The Arts Society Harpenden Evening is affiliated to The Arts Society, a leading UK and European voluntary arts education organisation promoting knowledge, appreciation and study of the arts. Founded in 1968 by Patricia Fay, The Arts Society is a charity, with over 60,000 members in 340 local Societies in the UK and mainland Europe. The current Honary President is Hilary Kay, appointed in 2025. All the societies subscribe to its ethos, namely the advancement of arts education and appreciation, and the preservation of our artistic heritage for everyone’s benefit.
In 1968 Lady Parkinson founded the Harpenden branch of NADFAS (the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies). By 1990 the membership had grown exponentially and the society split into two, The Arts Society Harpenden Area (TASHA), with meetings in the daytime, and The Arts Society Harpenden Evening (TASHE).
What is included in your membership and how to join us:
Membership includes:
- 10 excellent evening lectures from September to July
- Email newsletters – local and national
- The Arts Society Magazine
Optional extras:
- Local special interest days for more in depth knowledge
- Arranged visits to exhibitions, museums and places of interest
- Organised cultural tours
- Events organised by The Arts Society Beds & Herts Area to which all societies in the 2 counties belong
- Special interest days and trips organised by other societies in our Area if there are places
The Society is run by a committee of volunteers who welcome feedback and ideas as they try to keep the Society's programme of events vibrant and varied. The committee would be pleased to hear from any member who would be interested in helping with the running of the Society. If you would like to discuss what is involved and possible roles, please email: Theartshe@gmail.com