Emma Reynard

• I am a freelance artist/illustrator and Creative Arts Practitioner. My work brings together illustration, textiles, and print to tell stories through objects and images.

I studied BA (Hons) in Textiles and an MA in Illustration from Central St Martins. For over thirty years, I have worked as a self-employed artist and educator, weaving creativity into schools, museums, hospitals, community groups, and public spaces. My work is always socially engaged, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that art has the power to heal, inspire, and connect. My practice is rooted in adaptability. I have led ambitious projects with children, young people, older residents (including those living with dementia), people with disabilities, and communities facing crisis such as domestic abuse refuges and homeless hostels.

Throughout my career, I have actively worked with participants from a range of linguistic backgrounds, including non-English speaking groups such as refugees, asylum seekers, and economic migrants. I am experienced in adapting workshops, materials, and communication styles to ensure all participants feel included, valued, and heard.

I am equally at home leading CPD sessions for teachers and other professional groups, co-ordinating residencies, or creating public art projects that respond to local heritage and place. In one project, I worked with local community groups to research neighbourhood history, running 25 workshops that engaged over 200 people of all ages and abilities.

I have also been successful in receiving support from Arts Council England for my professional development and practice. I was awarded a grant to work in collaboration with a master glassmaker, an opportunity that expanded my creative skills, deepened my understanding of materials, and informed new directions in my practice.

I also enjoy working in healthcare contexts. For example, I have run regular arts sessions in residential homes with older people, including those living with dementia, using creative prompts such as interacting with collections and museum object holding, and making memory boxes to spark storytelling and shared making. Staff frequently reported improvements in mood, relaxation, focus, and social interaction after sessions, and families commented on the positive impact of seeing their relatives re-engaged and expressive. I have also delivered many creative health residencies with vulnerable children, including those with acute mental health needs, those facing medical trauma, and those with long-term health conditions. I worked alongside healthcare professionals to create patient-focused activities which not only reduced stress but also developed skills and knowledge.

I have strong project management experience, underpinned by an inquisitive mind and creative problem-solving. I enjoy enabling and supporting ideas to grow into larger projects with successful outcomes. I hold a clean driving licence, an enhanced DBS, PLI up to £5 million, and up-to-date safeguarding training through the NSPCC. I am also trained in first aid, domestic abuse awareness, attachment theory, access & inclusion and early-stage dementia awareness for the arts. These additional skills support my ability to work safely and sensitively in community and health contexts.