

1996

Today

Today

Trustees

Barbara Hopkin

Anna Fuller

Mike Robinson

Sarah Pickup

John Clark

Denise Carolan

Bill Cox

Staff

Laura Burns

Sandra Yarker

Tutors

Anastasia Olarou

Glynnis Bainbridge

Paul Fennell

Amanda German

Jamie Gore

Nick Howard

Pat Joyce

Polly Kiernan

Teresa Morton

Jude O’Sullivan

Deana Kim Page

Claire Preston

Amanda Towers

Sue Wagstaff

“To provide a launch pad for all members of the community to achieve their artistic potential.”