One question I'm asked all the time is how I come up with our Smudge themes. And honestly, it's my absolute favourite part of the job!
Dreaming up each new theme is like mixing the perfect recipe. There's a big scoop of art theory, plenty of play-based learning, lots of child development know-how, and always a little sprinkle of something surprising. It all comes from my experiences as a teacher, as a parent, and from my heartfelt belief in letting kids explore creativity in their own amazing ways.
Here's what goes into every single Smudge theme:
Early childhood magic
Every activity we plan meets kids exactly where they're at, whether that's social, emotional, cognitive, creative, or physical.
Real artists to inspire
We introduce kids to real artists, artworks, and big ideas, and then watch as they run with it and create something completely new.
Giant installations
Creating big, bold, immersive installations is at the heart of Smudge. I absolutely adore thinking about how they'll engage and inspire everyone as soon as they walk through our front door. These installations constantly grow, change, and evolve through the week as kids and families leave their marks by painting, weaving, sculpting, building, and spraying.
Unexpected materials and tools
We love pushing the limits of what everyday objects and unusual tools can do. There's so much more to life than paintbrushes. This playful approach creates gorgeous layers and textures, and brings genuine joy and freedom to every child's creation.
Movement and teamwork
Jumping, spinning, building, and collaborating make every session joyful, engaging, and connected.
Sensory exploration
Paint that fizzes, materials to squish, things that smell or shimmer.
Recycled + reimagined materials
Sustainability is big for us, so we love giving new life to simple materials you might find at home. It's creative problem-solving with a beautiful twist.
The natural world
Seasons, textures, weather, and the beauty of everyday nature often shape what we make.
No matter how carefully I plan, the real magic always comes from the kids. They take the theme and run with it in ways I could never predict. That's the joy of process art; watching them make it their own.