I am an artist, graphic designer, and educator. I recently moved to Bethesda, MD from Boston. My artistic journey began at a young age, thanks to the exposure I received from my father, an artist, who introduced me to various painting mediums. I got a master’s degree in Philosophy and Education from Saint Petersburg State University (Russia) and studied book design and publishing at Northwestern Institute of Printing Arts. Upon moving to the United States 12 years ago, I completed a 2-year certificate program in graphic design and illustration at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University in Boston. In 2024, I will celebrate her 20th year in education. Teaching, graphic design, and art are my three passions and areas where I truly feel empowered.
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 the town.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
As a marketing, design, and editorial professional, I have worked at various companies including publishing offices, marketing departments, the food industry, tech startups, and non-profits. I have a thorough knowledge of design principles, brand guidelines, and experience with concepting, creation, and print production. I am proficient in all Mac-based graphic design software including, but not limited to: Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat), Canva and other design software. My portfolio includes various marketing collateral, such as presentations, newsletters, brochures, posters, banners, flyers, social media graphics, print, and digital ads.
TEACHING
I have dedicated my entire professional life to teaching. My first degree (MA+PhD) is in Philosophy and Education from St. Petersburg State University, Russia. 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 progress of my students, both young and grown-ups, 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: