Stephen has been teaching drama, dance and voice to children for the past 7 years. This summer marks his 6th year with the Big Cheese. Currently, Stephen is teaching musical theatre at PLAYSONGS, in SF on Saturdays. He is the owner of Fairy Tale Productions, a childrens entertainment and production company. A former programming director for Sony-Metreon, he is now developing a larger stage show, based upon his character "BINKY", entitled, "Binky's Magical World of Friends".

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Tiffany received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Northridge in Theatre Arts. She has been studying theatre for over 15 years in and around Los Angeles and has been involved in a community outreach program bringing children into the world of theatre. This was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. Having gone to performing arts schools most of her life, she truly sees the impact that an artistic environment has on creativity, confidence, and happiness. Being her first year teaching at the Art Academy, she cannot wait to have a positive influence on the students through her fun, energetic, and creative personality!

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Cotty not only shares her knowledge of teaching art with her students, but also likes to share her interesting stories of her experience of many years in the cartoon industry in NY and LA.  She has worked for studios such as Warner Bros., Nickelodeeon, and Disney. She has worked on popular shows such as Bugs Bunny, Taz, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rocko's Modern Life, as well as designing toys for Disney.  Her teaching experience includes cartooning and painting after-school programs at elementary schools, as well as classes at middle schools, and colleges.She is originally from Pennsylvania, attended Syracuse University and St. Martin's School of Art in London, England. This will be Cottys second year at the Art Academy.

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Justin is a freelance illustrator in Los Angeles, CA. He is a graduate of California State University Northridge, and has a degree in Art with a concentration in Animation. Justin’s enthusiasm for everything animated has led him from storyboarding commercials to designing original characters for various entertainment projects. On an average day, you can find him on the couch watching Wolverine and the X-Men, or strolling the LA Zoo with a pencil and pad in hand looking for inspiration...yes, he’s one of those guys. His goal, other than landing a lead character design position at Pixar, is to pass on his love of art and passion for creativity.

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Micah Cover is a teacher, lecturer, writer and performer - all in the art of Magic. A frequent performer at the world-famous Magic Castle, he is a past Vice President of the Hollywood Chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, who named him Magician of the Year. He also is an accomplished juggler and balloon sculptor, having performed for countless clients on both coasts. As a martial artist, he has taught Tae Kwon Do in countless schools on both coasts. He learned the art from three different Korean Masters and was the first student his third teacher, Master K.S. Lee, awarded a black belt in the United States. He was the head of the Demonstration Team and Afterschool Program for World Tae Kwon Do in Cary, NC, and he has also studied Hapkido, Shotokan Karate and Aikido.

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Lynne has been working as an assistant teacher for the past 7 years in the field of ceramics. Additionally, she has taught afterschool enrichment ceramic programs at the Wonderland Avenue School. Currently Lynne is testing elementary school children for the National Assessment of Educational Progress which is sponsored by the United States Department of Education. This will be Lynn's 6th year at the Art Camp. For more ceramic workshops visit Clay Camp

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So-Cal native, Stacia has over twenty-five years dance and performance experience, performing professionally in musical theatre productions throughout California, including a run at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. With over ten years teaching experience, most recently as a Junior Program Instructor at Millennium Dance Complex in North Hollywood, Stacia currently teaches for Dramaworks, an after school, musical theatre enrichment program, which cultivates a positive, creative environment for children to perform and flourish. Holding a Masters Degree in Literature, Stacia is excited for this opportunity to combine her three passions: writing, teaching, and musical theatre!

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Michael is a professional magician and lives in Los Angeles, California, just minutes from the world famous Magic Castle where he is a proud member. He has been performing professionally for the last six years for corporate events, hotels and restaurants around Southern California. He currently performs magic regularly at the Italian bistro Pizzicotto in Brentwood where he has performed for the likes of Michelle Phifer, David E. Kelly, Dillon McDermott and Jim Belushi. This will be Mikes first year with the Art Camp.

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Lori received her teaching credential from California State University at Northridge, her Bachelor's degree in Art at UCLA and her Masters degree in Architecture from Arizona State University. She taught art, yearbook, and drama to high school students at LEAP Academy and architecture and art to kids at Los Angeles Mission College. In addition, Lori worked for four years at an advertising agency as a Production Manager doing website design with freelance experience in graphic design. This will be her first year at the Art Academy.

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This is the 8th year The Big Cheese and Stephanie have been together! Schooled in the Fine Arts in NYC & CT., Stephanie received her BFA from Hartford Art School summa cum laude. She has worked as an artist, musician & print producer for more than 20 years. She now runs 2 businesses: Sweet Pea Studio, offering art workshops, and Stephanie Gale Design, an art design company. You’re invited to visit her Online Giftshop at www.stephaniegaledesign.com!   Stephanie’s unique art workshops offer students a chance to express their individuality through art while exploring our global neighborhood.

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Mystery Mike Hennessey has been the owner and operator of Mysteries By Mike (www.mysteriesbymike.com) for over 12 years now. His company provides interactive, educational mystery shows that use riddle and clues to teach children to read, write, spell, count, team work and so much more. To date, he has written, produced and acted in over 10,000 shows for over 250,000 children throughout the country, writing a total of more than 125,000 riddles. He has created numerous tv shows for children and has written a number of children's books as well. Mystery Mike is so excited to be returning to the Summer Art Academy and bringing his unique and famous "Secret Agent Training" and "Treasure Pirates Training" courses. He looks forward to entertaining while educating your children as they have a wacky, fun and enlightening experience this coming summer.

For over a decade, Linda has prepared young artists for pastimes they can enjoy for a lifetime. Linda teaches small workshops at her Valley Glen Studio, in drawing, painting and calligraphy, using top techniques from her professional training and experience of over 20 years. She earned her B.S. in Business Administration from California State University Northridge and is a member of a professional teaching organization and the international humanitarian organization, Rotary International. This will be Linda's 7th year at the Art Camp.

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Brent has been doing magic for well over 15 years. BAJG, as his magician friends call him, is a member of the world famous Magic Castle and has performed at the close-up tables throughout the Castle as well as in the Parlour of Prestidigitation! He has performed magic shows at Universal Studios, entertained children as well as adults at birthday parties and performed magic for various schools events in the Los Angeles area! . He went to Cal State, Northridge and majored in Radio-TV-Film. BAJG owns The Magic Apple in Studio City. He offers adult magic lessons where he guarantees the student will learn how to perform astounding tricks that will amaze and delight everyone!

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Lynn has been studying and practicing yoga for more than 20 years. She furthered this life-long interest when she completed the teacher training program at the Center for Yoga in Los Angeles a few years ago. “The more I learn about yoga…the deeper my awe and respect for the discipline. Yoga is a wonderful gift to share with a child.” Lynn has worked with preschool children at All Children Great and Small and is currently on staff at The Children’s Community School, a progressive elementary school, in Van Nuys. She’s returning to the Art Camp for her 5th year

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Ernesto has studied the World Music styles that influence the Americas for over 35 years. These include West African drumming, South American music, Afro-Caribbean drumming and Mesoamerican (Mexico and Central America) music. He has worked with musicians that are dedicated to each individual style in depth. He has worked in theater, experimental music, films and other venues. He is and has been a resident artist at most of the major arts organizations in Southern California including the Los Angeles Music Center and Orange County Performing Arts Center. Ernesto has been teaching the above styles of music in public and private schools to children for over 16 years. This will be his 3rd year at the Summer Art Camp.

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Lisa had the benefit of growing up in an artistic family, learning to love crafting at a young age. By the age of 10, Lisa was sewing and knitting her own clothes and accessories. In high school she was given an award for her pottery. In college she began scrapbooking and more recently learned the art of making bath and beauty products. She has passed on her skills to many people young and not so young alike, planning and implementing fun hands-on projects for local community groups. This will be Lisa's 6th year at the Art Camp.

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Ryan has been practicing Tang Soo Do since the age of 5. He has been teaching children and adults in the Conejo Valley area for 11 years.  Ryan is a 4th degree black belt, making him a highly credible karate instructor.  Ryan loves to give back to the community his knowledge and experience in this fun and empowering study.  He teaches with his incredibly talented father, Johnny Gyro, at Johnny Gyro Karate located in the city of Oak Park.  Ryan loves working with kids, has a positive attitude, and strives to see the success of any student that chooses to learn this incredibly exciting sport.

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Lita grew up doing children's theatre with The Kaleidoscope Company of the Permian Playhouse in Odessa, Texas. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Performance with a minor in Writing & Literature from the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana. Lita has always had a love for comedy and improvisation and has been a member of L.A. Connection for three years. She is the proud recipient of L.A. Connection's 2007 Female Performer of the Year. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of the theatre to not only foster creativity and imagination, but to also teach children discipline, responsibility and teamwork. This will be Lita's first year with the Art Academy.

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Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jed has been fencing for nine years now. He is currently in his second year at UC, San Diego where he is a Conference Champion in the sport. In 2007, he finished first in DIV III and 10th in DIV II US Summer Nationals in Men's Epee. Then in 2008 he captured 2nd place at the San Diego Mission Bay Open. When not at school he is the assistant coach for the Beverly Hills Fencers Club. He looks forward to teaching all the campers about the dynamic art of fencing while at the Summer Art Academy.

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Lisa is the Art Teacher at Temple Beth Hillel in the San Fernando Valley and also teaches at The Country School and Brawerman Elementary School. She has studied and mastered working in many mediums; most notably Lisa is an expert Quilter. Lisa, is a native Californian who grew up locally and attended Birmingham High School. In 1978 Lisa attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. This will be Lisa's 7th year with the Art Camp.

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Natalie graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Management.  She focuses on children in the community because she understands there is a great need for educational programs in underrepresented communities.  She has worked as an Alternative Routes Teacher for Sidestreet Projects for 2 years.  She has had the opportunity to work with special needs children on the woodworking bus and greatly enjoys the children’s obvious feeling of satisfaction once they have completed one of their woodworking projects. Natalie plans to enter a masters program or Social Work next year.

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Julie started dancing and practicing yoga as a young girl and earned a BA degree in Child Development and Dance from California State University, Northridge. She has taught yoga and creative movement for over 20 years in many studios, schools, museums and gyms throughout Los Angeles. Julie is the creator of the award winning Kids in Motion videos, book and CD and is currently the Children’s Program Director for Plus One Fitness at Amgen in Thousand Oaks where she teaches children’s and family yoga as well as Creative Moves, an innovative physical fitness program she designed for the Camp Amgen children. Additionally, Julie is the Youth Yoga Instructor at YogaWorks in Westlake Village. Julie believes that developing a yoga practice at a young age helps children relax and focus as they discover their true selves and connect with their innate wisdom. This will be her first year at Art Camp

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Neal has been involved in all facets ROBOTICS for more than thirty years. He has conducted workshops in The ROBOTIX Experience at the National Science Teachers Association and the California Science Teachers Association programs as well as at Space Centers and Science Museums across the country. His ROBOTICS workshops are used for 4-H Club Youth Development, NASA Explorers, Boy/Girl Scouts, Home Schools, and PTA/PTO Programs. Neal most recently licensed the ROBOTIX Mars Exploration Rover that was created and designed to be amazingly similar to the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers presently on Mars with Caltech/JPL.

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Andrea has taught ceramics, illustration and painting to children for over 25 years. She is considered a state science standards specialist in the field of natural sciences and has been teaching her special science and art hybrid classes to children over the last 15 years through such organizations as: National Parks, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Game. Andrea has received awards from the California State Assembly and Legislature, California Dept. of Energy and an award from Colin Powell for her environmental education programs.

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A native of Chicago, Illinois, Bob was first bitten by the magic bug at the tender age of ten. He frequently visited the famous Treasure Chest and the Ireland Magic Company by riding the subway into the downtown business district also known as the “loop.” He is a member of the world famous Academy of Magical Arts, more commonly referred to as the “Magic Castle.” Bob has performed magic for the Pasadena Unified School District, The American Red Cross, the Waverly School of Pasadena and numerous other corporate engagements over the past twelve years. Last year he taught magic classes at the Mulholland Tennis Club summer camp. This will be Bob’s second year with the Summer Art Academy.

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Monique has loved art and exploring different media since childhood. She has worked in various fields from fashion and costume design to embroidery, crocheting, sewing, other needle crafts and scrapbooking. She greatly enjoys teaching at a local private school, teaching classes for various organizations as well as teaching crafts to her own 2 children. The parents of her children’s friends have nicknamed her home, “Camp Monique," because of the unique projects that she teaches to their children.

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Kelley, an experienced dancer, teacher, and choreographer, has been teaching her craft for more than 7 years, specializing in children ages 3-6. She has studied dance and performing arts for 17 years and has participated in many intensive programs in Los Angeles and New York. She graduated California State University, Long Beach with a degree in Liberal Studies and Global Studies. She has participated in various dance and musical theatre performances in the Los Angeles area. This is Kelley's 4th year with the Big Cheese. 

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Zach is a songwriter, guitar player/producer who is native to the san fernando valley. Upon graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2005 Zach moved back home to LA where he performs as a solo artist and sideman. In June 2007 he put out his debut EP "Idiopathic"and has just started his indie label and recording business "Star Guitar Records." Since coming back to LA Zach has been teaching music at summer camps and synagogues. This year he teaches a digital recording elective at the Valley Beth Shalom Hebrew School in Encino. He is excited to be leading recording classes this summer at the art academy.
 

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Marcia is originally from Los Angeles, but spent her college years in England studying Visual Arts. Back in the U.S., she began her photography career working for a rock magazine, as well as doing magazine layout and design. Loving to travel, Marcia combined the two interests and began a stock photography business traveling the entire United States and Mexico. The beautiful and artistic community of Sedona, Arizona, then drew her in, where she owned a photographic art gallery. Entwined with her love of photography, is her love of gardening and floral design, to which she holds national titles through the American Rose Society, and currently serves as president of the Los Angeles Rose Society. This is Marcia's 4th year teaching at the Art Camp.

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Mark received his BA in Studio Art with an emphasis in graphic design from Cal State Long Beach. He loves all the arts and enjoys finding new ways to explore and combine different mediums. Growing up in the Valley, he would build new worlds with LEGO, or when it was too hot outside, sit and play Nintendo. Each new game and LEGO set gave him new ideas, and these early experiences imagining and creating led him to pursue an art education, where he could learn and develop the skills to make his own unique creations. This is his first year at the Art Academy.

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Originally from Austria, Sylvia discovered her passion for working with wood while teaching the kids in her neighborhood how to sand, use wood glues, hammers and screwdrivers from her studio in her garage. Upon moving to Los Angeles, Sylvia started to teach the art of woodworking to kids ages 3 to 11 in various schools throughout the greater Los Angeles area and the South Bay. Besides woodworking Sylvia is an accomplished jewelry designer, painter, and ceramist. She received a fashion design degree in Europe and is currently an art educator at LACMA. Her art work is featured in galleries and exhibits in Europe and the US. This will be her 3rd year with our KCamp Woodworking program at the Art Academy.

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Tami received her MBA from the University of Judaism and her BA in Linguistics from UC San Diego.  She grew up in the San Fernando Valley and has been tinkering with computers since the 5th grade when floppy disks were actually floppy and a mouse was just a little furry animal. She tries to carry her digital camera wherever she goes and ALWAYS has her cell phone camera available as a backup just in case a great photo opportunity presents itself.  One of her favorite models for her photography is her dog, Ketchup.  By using Photoshop, she has creatively adjusted the photos and put Ketchup on a surfboard, playing the guitar, and using a laptop.Tami enjoys teaching computers and excels at individual tutoring and working with small groups of students. This is her first year at the Art Camp.
 

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Matt is an all-purpose man. He's not only a touring, folk- rock singer/songwriter in the LA area, a private Italian tutor, a respected East LA graffiti artist, and aspiring film-maker, but a passionate chess teacher as well. He has been teaching chess now for 5 years, and loves to watch kids grow mentally as they embrace the game and its endless variations. His teaching method is nothing short of energetic, life-affirming, and most of all, fun, which is necessary when teaching such as seemingly serious game such as chess. Matt graduated from UCLA in 1999 with a BA in Communications and Italian, has lived in Italy for more than a year, and loves to cheer on the SF Giants when they play the Dodgers here in LA. This will be Matt's 4th year with the Art Camp.

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Betty started work as a sous chef as soon as she could push a chair to the stove and scramble an egg in her family’s blue patterned Corning Ware. Right out of high school, she soon found herself in Hollywood at CBS Studios, running operations from commissary to catering to the snack bar facilities that served breakfast to the “Price Is Right” audience. After working in the food business for 11 years, Betty enrolled in the Culinary Program at Le Cordon Bleu of Pasadena. She just completed her Bachelor of Science in dietetics at Cal Poly Pomona. She is off to her Dietetic Internship this September and will soon be a Registered Dietitian. She hopes to change the world of little people through good nutrition and good cooking...and so her adventure in lifelong learning continues this summer sharing with our K Campers her love of cooking. For more summer workshops in the culinary arts visit Cooking Camp

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Coach Lana is a cheer coach for Young Champions of America. Lana has taught cheerleading in the Valley area for more than four years. She creates and choreographs Cheers and dances for the numerous squads' competitions every 12 weeks. She is certified by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors. Coach Lana began as a cheerleader at the age of six and cheered for twelve years. Beyond the great enthusiasm for the sport of cheer, Coach Lana believes many life lessons may be learned from the sport of cheer, and if exercised in daily life, helps build self confidence in yourself and others.

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Originally from Israel, Amir has been studying and teaching the art of Capoeira to both adults and children for over 15 years. In 1997 Amir graduated the Wingate Sport Institution with certifications for both personal training and aerobic instruction.  Amir also teaches gymnastics. Amir is a performer, and has been featured in Film, Television, and on Stage.  Recently he was featured as a martial arts expert in “Fight Science” on the Discover Channel. We are happy to have Amir for his 3rd year as our Capoeira Instructor.

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Lauren has loved animals her whole life especially birds.  After attending the University of Houston at the Honors College, Lauren moved back to Los Angeles and has found a way to share her passion for animals by teaching children about them.  She is the co-owner of Reptacular Animals, a company that educates and entertains children through animal parties and classes.  Their large collection of over 140 animals ranges from reptiles to furry critters and birds that are all part of the family and have been raised with love and expertise.  Lauren has taught after school animal classes for over five years at many prestigious schools around the LA area.  Having an artist as a parent, Lauren enjoys combining her creative background with her love for animals for the second year at the Summer Art Academy.

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A native Californian, Mary invested her early years raising three children and earning an interior design degree.  She began to develop her talent for Ceramic Art in 1997, while working as an Interior Designer. She learned to throw on a wheel while attending Moorpark College in California, and continues to refine and improve her style and skills with her primary focus on the ancient Raku technique of firing clay. Mary currently shares her craft with the students in the ceramics department at Moorpark College, where she has been for the last 4 years. This will be her 2nd year sharing her love for her art with the kids who take her ceramic workshop at the Summer Art Academy.

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Shelli grew up in South Africa and graduated with a BFA from Tufts University and the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts. She has worked as a sculptor and painter on miniatures for the films "Titanic" and "Dante's Peak." She Exhibits her work and you can view it at on www.artslant.com. This is her 7th year with The Art Camp.

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A lover of art her whole life Amee is overjoyed to be joining our staff. She comes to us locally, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, and has Worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District for ten years. She has taught art to children at such places like Kids Art and designed the Arts and Crafts program for day camps like Valley Trails in Tarzana. Her knowledge extends into many mediums including watercolor, pastels, and acrylic painting. She has classical art training with a twist of the contemporary thrown in. Her philosophy is learn from the Master’s then make it your own.

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Chef Omar earned his culinary degree from the Le Cordon Bleu program in Pasadena in 2004. He left his corporate career at JP Morgan Chase to pursue his dream of becoming a chef and has worked under Chef Roy Yamaguchi of Roy's and Chef Wolfgang Puck. Chef Omar has also worked in many culinary fields such as a line cook for a well known restaurant chain, he's been a personal Chef Instructor, and now continues his passion of teaching and working with kids at the Summer Art Academy For more summer workshops in the culinary arts visit Cooking Camp

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Sheri received her BA in math and computer science from Ben Gourion University in Israel. She has been teaching Computers Since 1996. She has taught at Brawerman Elementary and B.C.M girls school and currently is the Technology teacher at Egremont School in Chatsworth. She enjoys the opportunity to touch the lives of children, and learning from both colleagues and kids. Sheri is looking forward to her 2nd year with the Summer Art Academy.

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Mike, or better known as M&M to our campers, is studying to be an architect in Los Angeles, CA. Mike has a passion for design and detail that is always balanced with a fun and positive spirit. He returns for his fourth year with the camp with an extensive knowledge of all the great cartooning classes the camp offers. During lunch at camp you can find him eating chili dogs and continuing his domination at Foosball! Mike dreams of eventually becoming a principal architect at a Los Angeles based firm, but that only hides his secret fan-boy identity with intentions of ruling the galaxy… The love Mike has for Star Wars, Batman, and the Simpsons is only surpassed by his goal of inspiring young artists to take their artistic passions to the next level.
“JOIN ME, AND WE SHALL RULE THE GALAXY TOGETHER….”  

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Joey was born and raised in Los Angeles. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Santa Cruz, and his Master of Fine Art in Furniture Design from the Rhode Island School of Design. Joey then went on to work for a high-end furniture company in San Francisco then as an artist-in-residence at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colorado. He is a member of the Los Angeles Art Association and spent the '06-'07 academic year teaching art classes at New Roads High School in Santa Monica. He enjoys the challenge of helping teens channel their angst and frenetic energy into creating works of art. This will be his 2nd year at the Art Camp.

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With a degree in studio arts in hand, Laurel moved to L.A. from Pittsburgh. She actually drove a cab for several years while pursuing her career in art. Soon she landed a job at Hanna-Barbera Studios as a cel painter and followed that up with 10 years painting animation cels for Warner Brothers, Chuck Jones, and many other studios.  Since 1999 Laurel has been deliriously happy as an elementary school art teacher, currently working for the Arts in Education Aid Council and Encino Elementary School.

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Jennifer has loved animals her whole life especially reptiles.  After attending the University of California Los Angeles and specialized in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, Jennifer found a way to share her passion for animals by teaching children about them.  She is the co-owner of Reptacular Animals, a company that educates and entertains children through animal parties and classes.  Their large collection of over 140 animals ranges from reptiles to furry critters and birds that are all part of the family and have been raised with love and expertise.  Jennifer has taught after school animal classes for over five years at many prestigious schools around the LA area.  This will be Jennifer's second year at the Summer Art Academy.

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Karila has been an avid hula dancer since she was 12, after her first inspiring trip to Hawaii. Since then, she has taken classes at Chatsworth Dance Centre, and has performed on the Santa Monica Pier as well. Karila was a fantastic Workshop Assistant last summer, and she even preformed Hula dances for our campers during our "Hawiiaan Day!" She loves The Summer Art Academy, and is very excited to return as a counselor and as our Hula teacher! She can't wait to combine her love for children with her talent for Hawaiian dance!

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Jacqueline is currently completing her studies at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena where she was trained in Classic French and International culinary arts as well as Pastries.  She has worked events for Wolfgang Puck and other charity events which have involved children. This will be her first year working for the Summer Art Academy and she is very enthusiastic about sharing with the campers how much fun cooking can be!

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