Canopy is run by a small, passionate team of arts professionals. Determined to embed creativity in The Forest of Dean, we work together with the aim of supporting artists and devising a cultural strategy for the area.
Katie Sanderson
Events Manager & Steering Committee Member
Katie has previously worked for 10 years in community based roles, with local authorities, and charities building community opportunities and securing funding to support their vision. One such example was creating a participatory arts project for adults with learning disabilities, using her experience and skills in partnership to oversee the logistical aspects of the project and working to bring artists, art venues and communities together to ensure arts were enjoyed by all.
Katie then took a leap and set up her enamelling business building on a long passion for this ancient art form she took a hobby and went professional creating enamel work for galleries and teaching enamelling workshops.
Now in the Forest of Dean she teaches enamelling here and at various venues across the country. While continuing to create new work for galleries and exhibitions.
Her love for creating community based opportunities hasn’t left her and she’s excited to be bringing this experience to Canopy to organise and oversee 6 festivals in the FoD over 2024-2025 with a lead up of inspiring workshops and local events to be showcased.
Charlotte Sparks (Keating)
Marketing & Communications
Contemporary Artist, Educator & Freelance Marketing Professional for Creative Organisations
Alongside running my own contemporary painting practice under my maiden name Keating, I teach & support creative businesses prosper through tailored marketing campaigns that clarify and promote their vision using effective imagery and copywriting to enhance their message and better connect with their audience. www.charlottekeating.com
Rob Olins
Chair & Steering Committee Member
Rob is a sculptor/designer working cross media, informed by architecture, acoustics and modern engineering techniques, with particular emphasis on the boundaries between art and science.
Qualifying in experimental ceramics led him to collaborate with architects, scientists and designers. This collaborative approach has always been a key element of his practice and as led him to working alongside a wide range of specialists ranging from sound designers to blacksmiths.
Sara Rickard
Director & Steering Committee Member
After several years planning I left my career in art education and decided to return to my roots in embroidery. An interest in line achieved in stitching achieves movement and layers of translucent fabrics combined with threads aims to add a depth and richness of colour. I stitch both by hand and machine.
Since 2016 I have participated in farOpen, local galleries and one person show ‘5,000 Hours’ at Ruskin Mill, Stroud. Exhibited at The Knitting and Stitching Show, London, Harrogate and Dublin, pieces toured nationally. Work in public collections, one selling recently to Grantham Museum and Art Gallery.
Roger Drury
Arts Development & Steering Committee Member
Roger is a community arts worker, based and working in The Forest of Dean and environs since 1986. He develops creative activity, engaging with communities, working with all ages and abilities. Projects have included setting up Coleford festival of Words, Forest of Dean Community radio, Incomplete Histories, Oh Crumbs spoken word live events, Last Thursday live performances and Glos Writers Network. He is a writer/performer member of Custard Ceili Band & the Pukes.
Canopy Creative Network 