Festival Artist in Residence – Claire Henley

The term is for 2 years, so you will see Claire at our events between now and the next festival in 2027 where she will run workshops, participate in our schools outreach programme at local primary and secondary schools, help to judge The Great Broadway Paint-Off, etc. Claire runs a series of very popular workshops and talks at the festival. Claire has also exhibited twice at artBEAT, in 2023 and 2025.

Claire lives and works in Stratford-upon-Avon, where she has a sunny, though often messy studio.

To date she has had a varied career as a professional artist and illustrator. After studying for a graphic design degree in London from 1981-84 she began working as a designer for a textile company in Leamington Spa. Realising the appeal of a freelance life, Claire started designing and illustrating stationery, giftware, homeware and toys before becoming a book illustrator and writer for several years. During this time, she visited children in schools and libraries to explain about the book-making process from the initial idea to the finished product. The world of fine art, however, was beckoning…

I had always wanted to express myself more through my work and in 2010 I waved goodbye to corporate clients and tight deadlines and began painting the British countryside, coast and urban environments that I love. Living in the centre of England is a bonus as it allows for a lot of exploring in all directions, but sometimes a simple bunch of flowers from my garden provides me with the perfect subject matter.

Claire enjoys experimenting with texture and mixed media, using mostly acrylic paint for its versatility and depth of colour. In recent years she has taught some popular workshops, introducing her techniques to others. She is represented by several galleries from the Scilly Isles to Scotland’s Black Isle, exhibits at art fairs and open studio events and her work is licensed by companies worldwide.

We are looking forward to working with Claire and promoting her work.