About

APPROACH, EXPERIENCE & FEEDBACK

Sara has been an art educator for almost 40 years. Sharing her own learning, together with her creative practice as an abstract painter, she brings high quality teaching and facilitation to a broad range of groups and individuals around the world. Her sessions are informative, fun and engaging and bring out the creative in everyone, regardless of background or experience. 

In a safe, non-judgemental environment, through a range of multidisciplinary activities, Sara guides participants in the combined practices of observation, of making art together and of critiquing and discussing input. She draws on world art history, cultural and personal identity, other artforms, and parallels with the theory and practice of peacebuilding. This approach encourages dialogue, connection and creative approaches to problem-solving.

EXPERIENCE

2025

– Visual Art for Peace: an Introduction – presentation & seminar for IJR, Embrace Dignity, and Trust for Community Outreach and Education at the Institute for Justice & Reconciliation, Cape Town, South Africa.

– Creating Collaboratively: Ideas & Benefits of Making Art Together –  training for art facilitators & staff healing trauma through art in under-resourced communities at Butterfly Art Project, Cape Town, South Africa.

2024

– Friends Everywhere workshop series for British Pavilion visitors at Venice Biennale 2024.

– Art Games Celebrating 50 years of Peace Studies at University of Bradford – Golden Jubilee Conference, Bradford, UK

2023

– Visual Arts for Peace 4-day programme – Department of Peace & Conflict Studies, PIASS, Huye, Rwanda

– Experiments with Creative Play for Masters students – University of Bradford Peace Studies Department, UK.

2016-22

Arts Lab CIC projects, artist & graduate training & What’s On workshops – Dartington Hall Trust, Devon, UK.

2013-15

Associate Lecturer – Plymouth University Institute of Education, UK.

2013-14

Occasional Tutor – Plymouth University of the Arts – Film, Painting, Drawing & Printmaking & Art Foundation students, UK.

1998-01

Art tutor – Carrboro Arts Centre & private, USA.

1996-98

– Lecturer in Fine Art & Art History – Wirral Metropolitan College, UK.

– Tutor ‘A’ Level Art History – Basil Paterson College, Edinburgh, Scotland.

1993-96

Visiting Fine Art lecturer – New York (Parsons Design School & Cooper Union), USA; Vancouver (Emily Carr Institute), Canada; Caracas (Instituto Armando Reverón & Escuela de Artes Visuales Cristobal Rojas), Venezuela; Santiago (Escuela de Arte, Catholic University), Chile.

1988-93

Visiting Fine Art lecturer – Poland, Russia, Estonia & UK (incl. Royal Academy & Chelsea, Wimbledon, Gray’s & Duncan of Jordanstone Schools of Art).

1985-86

Visiting Fine Art lecturer – Australia (9 art schools) & India.

FEEDBACK

Academic/ Higher Education

“I have always been a fan of your work, and so excited to read about this new field [connecting the visual arts with peacebuilding], and that we had a small role in your journey. I hope we get the chance to work together soon.” Dr Sudhir Selvaraj, Assistant Professor Peace Studies & International Development, University of Bradford, UK.

“Permission to spend time and focus creating on my own, guided without judgement, helped me to feel calm and free.”

“Everyone seemed to be equally engaged – it felt meaningful and focussed, without expectations to be an experienced or accomplished artist.”

“Useful for illiterate beneficiaries as an alternative means of conveying message and expression.”

“The collaborative part of the activity encouraged teamwork, respecting others’ ideas and helping to overcome disagreement.”

“Simple, affordable materials make it accessible for wide-ranging communities and easy to implement.” Students of Peace & Conflict Studies, PIASS, Huye, Rwanda.

“Sara’s warm, open and enthusiastic attitude encouraged participants to share some of their own experiences, which led naturally into working together in small groups. It was interesting to note the psychology at play within the group interactions, how individual urges gently transformed into a more communal outlook. Loved the vibrant ‘toolkits’ too!”Dot, Artist & M.A. student of Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution, University of Bradford, UK.

“Thank you for welcoming the students to your studio and providing them with such a rich experience which I know they valued greatly.” Julia Pope – Lecturer in Education (Art & Design), Plymouth Institute of Education, University of Plymouth, UK.

“Sara has been an inspiration to students on the BEd Art and Design specialist pathway at Plymouth University bringing ‘fresh eyes’ to approaches that engage learners in developing visual art processes. What the art education students really like is Sara’s practical, ‘hands-on’ approach to workshops led with energy and enthusiasm! How exciting to be learning through actively exploring art and design practice together with Sara and in new and creative ways while developing an understanding of her colourful and innovative mixed-media artwork.” Sadie Medway – Lecturer in Education (Art and Design), Plymouth Institute of Education, UK.

“Fantastic stuff – and thank you so much for the opportunities that you have provided for my students to engage with wider arts practice this year!” Dan Paolantonio – Co-Programme Leader: H.E. Film, Arts University Plymouth, UK.

“Thank you again for working with our students and for engaging us in a hands-on activity – it was brilliant! Hopefully we’ll get the chance to work together again in the future, you’re truly inspiring!” Amanda Buckley – Lecturer H.E. Film, Arts University Plymouth, UK.

Community

“At the Venice Art Biennale, Sara created an unexpected platform for collective thinking and art making in an environment, ordinarily passively experienced by visitors, that was highly stimulating. Her ability to provide an art format that was at the same time inviting and accessible but also deep and aesthetically captivating was a joy to see in action. So many people from different backgrounds participated, clearly enthusiastic to share in a creative way what mattered to them and learning from each other.” Francesco, Steward Manager, M+B Studio, Venice, Italy. 

“Sara’s workshops provided valuable moments of reflection and sharing for the visitors to the British Pavilion. They also proved to be extremely useful for us, the British Pavilion team, as it is rare to receive genuine feedback and observations from the audience. Sara managed each interaction with exceptional care and grace, standing out for her ability to communicate in multiple languages. Her activities engaged a diverse audience, including people of various ages and backgrounds.” Anna Purna, Steward Manager, M+B Studio, Venice, Italy.

“Her workshops provided a wonderful opportunity for visitors to reflect on the exhibition and on the role of arts and its social impact through a range of collective creations. In a simple and generous way, visitors were engaged in conversations, written responses, and movements around the shared workspace. I’m sure this has been a memorable experience for all involved.” Francesca Vason, British Pavilion curator and project manager, M+B Studio, Venice, Italy.

“We both thought you were fabulous and absolutely the right person to lead these workshops!” Laura Denning – Engagement Co-ordinator, Plymouth Arts Centre, UK.

“They loved being able to let their children loose with art materials, enjoying being creative with their children. All of the mums said that they would love to see more groups like this.” Assistant at “Creative Play” – Tamar Folk at The Barn, Barne Barton, Plymouth, UK.

Refugees

“A truly moving and tender day sharing personal stories, paintings from the days’ workshops and listening to one another’s hearts with Syrian refugee families and the local community.” Dartington Hall Trust volunteer, UK.

Criminal Justice

“There is no doubt that the sessions improved the lives of those involved and have played a part in making the Dartmoor community a little safer. ….. The wonderful [art]work up on the walls, is a credit to the participants and its presence will brighten up the day for those who pass by.” Safer Custody Manager, HMP Dartmoor, UK.

“Inspiring and fantastic sessions! A significant contribution to our [rehabilitation] programme.” Eva Hamilton MBE – Founder & CEO of Key4Life, UK.

Regular workshops for adults

“I’ve really enjoyed our course. It’s provided me with the space I needed to reconnect with my love of art and creating after 25 years away from drawing and painting. I found Sara to be full of encouragement and enthusiasm and I benefitted from learning about her approach to abstract art which was new to me.” Jamie.

“I really enjoy the freedom of the space to work in and the chance to experiment. Emboldened by the sessions, I love working on the edge of my comfort zone. Art is amazing!”

“Sara’s workshops are amazing – she is an understanding, enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher. The workshops can be quite intensive, but always fun and varied.” Chris.

Primary & Secondary Education

“Sara has delivered a number of fantastic workshops at KEVICC. She is a talented artist and tutor who has a unique delivery style. She encourages students to experiment and express themselves thoughtfully. I would highly recommend her.” Tim Wightman – Head of Art, King Edward VI Community College, Totnes, Devon, UK. 

“Thank you so much for all the hard work and organisation you both have put into this – it is really exciting. It was a great project, both in terms of the seamless collaboration …. and the efficient organisation on your part. It’s been lovely working with you.” Dawn Brumham – Business Manager, Teignmouth Local Learning Community (TLLC), UK.

“We have enjoyed going round to the TLLC schools visiting Kip and Sara’s workshops. Some brilliant ideas there. We look forward to seeing the final exhibition. Kip and Sara work really well together and with the young people. We have already received some excellent feedback from the children – some of the best we have ever had.” Annie and Roger Kirk – Trustees of The Helen Foundation, UK.

“A massive thank you. The art looks fantastic and the children had such a brilliant experience.” School teacher – St Maurice Primary School, Plymouth, UK.

“Thank you to Sara for running the Art Enrichment Day for Kevicc students. It was a great opportunity for students to experiment with their own creative process in an artist studio space. All students had time to produce some excellent work and discuss their ideas on how to come up with imaginative outcomes.” Ben Moon – Art tutor, King Edward VI Community College, Totnes, Devon, UK.

Mental Health

“George has been on tremendous form – very expressive and talkative. Brilliant! Your workshops have been the turning point.” Caroline.

“The sessions have transformed Helen’s life. Now she has friends for the first time in years it is helping her come to terms with life.  This is the first time Helen has considered anything just for pleasure, not involved in desperately trying to get back to unsuitable financial type jobs. To get her thinking outside the box is wonderful.” Helen’s mother.

“A group of adults who are all either carers for those with mental health problems or dealing with their own individual challenges have been greatly benefitting from weekly art classes with Sara. Having been struggling myself with various mental health difficulties spanning many years, I have found the safe space of the group, the excellent facilitation, guidance and support from Sara with the opportunity and encouragement to be creative a very valuable tool in my recovery. The safety/support/encouragement found in this group/workshop is a rare find when one is embarking on a journey of recovery/self-discovery and is a valuable asset to the Mental Health Community and indeed the Community of South Brent.” Carol. 

“I joined the art workshop to support my adult son who is recovering from a mental health problem. It is helping him enormously, and in a climate of severe cuts in the NHS, it is the only therapy group in our area.” Martha.

One-to-One

“I’ve really enjoyed the sessions and found them to be great in helping me gain confidence.” Suzanna.

“Sara’s workshops are amazing – she is an understanding, enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher. The workshops are fun and varied and can be quite intensive. They target precisely my needs and inspire me to work on useful skills, looking forward to the next session. Sara is also guiding me towards applying for degree courses in Illustration and helping me to assemble my Portfolio of work for the interview. Her encouragement and knowledge really help my confidence in taking this step.” Anna.

Room 13 at KEVICC – The Open Box

“This Room 13 proposal sounds very exciting ….. good luck with it all. Please keep us informed about the progress. Plymouth Uni has had strong links with KEVICC in the past. ….. I think between us all we might be able to foster links that could help the students. Most importantly at the moment though is you and your innovative and enthusiastic ideas, Sara! Sadie Medway – Lecturer in Education (Art and Design), Plymouth Institute of Education, UK.

“Really excited by this…” Tim Wightman – Head of Art at KEVICC, Totnes, UK.

“We were all really impressed by what The Open Box has already achieved, and especially that it’s a group being run by the students for the students.” Parents Association – KEVICC, Totnes, UK.