\n In December 2023, Emma Vallis, 52, and her husband decided to sell their home in Basingstoke and buy a narrowboat.\n<\/p>\n
\n When the last of their three daughters left home, the couple decided it was time for a change in lifestyle.\n<\/p>\n
\n Now, Emma runs art classes called Waterway Days from the boat, giving busy people time to separate from the stresses of living in a town centre.\n<\/p>\n
\n “I had been painting and selling my own work for 20 years,” Emma said, “one day my friend suggested I take it a step further and run art classes from the boat.”\n<\/p>\n
\n “We started off just advertising to friends and family, but people who came started to tell other people, and now it’s grown a bit bigger.”\n<\/p>\n
\n An art class from within the boat (Image: Emma Vallis)\n<\/p>\n
\n The classes run from March until the end of October, meaning it’s currently the off-season, but Emma is already selling gift certificates for the spring season.\n<\/p>\n
\n Emma said: “We have quite a few returners. The feedback is that people come for the art but then really enjoy switching off from life in quiet and remote spots, people forget about their phones and jobs.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The classes run most of the day, with Emma teaching attendees technique in the morning, before offering them the chance to make a seasonal piece of art of their choice in the afternoon.\n<\/p>\n
\n Suitable for all abilities, a seasonal canal boat picnic lunch is also provided.\n<\/p>\n
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