Donna Vokes

2001 – 2004 Started my career with Hampshire Deaf Association as a Freelance Illustrator and then Arts Coordinator. 2003 - HDA pay for me to attend a 2-year Art Foundation course at Surrey Art and Design Institute in Farnham alongside. I completed with x3 Distinctions.
2004 The art programme at Hampshire Deaf Association lost it’s funding so my role ceased. I went travelling to Australia for a year.
2005Returned to the UK explored parts of Europe. Undertake some freelance work at Hampshire Deaf Association again. Register as a self-employed artist selling my paintings/accepting commissions at various local markets. Blog
2006- 2007 I worked with Enham and The Princes Trust who provided me with a business mentor and a small business loan to develop freelance teaching opportunities.
2008 - TODAY Started ArtSTART UK as an extension to my business and in partnership with Artswork, a charity based in Southampton. I visit local schools and deliver art workshops. To date I have worked with: SCHOOLS: Sparsholt Primary School, St Bede Primary School, Ovingdean School for the Deaf (Brighton) Henry Beaufort Secondary School. ORGANISATIONS: The Hat Fair, Winchester Discovery Centre, The Tower Arts Centre, Winnall Community Centre and Winchester Fashion Week. Trained as an Arts Award Advisor (Bronze level)
2009 – Took part in ’10 Days’ exhibition, exhibiting in the Old Laundry and I also took part in the ‘Hyde 900’ exhibition, exhibiting in Winchester Cathedral. Produce artwork installation for Norton Park Hotel fundraiser.
2010 – Started my degree course in Fine Art and was accepted at Winchester School of Art.I graduate this summer (2013)
2011 - Attended Australian National University for one semester and I learnt how to cast glass.
2011 – TODAY Started Simply Donna UK selling products handmade by me.
2013 - Graduated Winchester School of Art Fine Art: Sculpture with First Class Honors. Worked in Japan assisting artist Bashir Mak