ABOUT US
Pastel & Smudge is a creative education provider. We are passionate about alternative ways of learning and host creative, inspiring workshops and classes where attendees can experiment, imagine, explore, acquire new skills, gain confidence, make new friends and gain a lifelong passion for learning. Founded by artist and educator Hayley Hare in 2016, P&S became a community interest company during 2020s pandemic. During this time all classes went online in order to continue working with clients and the home ed community.
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We believe that arts education is an important, valuable area and is important to society. Education should be fun and exciting, making the learning experience a good one. Developing creative skills and a curious mind within the young is crucial not only to inspire their interest within in the arts but to build skills in play, social engagement and communication. Creative play also helps develop fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. We aim to engage groups and individuals of all ages and abilities in the arts and gain great satisfaction from seeing learners reach their potential, whatever level they may be.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Hayley Hare
Hayley is a multifaceted artist from the North East (UK), currently living and working in London. Since graduating with a BA Hons in Creative Practice, she has been passionately involved in community arts and exhibited nationally.
While living and working in the North East, Hayley developed and facilitated creative workshops for organisations including Newcastle City Council, Newcastle Science City, Make Art North East, and Byker Community Centre. She later moved to London to work in arts education, where she predominantly supported children and young people with low-incidence special educational needs, delivering art lessons, after-school clubs, and Lego therapy sessions.
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During her time in London, Hayley was introduced to Nadia Sawalha, who was home-educating her children. Hayley began running art sessions for the local home education community from Nadia’s home, which is where Pastel and Smudge CIC was founded.
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In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hayley moved all sessions online to maintain continuity, creativity, and connection for young people during an uncertain time. Pastel and Smudge has continued to grow from these roots, with a strong focus on inclusive, supportive, and accessible arts education.