Arts practitioners

Fany Bahchevanska

Dancer, Movement practitioner

I enjoy working with people of different ages and with varied levels of mobility. I encourage them to move, feel and love their bodies; to feel good about themselves. I have performed and led dance and music workshops across the Isle of Wight, mainland England, France and Bulgaria, and I also work as a professional holistic massage and sound therapist. In my sessions at Independent Arts, I incorporate a chair warm-up, breathing exercises and influences of yoga, tai chi and dance workout. I like to include colourful props like pom-poms and batons to create a fun experience.

Sydney Cardew

Artist, Poet

I am an illustrator, printmaker and book designer. I studied an MA in Fine Art at the Arts University Bournemouth in 2012. Much of my recent commercial work focuses on the board games industry. I’m a digital specialist, but I’ve never given up a love of hands-on processes and traditional drawing and painting skills. I’m also a poet and performer, with a long background in amateur theatre, from an early age.

Lou (Louise) Elliott

Artist

I have a degree from Winchester School of Art, and I’m thrilled to be progressing both my practice and future aspirations with Independent Arts. I’d like train as an art therapist eventually. I specialise in portraiture, painting, collage, sculpture and mark making.

Steve French

Musician, Singer

I play acoustic guitar and sing a wide variety of popular songs, spanning from pre-WWII classics to the 50s and 60s, including Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Cliff Richard and ballads. With a history of playing in a band and writing my own tracks and performing Islandwide and beyond, I now enjoy performing at care homes and charity events. I am also a retired Maths, Science and guitar teacher. I believe that music has the power to bring people together and evoke memories like nothing else and to be able to bring that to participants is really special and a great buzz!

Philip Fryer

Singer, Musician

My sessions comprise upbeat and catchy songs of various styles, and from different eras, to suit client choice. Simple percussion instruments can be used if clients have shown an inclination to clap or beat the rhythm. Sessions are always enjoyable and designed to be socially inclusive, with the emphasis on participation.

J.C. and Kathy Grimshaw

Musicians

We see music as a shared experience to unite and enjoy, and have both worked in music all of our adults lives. We love being involved in the Island’s music scene, working separately on various projects, but also together, including in our band The Dance Makers. In our fun music sessions for Independent Arts, we take our audience on an upbeat musical tour of the world. We combine rhythm and song, encouraging audience participation to journey through life, sparking memories and conjuring up images of days gone by.

Zarah Groves

Dancer, Musician, Movement practitioner

I have an Honours Degree in Music and the Arts and have run a ballet school and taught piano and keep fit classes. I believe that a love of music and movement can benefit everyone. I run the Independent Arts DanceMakers programme in Sandown, combining seated and standing routines to improve muscle strength, balance, memory and confidence.

Michelle Hainsworth

Dancer

I lead Independent Arts’ DanceMakers and DanceSense sessions in Newport. I have a BA(Hons) and PGCE in Dance as well as training in Dance and Disability, Dance for Older Adults and Dance for Parkinson’s. I spent over 20 years teaching dance, drama and English in Secondary schools and now love teaching dance and creative writing in the community where no two days are ever the same. I also direct Samphire, a performance dance group specifically aimed at people aged 55+. When not teaching sessions, I can be found sewing on my  100-year old hand crank machine (with tea and chocolate biscuits close to hand).

Kirstie Hayler

Artist

I studied painting at Brighton University and went on to enjoy a career as a photographer and illustrator. After moving to the Island in 2017, I knew pottery was what I really wanted to do. My husband, Paul, built us a garden studio overlooking Firestone Copse, which  is a great inspiration, and we now often work collaboratively, using ceramics, glass, textiles, leather and wood under the name ‘Firestone Studios’. Our mission is to design and create aesthetically pleasing and useful products and works of art that make you smile.

David Healy

Singer, Musician

My interest in music can be traced back to when I was a choirboy at Exeter Cathedral. During my working life, I was a journalist before becoming a civilian press officer for the armed forces. Now I’m retired from full-time work, I play the guitar, banjo and sometimes the mandolin. I vary my music workshops for Independent Arts to include music hall, rock’n’roll, folk and the occasional humorous ditty.

Merlynna Johnson

Singer, Musician

I am delighted to have returned to Independent Arts as a practitioner after several years on the mainland. I play the harp and sing in my sessions,  adapting the repertoire to suit the group. Harp music has been found to help reduce anxiety levels, reduce pain and improve breathing for many people.

Glenn Koppany

Musician

I am a  self-taught musician and have been playing guitar and singing for 40 years. As part of the duo, Coppersmith, I perform regularly at festivals and folk cubs playing my own songs. I have a degree in Community Arts and have developed a particular interest in therapeutic arts. I’ve taken several courses in counselling and believe music and art helps connect us to our memories and feelings and to those around us. I tailor my sessions to the individual or group, involving support staff where possible.

Mark Lloyd

Artist, Photographer

I grew up in Leicester where I worked as a graphic designer for major advertising and marketing studios. Since moving to the Isle of Wight in 2006, I have worked in a freelance capacity, which allows me to develop my love of mixed media art and photography, drawing inspiration whilst walking the dog. I offer a range of design and photography-based sessions for Independent Arts, which can really stimulate the creative mind in all of us.

Anna Newton

SingAbout practitioner

My passion for music began at the age of four, when I would listen to The Beatles on repeat and try to recite the lyrics! In 2008 I went to Platform One to do a degree in Commercial Music, which only increased my passion, and when I finished my degree, I decided that music therapy was the way to go. My love of music continues to grow; I believe that it has great healing qualities and can unite people in the most unique way. I was very excited to become a SingAbout practitioner with Independent Arts in 2022. It is an amazing charity, and I feel privileged to be a part of the team.

Tony Nicol

Singer, Musician

I have travelled the world as a professional singer and guitarist performing with stars including Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Mike Harding, Suzi Quatro, Jasper Carrot and Fred Wedlock. After living in Norway for 30 years,  I have retired to the Isle of Wight. I still enjoy performing and I also volunteer for the British Heart Foundation and Quay Arts centre. I’m a great believer in using music as a therapy and believe that, ‘nothing triggers memories as much as a song’. My music varies, from folk and country, to blues, ballads and popular songs of the 50s and 60s. I also work in a duo, with my partner, Anita.

Hanna Nixon

Singer

To quote Abba: “She said I began to sing long before I could talk”; I have sung for 40 years. It’s what I do. Running SingAbout sessions has shown me the importance of singing, not just for myself, but for others too. It brings people together like nothing else does. I have worked professionally for many years as an entertainer, but it would seem that all those years singing has lead me on a path to do what I do now.

The SingAbout sessions I run at Bembridge and Lake SingAbout are great groups and bring people together through song. We share our life’s ups and downs, and no matter what the week brings…we sing!

Annie O’Bree

Reminiscence practitioner, Singer

I am trained in aromatherapy and massage and can incorporate gentle hand massage, aromatherapy and touch into my reminiscence sessions. Promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, this multi-sensory approach is particularly helpful for those with advanced dementia or for those who have lost speech.

I have been singing professionally since the age of fifteen, working with big bands on cruise ships appearing alongside entertainers including Tommy Cooper and The Three Degrees. My passion is to bring people together to enjoy music and make singing fun.

Jessica Ong

Singer, Musician

I’m a lifelong singer and musician – from school days playing the alto saxophone in amateur orchestras, to summers busking on the streets of the Isle of Wight. I deliver music sessions in care homes using the acoustic guitar, ukulele and a wide vocal range – all with a sense of fun. I enjoy tailoring music sessions to the needs and tastes of the group, and encouraging participation by way of singalongs, percussion, reminiscence and quizzes. I can also provide a programme of gentle armchair exercises and movement to music suited to residents’ needs and abilities. I also run the fun and friendly SingAbout in East Cowes.

Peter Richmond

Musician, Singer

I’m a Portsmouth native with a background in Electronics & Education. After years in the voluntary sector, I now call the Isle of Wight home, actively supporting various voluntary activities. Hobbies include walking, cycling, and the theatre. A guitarist since my teens, I love performing and enjoy a variety of music genres. Passionate about storytelling through songs, I aim to improve quality of life through music, especially after losing my mother to dementia. Proud to work for Independent Arts, I tailor sessions to individuals or groups, encouraging participation and memory sharing. My goal is to bring a bit of sunshine into someone’s life by reconnecting them, even briefly, to the world and others around them.

John Shirley

Musician, Storyteller

I taught on the Isle of Wight for 33 years and  enjoy poetry, joke-telling, singing and playing guitar. I perform a variety of songs ranging from folk/pop to old-time music hall, and I accompany myself on the guitar. Participation is offered through percussion instruments and specialist rhythm work is available, from handclapping to ethnic drumming. I vary my sessions to suit client tastes and ages and can provide poetry readings that can be humorous or more reflective.

Davina Smith

Artist

I am delighted to deliver arts and crafts sessions for Independent Arts. I undertook my Fine Art Degree in Manchester and Coventry and have taught in many adult education centres. I enjoy walking in the countryside and taking in the fantastic views at the Needles, Ventnor and Newtown. I take many photographs and do much sketching whilst walking and when back home, and I  use these ideas for paintings.

Alan Springate

Musician, Singer

I’m an acoustic guitarist and singer. I play a range of songs mainly from the 1950’s and 1960’s but I have been known to venture into Daisy Daisy, Knees Up Mother Brown and George Formby’s Window Cleaner!

Though I have played with bands in the past, nowadays I prefer being a solo artist writing and playing my own songs as well as covers.

I find playing music invokes so many great memories for me and participants taking part in workshops and can often inspire residents (and carers) to get up and enjoy a dance or two.

Trudie Wilson

Artist

I am an Interdisciplinary freelance artist working on the Isle of Wight,  I reflect the experience of raw elements of the landscape in my practice. I’m Inspired by exploring the natural environment through both walking in the landscape and the science of palaeontology, which inspires me. I use many different  materials and techniques to explore my practice and I enjoy skill sharing these and watching others grow through creativity.  I have led many projects with Independent Arts and have an Ma in fine art. 

Julian Winslow

Photographer

I am a  freelance photographer and artist based on the Island and have led a number of photography projects for Independent Arts. The commercial side of my work is editorial or advertising based, much of which is portraiture. My personal work explores time, the moment, memory and perception. I enjoy collaboration and the cross pollination of ideas explored with the creative process.