Debbie Todd has a BA(Hons) degree in textile design and a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design.  Her experience covers a whole range of other resistant materials that include re-purposed and re-cycled materials.

She is a practicing artist and lead school workshop facilitator within ProteanArt.

Starting in 1995, Debbie had a successful career as an inspiring teacher of art and an art curriculum leader in secondary school education. Over 12 years she developed a wide range of teaching experience of every level across all key stages through to GCSE, AVCE intermediate and advanced level, AS and A level.  She was also a very successful art curriculum leader from 2005-09, raising standards to high levels of performance.  During her time as a school teacher, initiatives that Debbie introduced to her departments have been held up in teaching forums as excellent practice.

Debbie has since been engaged by schools as a consultant to raise standards in the teaching of art and the implementation of good creative practice, which has included re-designation of Arts Mark Gold and Arts College Status.

Debbie is consistently enthusiastic about the visual arts and its ability to develop individuals and engage all people regardless of age and ability.  She has undertaken creative arts projects with all ages ranging from Key Stage 1 to adults, in the classroom, in more informal groups and clubs. She ensures that art is inclusive.

Debbie's teaching experience allows her to communicate clearly and deliver stimulating and enriching workshops. These enable participants to produce high quality work that develops knowledge and skills and leaves participants with a greater self esteem and feeling of achievement.

John Todd has been a professional artist & designer since 1992.  As a Master Craftsman his experience covers a whole range of resistant materials, with particular emphasis on wood, metal and leather.

His creative career has been diverse, but he is able to inspire people to see their world differently and believe in their own creative potential.  He has many years of experience of working with young people in formal and informal settings.

As a Designer/Maker he is best known for his contemporary watches, which have sold all over the world, but over recent years has also produced men's jewellery and high quality leather accessories.

He has featured in many group and solo exhibitions, both nationally and internationally and appeared in numerous publications. In 1997 John created the design company Orange Oxide Design (now changed to Johny Todd Ltd.) and has broad experience of design/maker trade shows within the UK

In addition to working as a practicing creative professional, John also has experience as a workshop provider within primary and secondary schools in England, working with Key Stages 1 to 5. He has taught on the Design Craft degree course at Staffordshire University and provided workshops for adults. He has been able to pass on professional, creative and vocational skills through workshops, demonstrations and talks.

John is able to inspire, enthuse and stimulate people through informal education processes, which, linked to his ability as an Artist, enables people to reach a high level of creative achievement.

John has a BA(Hons) degree in Fine Art Painting (LCAD) and an MA in Silversmithing, Jewellery and Related Products (UCE).

ProteanArt delivers inspirational, creative, and educational activities for all ages. In everything we work to empower participants fully.  To this end each workshop is bespoke and carefully adapted to individual needs.  Excellent teaching and artistic resources allow participants to learn new methods and techniques, achieve their full potential, enjoy being creative and learn to appreciate more about the visual world around us.