Founder & Director
Debra Franses, Artist and Creator of Artbag and Mini Monets
I'm Debra Franses, and my passion is to inspire and nurture the artistic spirit in others.
As the founder of Artbag Studio and Mini Monets, I blend creativity with education, bringing imaginative art to life and helping young artists discover their unique voices. Through Mini Monets, I’m dedicated to guiding children as they explore their artistic potential, and I take great pride in offering limited scholarships and internships to support aspiring artists on their journey.
My goal is to create vibrant, supportive spaces where creativity thrives and where every artist, young or old, feels empowered to pursue their dreams." I know first-hand how hard the role of a Creative artist is and I want to show how it is possible and how resilience is needed.
From the moment I started Mini Monets in 2010 as I was recovering from Cancer, it has breathed joy into my life and the lives of hundreds of others, families and children alike. I am still in remission and I put it down to living a life doing what you believe in and what gives you joy.
Mini Monets Teacher and Artist
Anastasia Osborne
Ana is a versatile and experienced educator with a strong background in both art and adult learning. She currently teaches art at Buckinghamshire Adult Learning, where she also previously taught lipreading, demonstrating her ability to plan and deliver diverse lessons for adult learners.
Ana has a rich history of teaching various age groups, including children and teenagers, through her roles as a sessional art teacher at Art-K and as a cover supervisor at The Misbourne School. Her work at ISCA, where she co-taught A-Level art and organised exhibitions, highlights her skills in lesson planning, teaching, and event management.
Ana also brings creativity and leadership to her role as an entertainer, running her own business, "Anarainbow," where she handles everything from costume design to event planning.
This unique blend of skills, along with her adaptability and passion for teaching, makes Ana a dynamic educator in the fields of art and creative learning.
Aspiring Artist, Studio & Stage 3 Assistant
Holly Mallowan
I have a wealth of experience working with younger children, volunteering with the girl guides as a young leader for three years before starting at Mini Monets. I discovered a love for fine art over lock-down, after taking photography for my GCSEs. I have just completed A-level fine art and hoping to progress with my art journey into university next year.
I love working for Mini Monets as it allows me to support the next generation of incredible artists. I get to support talented young artists explore and develop their creativity as they begin on their own artistic journeys.
Mini Monets Holiday Art Assistant Ex. Pupil
Daina Jenkins
As a former Mini Monets student myself, I have a great passion for passing on the love for arts in all its forms! I study Biomedical Science in university, but when i’m not studying you’ll most likely find me knitting or playing with my pet rabbit totoro!
Aspiring Artist, Mini Monets Saturday Art Assistant
Mille Stephenson
I have a love for painting and drawing and I am always seeking and exploring new ways of creating. I have recently completed my foundation year at Central Saint Martins and I hope to continue my studies there for my degree. I am eager to use the experiences I gained from A-level Art and my foundation year to provide students insight and support on their own creative journeys and not only give them a enjoyable experience, but also valuable knowledge and skills in art.
Aspiring Artist, Mini Monets Saturday Art Assistant
Signe Stephenson
Luckily for me, I grew up in an artistic home, with parents that nurtured my creativity. Now, I have an A level in fine art under my belt and a passion for portraiture. Myself and Mini Monets endeavour to guide young artists and offer them creative freedom to explore the fascinating and beautiful world of art. And in doing so, we hope to generate enjoyment and passion within our students.
