Meet The Team…
Becky Newman-Smith
Schools – Bengeo Primary (Mondays); Abel Smith Primary (Tuesdays); Weston Primary, (Wednesdays); Hartsfield Primary, (Thursdays); St John’s C of E Primary (Fridays)
Becky studied Textile Design at university and worked as a freelance designer before running a bespoke trimmings business based in London. She then trained as a primary teacher and worked in schools for a number of years. It was always a dream to run a business which focused on providing specialist art teaching, allowing children to tap into their creativity outside of the restraints of the school curriculum. In 2015 she took the plunge and Art Explorers was born.
Laura Brown
Schools – Bengeo Primary (Tuesdays); Morgans Primary (Wednesdays); Abel Smith Primary (Thursdays)
Laura loves working with children and after having four of her own it is fair to say she is a bit of an expert! She has lots of experience in working with young children and in running art and craft after school clubs. The children in her classes are guaranteed to have lots of creative fun!
Keeda Cowley
Schools – Sacred Heart Primary, Ware (Mondays and Thursdays); Priors Wood Primary, Ware (Wednesdays and Fridays)
Keeda loves all things creative and is very excited to pass on her enthusiasm to the children in her classes. She trained in fine art and has lots of experience working in a school as an art and design technician. She loves trying out new processes and techniques so will ensure the children have a lot of fun!
Cara Ellen
Schools – White Court School, Braintree (Tuesdays); St Michael’s Primary, Braintree (Fridays)
Cara is our Club Leader in Braintree. She comes to us with lots of experience in the world of art and design. When she isn’t inspiring children, she is a print textile designer creating lovely designs under her own brand (@caratomi_printextiles). She loves to work with children, helping their creative confidence to grow.
Clare Lavelle
Schools – Bengeo Primary, Hertford (Thursdays)
We are excited to welcome Clare to the Art Explorers team. She loves working with children and always has a creative project on the go. She is looking forward to getting to know her classes and sharing her enthusiasm for art and craft.
Eve Parker
Schools – Studlands Rise First School, Royston (Tuesdays) ; Gamlingay Village Primary, Gamlingay (Wednesdays and Thursdays)
We are very excited to welcome Eve to the team. She has a wealth of experience working with children as a Teaching Assistant. She loves getting involved in creative projects and really letting children’s individual lights shine. She is looking forward to getting to know the children in her clubs.
Maxine King
Schools – St Michael’s Primary, Bishop Stortford (Wednesdays)
We are thrilled that Maxine is joining us to run our club at St Michael’s. She already has many years experience working at St Michael’s and knows the children really well. She has worked with lots of different age groups and has taught art and inspired countless children along the way. Maxine is passionate about supporting children to explore their creativity and encouraging them to takes risks in a safe and supportive environment.
Laura Cordery
Schools – Christ Church Primary, Ware (Tuesdays)
Laura is a socially-engaged artist and theatre designer passionate about using the arts as a tool for social change and wellbeing. She runs an arts organisation who deliver creative projects with and for communities. She is a member of Christ Church Ware and has two young energetic children that keep her fit and love being creative. We are so pleased she is joining us at Art Explorers!
Skye Elliott
Schools – Witham Oaks Academy, Witham (Tuesdays); Prettygate Junior School, Colchester (Wednesdays)
We are so pleased to have Skye join us at Art Explorers to run our first Colchester-based club. Skye studied Art and Design at college before going on to work as a school photographer. She has lots of experience making children smile! She loves working with children and is really looking forward to helping her club members explore their creativity.
Rebeka Marschalko
Schools – Mandeville Primary School, St Albans (Fridays)
Rebeka joins us with lots of experience working with children in after school settings. She loves working with children to develop their ability and confidence in art and craft. She is skilled in a wide range of artistic techniques including pottery, clay work, printing and mixed media crafts and sells her work online and in local craft markets. We are so happy to have Rebeka join our team!
Laura Rehne
Schools – Roseacres Primary (Mondays); All Saints Primary (Tuesdays); Henham and Ugley Primary (Wednesdays)
Laura has a passion for art and for helping others explore their creativity. She previously ran a cake decorating business and has run clubs for children. As a scout leader she has helped many children aim high and achieve their goals. We are so pleased that Laura is joining us as to sprinkle her creative magic!
Ezzy Lacey
Schools – St Joseph’s Primary (Tuesdays); Thorn Grove Primary (Wednesdays); Hillmead Primary (Thursdays)
Ezzy studied Fashion Communication and Promotion at university, often incorporating the importance of creativity and mental health into her work. Her final year of studies focused on creating arts and crafts workshops for young people to explore the idea of creating ‘For Joy’s Sake’, when so many of us are taught to fear failure and experimentation through our creativity. She has 3+ years of experience as a leader for the Girl Guides, helping young girls to learn collaboration, independence, and exploration in everyday life. We are so excited to have Ezzy join our team!
