Jess holds a BA in Fine Art and has worked across a range of creative industries, including scenic design and construction for theatre and film, bespoke fabrication for architectural and interior design projects, furniture design, and the production of sculptural works. She has also worked in education as a 3D technician at Huddersfield University and Barnsley College.

More recently, Jess’s interests have shifted towards the therapeutic potential of art. She has designed and delivered creative workshops for adults with mental health conditions and disabilities, using creative processes to encourage social engagement, foster self-esteem, and provide opportunities for autonomous decision-making.

Mark has a BA in Graphic Design and a PGDip in Electronic Imaging. He has worked extensively in advertising as a graphic designer and copywriter, working on projects for radio and television. Mark has been involved in independent film making for the past 20 years working as a screen writer and editor, several productions have been screened at film festivals both locally and internationally. Mark is interested in creative practice as a vehicle for social inclusion, he enjoys the solidarity creative projects encourage and the sense of purpose they engender.

Nell holds a BA in Fine Art Painting and has worked with the arts in health and social care for over 15 years.  Nell has worked with children and adults in a variety of settings, hospices, learning disability centres, hospitals, after school clubs, hen parties, nursing homes, children’s parties and more.
After moving into the ‘management world’ for the last three years of working in palliative care, Nell decided to take the leap and go back to her creative roots by founding Arty Farty Retreat in 2017, a safe studio for people to express themselves. She is a qualified storyteller as well as being trained in leadership development, she also has psychological assessment and project management skills.