I am an artist, graphic designer and educator. I recently moved to Bethesda, MD from Boston. I have been teaching all my professional life. My first degree (MA+PhD) is in Philosophy and Education from St. Petersburg State University, Russia. The courses I taught include Computer Graphics for Advertising Specialists, Studio Art for Children, Painting and Drawing for Adults, Fiber Sculpture and Needle Felting.
Besides that, I also have a background in the Graphic Design field, with over 15 years of experience in designing books, journals, newsletters and generally speaking, any type of printed collateral, including in-store and outdoor advertisements and many more.
ART
In my artistic explorations, I’ve always been focused on drawing, painting, and illustration using traditional artistic media. I also devote a lot of time to making 3D art – mostly small papier-mâché sculptures, as well as needle-felted dolls.
For many years I have been an active participant in local art events. That includes Arlington Open Studios and multiple exhibits organized by Arlington Center for the Arts, Lexington Art Walk (organized by Munroe Center for the Arts), ChairFul Where You Sit, and more. In 2021 I took part in town’s public art project supported by Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture to decorate utility boxes around Arlington.
TEACHING
I have dedicated my entire professional life to teaching. With nearly 20 years of experience teaching visual art and computer graphics, I have had the privilege of working with students of all ages, from kindergarteners to adults.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of art in fostering creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. Each age group brings its own unique challenges and rewards, and I have honed my teaching approach to cater to the diverse needs and developmental stages of my students.
In the Greater Boston area, I taught at various community and art centers, including Arlington Community Education, Munroe Center for the Arts, and at independent schools, such as Acera School, Solomon Schechter Day School, Star Academy for Gifted and Talented, and some others.
In 2016, in addition to my work at different schools, I founded an independent art studio. This studio offered a wide range of art classes, including painting, drawing, and needle felting, tailored to both children and adults. Creating this space allowed me to design and implement customized curricula that encouraged students to explore their artistic interests and develop their skills in a supportive and creative environment. Witnessing the growth and progress of my students, both young and old, brought me immense joy and reinforced my passion for teaching.
I actively seek opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge in the field of art education. I regularly take online courses and workshops that focus on innovative teaching strategies, emerging artistic techniques, and incorporating technology into the art curriculum. Additionally, I actively participate in in-school conferences and professional development sessions to stay updated with the latest trends and research in education. As a testament to my dedication, I am proud to be a member of the National Art Education Association, where I engage with a network of passionate educators, exchange ideas, and stay connected to the broader art education community.
Since March of 2020, I have offered many online art classes as well as private one-on-one lessons via Zoom. For more information about the classes’ organization and how the instruction is delivered, please see the “About our online classroom “ page.
Please see my teaching portfolios below: