The Jarrow grandmother who is helping babies to enjoy art

Jarrow woman Susan Flannagan, 49, is a former customer service trainer who decided on a change after her father had passed away.

The mother of three and grandmother of four said: “My outlook on life became different.”

And when a restructure at her old job followed, Susan decided on a new direction

She had more free time to take her granddaughter to ARTventurers classes and was so impressed by what she saw, she decided to get involved for herself – and has not looked back since.

She bought the South Shields and East Gateshead ARTventurers franchise last November.

Now she’s revealed her schedule for the February to March term and it consists of;

• Mondays: Baby ARTventurers sessions at 9.45am and Little ARTventurers from 11.15am at the Marsden Road Community Centre, South Shields.

• Wednesdays: Baby ARTventurers sessions at 9.45am and Little ARTventurers from 11.15am at the Boldon Community Centre.

• Saturdays: Family ARTventurers for six months to seven-year-olds, at the Ocean Road Community Centre in South Shields.

Susan said: “I want to encourage children to be involved in art and craft activities from an early age.

“Studies show that doing art and craft improved concentration, co-ordination and self esteem.

“Most parents would love to do this kind of activity at home but are put off by the thought of the mess and clearing up.

“I’ve seen for myself how much everyone enjoys the activities, and the beauty of coming to one of my ARTventurers classes is they can all have lots of creative fun and I will clear the mess.”

ARTventurers classes have a different theme each week, exploring different art and craft materials and technique.

Susan added: “I hope that everyone who currently attend my classes will enjoy the upcoming activities and that new little ones will come to the new venues in Boldon Community Centre and Ocean Road.”

She said she no longer has ‘Sunday night dread’ because she loves her work.