Artistic sisters Abi Jameson and Daisy Dowler return to Bishop’s Stortford roots to set up children’s summer art camp
A summer art camp designed for children to unleash their creativity, build confidence and make friends is being run near Bishop’s Stortford in August.
The artistic pairing of sisters Abi Jameson and Daisy Dowler, who grew up in the town and attended Herts and Essex High School, will offer youngsters aged 8 to 12 the chance to experiment with different techniques, from drawing and painting to collage and mixed media.
Both mums themselves, Abi and Daisy will hold the week-long camp at Daisy’s home in Berden from August 25 to 29, with 19 places available.
Abi is an award-winning professional artist who overcame two benign tumours twisted around her optic nerves to continue her passion for painting. She has been left blind in one eye and partially sighted in the other, but produces female-inspired portraits using different mediums.
Daisy, a mum of three girls in their late teens and early 20s, is an art psychotherapist who founded her own company, Cambridge Creatives, to offer counselling for young adults aged 18-25, using art as a way of expressing feelings and emotions and building confidence.
They said the summer camp was an idea they had wanted to create for years. “Growing up in Bishop’s Stortford, we were lucky to have people and places that inspired us, and now it’s our turn to give something back. With our different but complementary backgrounds, we’ve designed a week to spark creativity, confidence and connection.
“The camp is open to children aged 8 to 12 whether they’re already passionate about art or just curious to explore. As it’s the first year running the camp, we wanted to focus on this age group to create something really special for them. However, we’re excited about expanding and growing the camps to include a wider age range in future.”
They added: “We’ve created a programme that blends fun, learning and the freedom to experiment. The children will explore different techniques and learn about famous artists and styles in a playful, accessible way.
“Because of Daisy’s art therapy experience, there’s also a strong focus on helping children build friendships and grow their confidence. Art is such a therapeutic activity; children often subconsciously express their feelings in the colours they choose and the stories they tell about their work. But most of all, we want this week to be full of creativity, laughter and a little bit of glorious mess!”
Abi has lived with her family in France for more than 20 years. She is married to Nick and has two grown-up children and a stepson, but returns regularly to visit her Stortford family, which includes her younger sister, Pippa Jameson, an interior designer who recently featured in the Indie for creating a wellness hub for pupils at Herts and Essex High School.
The hub offers pupils a relaxing, safe space to “take time out” if they are feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed. The concept earned her a silver award at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.