NEW activity group Children’s Creative Garden a space where each child can grow and develop in their own way and in their own time, laying a foundation for all other learning and a lifetime of creativity, has recently been launched in Farnham.

Inspired by nature and drawing on the philosophies of Rudolph Steiner and Carl Orff, the makers have designed an enriching programme for children.

In 2013 artist Susan Merrick met musician and writer Starr Meneely, who asked Susan if she would illustrate her children’s book ‘What a Lovely Sound’, which she did and which later got published.

Since then Starr has gone on to become editor in chief of The Mother magazine and Susan has continued to have illustrations published in books and magazines and she is now studying towards an MA in Fine Art at UCA.

Susan commented: “It’s been an incredible three years and Starr and I are now starting a new local venture, the Children’s Creative Garden. We are running parent and child classes of creative art and music sessions that are all based around our stories.

“We believe that the most wonderful educational experience for a child nurtures their imaginations and curiosity. It is our aim that through music, art and storytelling we can help spark children’s imaginations and creativity.

“The children come away having used all of their senses, which is important for future cognitive development.

“We are also running workshops for schools and looking at getting extra funding in order to work with a range of schools in the area that may not have the funds to gain such a service.”

Each class session is based around a series of stories the pair have written and illustrated, and are designed to lead the children on a journey of sound, art and imagination. The classes are tactile, fun and unique.

Starr Meneely who lives in Surrey trained as a concert pianist at the University of Alaska under Dr. Timothy Smith, and went on to open the Littlerose School of Music.

She believes that through a holistic, multi-sensory approach to music and art education, children can discover self-expression and joy that will be long-lasting and lay the foundation for all other cognitive and emotional development.

To check out Susan’s arty side visit her online at http://susanmerrick.co.uk or visit the pair’s Facebook page by typing “ChildrensCreativeGarden” to find out more about the group.