Courtyard Arts, Hertford, unveils a riot of colour this summer with a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Annie Lyon, running 9 June – 4 July. Known for her fearless use of colour and playful approach to materials, Lyon brings together hand‑built ceramics, assemblage, textiles, and found objects in a show that crackles with energy and joy.

Drawing on Kandinsky’s belief that “colour is a power which directly influences the soul,” Lyon creates work that surprises, uplifts, and gently subverts expectations. Her latest pieces combine painted ceramics with unexpected treasures sourced from nature, charity shops, and everyday life—each object transformed into a vibrant celebration of discovery.

“Colour wakes me up, stimulates my senses, and is my safe place when life is tough,” says Lyon. “Experimentation, humour, and joy are at the heart of everything I make.”

A Hertford‑based artist with roots in Bradford College’s 1960s art scene, Lyon has spent decades exploring weaving, spinning, digital design, sculpture, and installation. Her influences include Sheila Hicks, Kandinsky, Judith Scott, Ettore Sottsass, and the poetic sensibility of Leonard Cohen.

This exhibition offers a bold, uplifting journey into the power of colour—and the delight of the unexpected.

Venue: Courtyard Arts, Port Vale, Hertford SG14 3AA 

Dates: 9 June – 4 July 

Admission: Free