Founder & Director
Debra Franses, Artist and Creator of Artbag and Mini Monets
Debra first studied Politics and Economics at the University of Manchester 1988 – 1991 and initially pursued a career in advertising, before enrolling at Central St Martins School of Art (2002-2005) and creating Artbag. In 2010 after recovering from Cancer she was advised to share her knowledge of art with children which is how she decided to set up Mini Monets from her canal-side studio in Harefield. She then went on to head up the Art and Design department at Newlands College Diploma (now known as Chalfont Independent Grammar in High Wycombe) in 2015 – 2018 where she trained in the International Baccalaureate syllabus which influenced her teaching approach in an organic multi-disciplinary way.
In 2019 she moved to Amersham an established the school in The Market Hall where the classes run today.
Debra is a Mother and an adopted Auntie to many aspiring artists. She regularly exhibits the Students artwork in local gallery exhibitions and is completely passionate about teaching and guiding the next generation of artists. She offers guidance on portfolio presentation for scholarships and Art school /University entry.
Debra also offers internships in her design studio for students serious about persuing a career in the arts.
Administrator
Miriam Gee
Miriam is our administrator and newest member of the team! She is a trained dancer, enthusiastic linguist and an organisational geek! Having run three successful businesses herself in the kids performing arts and party industry, she understands the importance of developing confidence and passion in children through creativity, as well as supporting parents in the process. “I hope to help enable Mini Monets to thrive and grow, developing the classes and workshops as well as introducing fun new art projects for children and adults alike!”
Head of Stage 1, Graphic Designer, Art Teacher
Deborah Thomas
Deborah has worked as a professional Graphic Designer for many years with clients such as Sothebys where she was in charge of the typset and layout design of the auction catalogues. She joined Mini Monets in 2018 and as a mother of 2 children, one teenager Artist who has been supporting her in the classroom since 2019 and a younger football enthusiast she understands the needs of children and is increadibly supportive and nurturing. She is also responsible for the content creation visuals which she sends weekly to the parents on the Art School Wattsapp group weekly chat to keep all the families up dated with the next lessons content and share with the students.
Aspiring Artist, Art Assistant
Leah Thomas
Since 2019, I've been with Mini Monets. I've always had a strong interest in art, having studied it for GCSE and receiving an A*, which is where I discovered my love for watercolours. Then I went on to doing A-level fine art. My preferred medium was oil painting, with a focus on figures and perspective. My current artistic goal is to improve my life drawing skills. I love working at Mini Monets because I get to see the children grow as artists, gaining confidence in different mediums and expressing themselves through their work.
Leyah also handles the registration details of the new students and keeps the school registers organised!
Aspiring Artist, Studio Monets Sunday Art Assistant
Holly Mallowan
Recently joining mini monets, I am the newest to the team!
I have a wealth of experience working with younger children, having six siblings and volunteering with the girl guides for four years before starting at mini monets. I discovered a love for fine art over lock-down, after taking photography for my GCSEs. I am currently studying A-level fine art and hoping to progress with my art journey into university next year. My preferred medium is graphite, and I am looking to improve my painting skills.
I love working for mini monets as it allows me to support the next generation of incredible artists. I get watch the children explore and develop their creativity as they begin on their artistic journeys.
