Arty party entrepreneur nominated for WOW247 award

Fiona Simpson first formed Artventurers on Wearside in 2011 as an artistic way for children to have fun at parties.

It soon expanded into areas including South Tyneside, Hartlepool, Newcastle, Liverpool and Newark – and even Texas.

But Fiona is not resting on her laurels and more Artventurer schemes are on the way, including at the Marsden Road Health and Wellbeing Centre, where classes will start at the end of the month.

Ocean Road Community Centre, in South Shields, will welcome Artventurers from next month for family sessions. Ten branches are now running across the North East, each offering the Artventurers brand.

The concept started with an alternative form of party where children can get as messy as they like while creating pieces of art.

Then, while the youngsters have their party food, the Artventurers team clears up the mess.

It is so successful, it has gained the business a nomination for this year’s WOW247 Awards.

Fiona said: “I am thrilled and surprised.”

And she described how she was hoping to win a title at this year’s awards after being shortlisted in previous years.

In the meantime, it’s ever upwards for Fiona who said: “I am hoping to launch more branches this year, perhaps about six more. There is still such a demand for the type of work we do.”

Fiona and Artventurers joins a growing list of entries for this year’s awards but there is still time for others to get involved.

We want to find the best in South Tyneside and Wearside’s arts, culture, hospitality and leisure scene.

Nominations can be sent in until the deadline of February 1. After that, judges will meet to draw up a shortlist in each category.

The Best Western Roker Hotel will host the finale of our competition – held in association with our weekly entertainments guide, Wow 24/7 – on Thursday, February 25.

•To nominate, fill in the form on this page or visit www.jpne-events.co.uk