ABOUT OWA

Ian Simons, Designer, Maker, Workshop Facilitator, Art Activist.

Using collections of reusable materials, OWA create an atmosphere of fun and excitement, where children, the wider community regardless of age and ability can learn via arts and crafts to raise awareness of environmental issues.

HISTORY

Ian studied at Camberwell School of Art and Goldsmiths where an intrest in “scrap” objects developed.

After completing his formal art training, he worked on Adventure
Playgrounds in South East London.

With the idea of going into Art Therapy, he took up a position of
Psychiatric Nursing Assistant at the Bethlem Royal Hospital. He
occupied this position for three years until his daughter , Amy was
born when he became primary carer.

Ian was invited to John Ball School, Blackheath where Amy was
attending, to run puppet making workshops. The workshops were a
success and OWA was born in 1994.

Ian was Artist in Residence at the South London Children’s Scrap Scheme
until its closure in 1998.

16 Years later OWA have worked with a vast range of organisations,
many year after year.

Please see the following ARCHIVE DATES.