Fabulous Weekend Art Classes and Holiday Art Workshops
Mini Monets has been providing young people with brilliant and inspirational weekend art classes, holiday workshops, and birthday parties for children aged 5-15 since 2011
This unique community of young artists provides a wonderful break from their academic school week. The art classes teach children to experiment away from judgment and self-criticism which is entirely liberating for the young and developing mind. It is more than a club, it’s an Art School run by professional artists with lots of support to help new students and those who need extra help.
The school follows the national Key Stages and we encourage the younger Monets to start at age 5 in stage 1 and learn good art skills that will prepare them for the art challenge of stages 2 and 3 and hopefully a lifetime love of art making and relaxing through the process of creative thinking.
If we have space you may start anytime or sign up for a trial class. It is preferable to start at the beginning of the 10-week term to get the full benefit of the project themes for the period. There are 30 weekly classes per year divided into 10-week term blocks.
The classes are lively and highly creative. We publish the term course in advance so that you know what to expect. The children make new friends and enjoy an environment of a like-minded imaginative company. We encourage group participation and use all mediums for projects.
We make sculptures, Paintings, and learn about colour, art techniques, and drawing skills. We also offer graphic design and printing skills. On top of it all, we introduce young artists to interesting and thought-provoking international artists. Encourage them to participate in The Royal Academy’s young artists’ summer shows and other national competitions.
We also have our own Art Fest to celebrate the skills and achievements of our students and their families. In short, we offer year-round support to families who are looking for a supportive environment to create independent creative thinkers and doers!
Who we are
Debra Franses is the founder of Mini Monets and herself a highly experienced art educator and internationally collected artist….this makes it exciting for the students to see how a real artist can follow their dreams and do what they love! Take a look at my website www.artbagstudio.com
I started this delightful art school in 2010. Now, together with my lovely colleague Deborah Thomas a graphic designer & Illustrator, we welcome you to our Mini Monets ART FAMILY! We are assisted by our inspiring art assistants Erin and Leah who connect well with the students.
We are both Mums of Boys and Girls ages 5 – 18 and LOVE TEACHING ART and do it VERY WELL
Locations
Our main art school is located in the Market Hall in Buckinghamshire’s Old town village of Amersham. The holiday workshops vary in location from the studio in Old Amersham to the Artbag Gallery, Market Hall, and various local farm barns.
Term time
The weekend classes take place in Old Amersham in the historic Market Hall where high ceilings big windows and chandeliers create the most wonderful environment along with the excellent teachers and support assistants. Together with lots of sunlight, the recipe is a therapeutic and supportive place for art exploration and personal growth.
On a Saturday parents love shopping for fresh croissants, flowers and Gin! at the artisan market below the Studio on their way to the Art School!
Holiday Workshops
Artbag studio gallery hosts many workshops and small parties in the summer find out more here
Flora Lender
My daughter has been attending the Mini Monet weekly art classes for two years and she absolutely adores them. They create some incredible work and cover really interesting topics and study artists in detail. The classes are professionally run and the Mini Monets team are friendly and very encouraging to the children. Mini Monets has also been such a memorable part of our lockdown time this year, there was such an effort made to make sure the lessons happened whether on site or on Zoom. My daughter calls the classes her “happy place” and is inspired each week to deliver a great piece of art. Thank you !
Jennifer Price
My daughter has attended Mini Monets for nearly 2 years and has enjoyed every second of her time creating amazing art and being inspired by Debra and Deborah and the wonderful array of artists they study. Fantastic face to face lessons as well as zoom sessions during lockdown. Really is a highlight of her week!! And we all need that especially at the moment! Thanks Mini Monets for being so fun, inspiring and opening up all the possibilities of art and creativity. Thank you!
Jo Carter
My son has been attending Mini Monets weekend art classes and holiday clubs for the last 3/4 years and looks forward to it as a highlight of his week. Debra and Deborah are fantastic artists and mentors and the children never cease to amaze me at how they rise to and revel in the weekly challenges that are set. I feel truly lucky to have discovered Mini Monets and for my son to be able to be part of the community of young artists that it nurtures!
petra stonea year ago
Best art class, a wonderful teacher. Both of my daughters aged 11 and 15 have attended Debras Mini Monets classes and workshops. Not only have they learnt and stretched their art skills, they also come out of Debra’s classes each week happy and inspired to continue art projects at home.
helen thomson
My daughter age 7 has been coming to Mini Monets for 2 years. It’s her highlight of the week. The classes stretch their imaginations and abilities using a huge range of textiles paints, pottery, feathers, charcoal, gold, denim and much more. I can’t recommend Mini Monets higher and make sure you look out for the holiday camps which are loads of fun too.
David Carter
We love this art class. Debra and her crew create a serene atmosphere, teaching art history and skills whilst allowing the children to create. Besides being a wholesome and friendly place for our child to enjoy, the artwork is amazing and has inspired confidence in a positive feedback loop. Remote classes during the Pandemic have been brilliant. (And a great antidote to video games and YouTube!). With supplies organised in advance, the zoom calls have been run with the same inclusive encouragement as in the classroom.
Ana Correia
My son loves his weekly art classes with Mini Monets! He’s been attending for over a year and astonishes his school art teachers when he mentions artists by name! Really enjoyable, lovely creations each week. Highly recommend!
Debbie Wooff
My twins aged 6 love this class. My daughter has attended for a couple of terms now, both on Zoom and in the hall and this is the only class she has continued at her request during lockdown. She won’t do any other classes on Zoom but insisted on doing this one. Her twin brother has joined her this term and is enjoying it as well. They are learning about different artists, different types of art and different mediums and having fun.
Andy Yiannouzis a year ago
my daughter, aged 11, has been doing mini-monet classes for the best part of a year and she absolutely loves it. the classes have given her exposure to a wide variety of different art forms and have encouraged her to express herself in a fun and engaging environment with very skilled and passionate leaders. it has been a lockdown saviour and something that I’m sure she will want to continue for years to come.
Peter Ford a year ago
Fantastic!! My son had the best time at their Easter camp. He made clay creations and a brilliant Pollock-inspired piece that we’re getting framed! He loved it so much and will be signing him up for more. Highly recommend. Thank you!
Movement for Minds a year ago
My son loves Deborah’s art classes and I have to say that I am incredibly impressed, the quality of the teaching is excellent. More importantly, he is inspired by the type of art that he would never have the opportunity to become acquainted with if it wasn’t for this class. Thumbs up.
Debra is passionate about art and teaching and has created wonderful classes where children can immerse themselves in all things creative. It is a unique experience.
Mike Tolson
What can I say but … WOW!! My twins went to Debra’s amazing art camps and had a fantastic time. Although one of them wasn’t initially keen to go, they both came back with beaming smiles and were buzzing about what they’d made and participated in. If only they did one for adults !!!
