Your art, your River Colne

A new month-long art exhibition celebrating the River Colne and its rich heritage will open in March 2026 at the newly launched Pump House Café and exhibition space. The ‘River Colne Art Exhibition’ invites both amateur and professional artists to showcase work inspired by the river’s wildlife, history, and personal memories.

Artists are encouraged to submit work in any medium, painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, that reflects the River Colne and its surroundings. Submissions can be newly created or existing pieces, with artwork drop-off beginning in mid-March 2026.

The Pump House Café, located at the historic Pump House in Watford, is a newly opened space dedicated to art, culture, and community engagement. The River Colne Art Exhibition is its first major showcase, promising a diverse and inspiring collection of works.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “The River Colne is not only a source of natural beauty and local pride, it’s a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment for future generations. This exhibition invites everyone to reflect on their connection to the river and express it through art, while also celebrating the role creativity plays in raising awareness about sustainability.”

Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said: “Art has the power to inspire change, and this exhibition is a brilliant opportunity for our community to come together and highlight the River Colne’s ecological and cultural value.

 “One of our main goals is to reconnect people with our river, and we hope this will help do that. I’m especially excited to see how artists explore themes of sustainability and conservation through their work.”

For more information on how to participate, please contact Emily Evans, Senior Project Officer at Groundwork East, on emily.evans@groundwork.org.uk