Ah! Team
The team at Art Hoppers
We’re a friendly bunch who love what we do. We may be small in numbers but we’re big on ideas and full of creative energy and resources – Here’s Ah! team:
CLAIRE WARD-THORNTON
Co-founder
Claire set up Art Hoppers with Inés in 2012. Claire now spends her time running the organisation whilst designing/delivering projects with a small team of creatives. Claire was previously an independent artist (in partnership) on the live art scene and has worked in theatre, TV/film and large-scale outdoor events as an experienced scenic painter and community manager. Claire managed an arts and mental health charity for six years prior to moving into art education.
INES SZAMREY
Co-founder
Inés Szamrey is an Argentinian artist and graduated from Figueroa Alcorta School of Arts, Cordoba, Argentina with a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts and Arts Education and received a Gold Medal for her performance in the programme. Her work as an artist is intricately connected to the production of art in the early years and is based on inverse learning from the work of the child to the educator. Inés together with Claire, founded Art Hoppers in 2012. Inés now lives in Argentina and plans to establish her branch of Art Hoppers there. Watch this space…
SADIE EDGINTON
Art Facilitator
Sadie has been working with Art Hoppers since September 2016. Sadie plays a vital role in the delivery of our art sessions in schools and has a great deal of experience in the field. Sadie is a member of AltMFA and studying at the Royal College of Art for a Masters in Contemporary Art Practice: Public Sphere Pathway. Sadie is also an artist educator for the Jack Petchey Start Programme at The Saatchi Gallery.
In her personal work, Sadie explores collaborative methods of social interaction through sculptural relationships to everyday materials.
ALEX MCKENZIE
Artist
Alex Mckenzie works in a magical art cupboard full of books and plants. She drinks lots of coffee and would really like to have a parrot for a pet.
Alex is our first port of call when we’re getting the children’s art ready for exhibition. She has a solution for anything to do with mounting / hanging the work and adding the finishing touches.
Alex has her own exhibitions of prints and sculpture and folks have her art in their houses too.
PAU ROS
Media Manager
Pau is an experienced professional photographer. With a background in theatre, dance and music photography, Pau expanded his practice towards visual communications, including video, graphics, web design and artistic installations.
Pau manages the visual / media side of Art Hoppers bringing out the best in all that we do.
Originally from Barcelona, London based.
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Art, Well-being & The Big Draw
The Big Draw these for 2019 was Drawn to Life. Art Hoppers in partnership with Rich Mix, City & Hackney Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and local families discuss art and well-being via two community events for The Big Draw festival 2019. A community artwork is up on permanent display in Dalston CLR James Library in Hackney as a result of the project.