About The Art Shed
The Art Shed is a not for profit community creative studio in the heart of Berkhamsted. We open our doors in June 2026 with a simple belief: that creativity belongs to everyone, not just those with experience, confidence or money to spare.Founded by two passionate local artists, The Art Shed grew out of a shared frustration with how inaccessible creative spaces can be. We wanted somewhere genuinely welcoming – a place where you can turn up as you are, try something new, and find your people along the way.Our workshops are small, friendly and led by experienced instructors. No prior experience is needed for anything we offer. Whether you’re looking for a new skill, a regular reason to get out of the house, or simply an hour or two doing something just for you, there’s a place for you here.Everyone is welcome – and we mean that.We operate a subsidised places model because we believe cost should never be a barrier to taking part. Paid workshops fund reduced price places for people on lower incomes or referred to us through social prescribing pathways. If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, just get in touch – we’ll always do our best to find a way to make it work.You’ll find us at Park Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 1HX.We’d love to see you.
Squeeze the Day — Botanical Painting with Amelia
No experience? No problem. This is the perfect excuse to grab a friend, pour a glass of something fizzy and discover you’re more creative than you think.In this two-hour session, you’ll paint your choice of a sun-drenched lemon or orange botanical directly onto a painted wooden frame board — bold, beautiful and ready to hang on your wall the moment you walk out the door. Your instructor Amelia will guide you through every brushstroke, so even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before, you’ll leave with something you’re genuinely proud of.All materials provided. All abilities welcome. Good company guaranteed.£50 per person | 2 hours | Suitable for complete beginnersBooking link coming soon.
Clay Dishes — A Hand-Building Workshop with Michelle
There’s something quietly magical about making something with your hands. In this two-hour beginners session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of hand-building with clay and create your own collection of organic, sculptural dishes – the kind that look like they belong in a ceramics boutique.You’ll choose your own style and make it your own, guided by Michelle every step of the way. No experience needed, just a willingness to get your hands dirty.Once you’ve finished making, Michelle will glaze and fire your pieces for you. Your finished work will be ready to collect usually within two to three weeks – ready to use, gift or show off.All materials included. No experience necessary.£50 per person | 2 hours | Suitable for complete beginnersBooking link coming soon.
From the Beginning — A Six Week Clay Course with Jane.
If you’ve always wanted to try pottery but didn’t know where to start, this is where you begin.From the Beginning is a six week course designed specifically for complete beginners. Over two hours a week, you’ll learn everything you need to work confidently with clay – from your very first thumb pot through to glazing and firing your finished pieces. By the end of the course you’ll have a real body of handmade work to take home, and the skills and confidence to keep making.What you’ll cover:Week 1 – Clay and how to use it
Week 2 – Hand building techniques: thumb pots, coil pots and slab work
Week 3 – Decoration techniques
Week 4 – Preparing your pieces for firing
Week 5 – Underglaze decorating
Week 6 – Glazing and finishingSessions are small – just six people – so you’ll get plenty of attention and support from Jane throughout. All materials are included and your finished, fired pieces are yours to take home.£50 per session | 2 hours | Maximum 6 participants | Complete beginners welcomeConcession places available at £25 – please get in touch to arrange.Booking link coming soon.
Wild Things — Kids Clay Workshop with Jo
Got a little maker at home? This is their moment.In this fun, hands-on session, children will use air dry clay to create their very own animal sculpture or plant pot – letting their imagination run wild from start to finish. Jo will guide them through every step, but there are no rules here – just creativity, colour and plenty of mess.
Pieces are finished and ready to take home on the day. No kiln, no waiting – just a proud little artist walking out the door with something they made themselves.Suitable for ages 7 to 12. Maximum 8 places.Drop off is welcome – just make sure you’re back at pick up time.All materials provided.
£15 per child | 1.5 hoursBooking link coming soon
Drawn In — Charcoal Drawing with Maud
There’s something wonderfully free about charcoal. It’s bold, it’s expressive, and it’s delightfully messy – which is exactly the point.In this two-hour session, Maud will introduce you to the basics of mark making and charcoal drawing in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. You’ll explore different techniques, experiment with light and shadow, and discover what charcoal can do in your hands. No drawing experience needed – just a willingness to have a go and get a little dirty.Fair warning: charcoal gets everywhere. Come dressed accordingly.All materials provided. No experience necessary.£50 per person | 2 hours | Maximum 6 participants | Suitable for complete beginnersConcession places available at £25 – please get in touch to arrange.Booking link coming soon
Open Studio — Untutored Studio Time
You’ve got the skills. Now make what you want.Open Studio sessions are for makers who want uninterrupted time to work on their own pieces in a well-equipped, friendly space. There’s no teaching, no set project and no instructor – just you, your ideas and two hours of focused making time.
These sessions are ideal if you’ve completed our From the Beginning course or already have some clay experience and want regular time in the studio to develop your own practice.A few things to know:- Clay is available to purchase at cost
- Glazing and firing is included for up to two small pieces per session
- Additional or larger pieces can be fired for £4 each
- Please come ready to work – these sessions are self-directed and there will be no tuition or individual support available£35 per person | 2 hours | Maximum 6 participants.Prior experience required – suitable for those who have completed From the Beginning or have equivalent clay experience.Booking link coming soon.
Hire the Space
Looking for a beautiful, well-equipped creative space in the heart of Berkhamsted? The Art Shed studio is available to hire for workshops, classes, craft groups and community activities.The studio accommodates up to 20 people and is available across four sessions daily. It’s a warm, welcoming space that works equally well for a weekly craft group or a one-off workshop you’re running yourself.Session times and rates:Morning 09:30 – 12:30 | £50
Afternoon 13:00 – 16:00 | £50
After school 16:00 – 18:00 | £35
Evening 18:30 – 21:30 | £50
Full day (all sessions) | £150A 10% discount is available when you book five or more sessions in advance.Kiln firing:Need your work fired? Kiln firing is available as an add-on at £35 per cycle, subject to availability. Just let us know at the time of booking.Good to know:• All sessions include set up and clear up time
• You bring your own materials and equipment
• Hirers are responsible for their own public liability insurance
• Full terms and conditions are available on requestTo check availability or make a booking, get in touch at [email protected]