Ink to Impress: Celebrating the richness of printmaking at Courtyard Arts

Courtyard Arts is proud to present Ink to Impress, a dynamic group exhibition showcasing the work of the best 25 printmakers from across Hertfordshire, running from Tuesday 28 October to Saturday 22 November 2025.

This vibrant and diverse show brings together artists at all stages of their printmaking journey—from those just beginning to explore the medium, to seasoned practitioners like Jude O’Sullivan. Jude, who has been making prints for over 50 years, is responsible for curating the exhibition which celebrates the variety, versatility, and expressive power of print as a contemporary art form.

A wide range of techniques will be on display, including monoprinting, screen printing, drypoint, etched lino, collograph, tetrapak, and innovative combinations of these methods. Each artist brings a unique voice to their chosen process, creating works that speak to personal journeys, emotional landscapes, and visual storytelling.

“Printmaking is the activity or occupation of making pictures or designs by printing them from specially prepared plates or blocks,” says Jude O’Sullivan. “But that definition barely scratches the surface. What makes printmaking so special is The Reveal—that moment of anticipation when the first pull is made. You never quite know what you’re going to get.”

Jude studied at St Albans Art School and Wimbledon School of Art, later working in advertising before moving into teaching. She now leads printmaking classes at Courtyard Arts and continues to inspire new generations of artists with her experimental approach and deep knowledge of the craft.

The exhibition also reflects the growing recognition of printmaking in the wider art world. From the inclusion of tetrapak prints in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, to landmark shows like Hokusai at the British Museum and Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking at Dulwich, the medium has moved from the margins to the mainstream.

“We’re delighted to present Ink to Impress, a vibrant showcase of Hertfordshire’s finest printmakers,” says Laura Burns, Director of Courtyard Arts. “This exhibition celebrates the remarkable skill and imagination of our local artists. Each work reveals the expressive power of print—whether loud and striking or quiet and nuanced.”