Meet the team

Becky Newman-Smith

Schools –   Online (Mondays); Giles Nursey and Infant School, Stevenage (Wednesdays); Hartsfield JMI, Baldock (Thursdays)

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.

Kate Nicholson

Schools – Abel Smith Primary, Hertford (Wednesdays) Bengeo Primary, Hertford (Thursdays);

Kate joined the team in 2017 and currently runs two of our after school clubs.  She is a talented artist and jewellery maker with lots of experience working with primary aged children.  Kate is caring and fun, always working hard to make sure that the children in her clubs achieve their potential and are super proud of their work.

Yolanda Addy

Schools – Mill Mead Primary (KS1), Hertford (Mondays); Bengeo Primary, Hertford (Tuesdays); Morgans Primary, Hertford (Thursdays)

Yolanda has a degree in Art and Design and has worked for a number of years as a freelance artist and designer.  She also has lots of experience working with children, having managed an after school club in a primary school.  She is very keen to get creative and share her love of art with the children in art club.

Kate MacWhannell

School – Sacred Heart Primary, Ware (Mondays)

Kate has a keen interest in art and worked as a magazine editor.  She also has taught children English as a foreign language.  Kate’s daughter has come along to our holiday clubs for some time so it is lovely to welcome her to the team!

Gabrielle Vickery

Schools – All Saints Primary, Bishops Stortford (Mondays); St Michael’s Primary, Bishops Stortford (Wednesdays)

Gabrielle has a background in Graphic Design and for many years ran her own business.  Recently she has focussed on inspiring others to develop their creativity though painting and drawing. She loves to use her experience to help and encourage children to create work they are super proud of.

Cara Ellen

Schools – St Joseph’s Primary, Bishops Stortford (Tuesdays); Summercroft Primary, Bishops Stortford (Thursdays)

Cara recently graduated from university with a degree in Textile Design.  She is really excited to be a part of the Art Explorers team so that she can inspire a new generation of artists and designers to pursue their passions in the same way she was inspired as child.  Her enthusiasm for creativity is infectious! You can check out her textiles work here – https://caratomitextiles.wixsite.com/design

Lorraine Andrews

Schools – Mill Mead Primary, Hertford (Wednesdays); Christ Church Primary, Ware (Thursdays)

Lorraine has many years experience working with children in after school settings, providing a range of activities but with a particular focus on art and craft activities as this is her favourite! In her spare time she is a keen felter and sells her super creations online. We are so pleased she is part of the team!

NB – All of our club leaders have enhanced DBS certificates and are fully insured.