Stephen has been teaching drama, dance and voice to children for the past 6 years. This summer marks his 5th 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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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 first year at the Art Academy.

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Lynne has been working as an assistant teacher for the past 6 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 fifth year at the Art Camp. For more ceramic workshops visit Clay Camp

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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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This will be Stephanie’s 7th year with the Big Cheese! Schooled in all disciplines of 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. Currently, she owns Sweet Pea Studio, offering art workshops to children & adults.  In May 2006, she launched Stephanie Gale Design, a commercial art design company.  Visit at www.stephaniegaledesign.com. Say hello and also shop her Online Giftshop!   Stephanie’s unique art workshops offer students a chance to express themselves and their individuality through art as they explore 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 joining 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 6th year at the Art Camp.

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Brent has been practicing magic since he was 8 years old!  He has performed at many different events.  Whether it be a 6 year old birthday party, a corporate event or a holiday party, Brent's magic is sure to impress the guests!  Brent has performed at the World Famous Magic Castle, Universal Studios, The Mercedes Benz Tennis Classic @ UCLA, AIG/SunAmerica-San Diego,  The Tournament of Roses, E &G Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Hyatt Corporation, DaVita Inc, and many other large companies! This will be his 5th year at Art Camp

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Nicole is the founder of "Artistry in Motion" and "Pilates for Kids" located in North Hollywood. Nicole, Internationally Certified, studied the Pilates Method and its application under the tutelage of First Generation teachers Ron Fletcher and Lolita San Miguel. "They literally changed my life!" In 2005 Nicole was granted "Master Teaching Status" for her mastery in the body, its education, application, history and ultimate potentiality and achievements. Following Joseph Pilates dream, Nicole now teaches worldwide, teaching teachers, students, children and all that choose a healthier and happier life. Nicole has become one of the most renowned, respected and sought after teachers today. This will be Nicole's first year at the Art Academy.

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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 fourth 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 second year at the Summer Art Camp.

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Leora has taught thousands of children and adults the art of African Folklore Embroidery. Her mission is to educate those taking her workshops about South Africa through a multi cultural needle and beading art called African Folklore Embroidery. Many articles have been written about Leora's teaching program. Leora will be appearing on the HGTV and DIY, Uncommon Threads in the Fall. Through the demand for national lectures and workshops, Leora established the African Folklore Embroidery educator program. She has taught at museums, schools, conferences and camps. This will be her third year teaching at the Summer Art Academy. Her book: "A Visual Safari Through African Folklore Embroidery" will be released in summer.

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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 fourth 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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Carla has been our lead Epee Fencing Instructor for the past 5 years. She is the Club Manager of the BEVERLY HILLS FENCERS CLUB where she currently is coaching some of the top fencers both nationally and internationally. In 2007, three of her students went on to win National Championships in their divisions. Carla has been awarded a Prevost d' Armes Degree from the Federation Francais d'Escrime, Paris, France and is the 2004 National Champion Women's Veterans Point holder. Carla oversees the staffing of our summer program with instructors committed to working with children, youths and those interested in fencing as non-competitive exercise and recreation.    

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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 sixth year with the Art Camp.

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Neal has been involved in all facets ROBOTIXS 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 ROBOTIX 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 first year with the Summer Art Academy.

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This is Jenafer’s fourth year teaching Photography at the Summer Art Academy. After graduating from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography, she received a scholarship to both work as a staff photographer at the Baltimore Sun for a summer, as well as a semester abroad towards an MFA at the London Centre of Syracuse University in Photojournalism. She lived in Europe off and on for five years (Munich, Montreux and London) and has enjoyed a freelance career as an editorial photographer here in Los Angeles for the last twenty years. Her clients have included Children’s Hospital, Sony Music, Capitol Records, Los Angeles Magazine and Emmy Magazine amongst many others.

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Eddy received a full scholarship for Acting from the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University. After graduating with honors, he moved to The Big Apple, where he worked in acclaimed hits Mamma Mia and Fame on New York’s 42nd Street. While on Broadway, he began to study Pilates at several classic studios and found a deep organic connection to the form. Receiving his Pilates Certification through Whole Body Gallery in Hollywood, Eddy was immediately hired in three different studios and began training privately as well. Eddy has worked with a wide range of students including children. Eddy loves to incorporate deep breathing and a sense of play to all his classes. Although he understands and respects the student’s limitations, he loves to encourage everyone to their fullest capabilities. This will be his first year at the 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 5 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 is currently broadening her dance training at Cal State, Long Beach studying dance and education. She has participated in various dance and musical theatre performances in the Los Angeles area. This is Kelley's third year with the Big Cheese.

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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 third year teaching at the Art Camp.

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Paul is the computer lab T.A. at Sinai Akiba Academy, working with students ranging in ages from kindergarten to eighth grade. He received his BA at Florida State University and an MA in Screenwriting at California State University, Northridge. He is very excited to be a part of this summer’s art program, and even more excited to see the cool projects that get created this year. This will be Paul's third year with The Art Academy.

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Bin (aka John) is currently a student in Pasadena City College where he is preparing a portfolio for further study in product design.  He has been teaching on the woodworking bus and enjoys seeing young children expressing their creativity and imagination through art. Bin also has a passion of martial art; practicing Kali is one of his favorite things to do.

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Scott has taught computer classes at elementary and middle schools for over four years. A graduate of USC’s film & theater schools, he has performed in children’s plays and worked with kids for over ten years. This is his second year overseeing the Summer Art Academy’s computer program and our new Robotics workshops. He is very excited about expanding the program to include the largest number of computer art classes the Summer Art Academy has ever offered.

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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 8 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 second year with our KCamp Woodworking program at the Art Academy.

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Jessica, a visual effects artist and graphic designer, has been teaching the computer programs at Temple Beth Hillel for four years.  She has taught art classes through a children's program sponsored by the Dallas Museum of Art, and was an art instructor for three years at a summer camp in Denton, Texas.  This will be her third year as a Summer Art Academy computer teacher.
 

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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 2 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 Matts second 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 the California School of Culinary Arts. She is currently a dietician in training, enrolled in Cal Poly Pomonas didactic program that is regulated by the American Dietetic Association. 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.  In addition to teaching, 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 second year as our Capoeira Instructor.

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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 first year sharing her love for her art with the kids who take her ceramic workshop at the Summer Art Academy.

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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 and Wolfgang Puck. Chef Omar has had a passion for barbecue since he was a little kid so in the spring of 2007, Chef Omar took the time to start and organize his own barbecue business, and now he is the proud owner of Smokin’ O’s BBQ.  Still in search for the perfect barbecue on the weekends, vending at carnivals and street fairs.  Chef Omar still has plenty of time to teach his culinary skills at The Summer Art Academy.  It’s not a job, it’s a hobby. 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 excited and looking forward to start with Summer Art Academy.

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Melissa graduated from the University of Southern California with a BA in Theatre and is thrilled to use her twenty years of dance and performing experience to teach at Summer Art Academy. She started dancing at the age of 3 and has performed in numerous musicals including "Funny Girl" with Stephanie Block, and has worked with Kay Cole, the original Maggie, as the Assistant Stage Manager on "A Chorus Line" in Thousand Oaks, to name a few. She was a member of USC's Reparatory Dance Company and has been working professionally as a Stage Manager for the past two years. Melissa now works on plays and musicals everywhere from the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza to the Geffen Playhouse. She is very excited to have the opportunity to share her passion and love for the arts with children.

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Nicole is a teenage triple threat: actress, karate world champion, and gymnast. She was the 2004 ISKA (International Sport Karate Association) World Champion, the 2004 European Champion and a five-time NASKA (North American Sport Karate Association) Champion in forms and weapons. Nicole discovered karate at age six at a friend’s birthday party. “I had a strong interest in sports and I liked the athletic skills, like jumping and spinning." Today, she is a member of the Extreme Martial Arts (XMA) performance teamand has performed across North America and teaches children of all ages Performance Martial Arts while at the same time continuing her own training from XMA to Cirque du Soleil acrobats! This will be Nicoles first year at the Art Academy.

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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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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 first year at the Art Camp.

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Katie has practiced yoga for over two decades, and has worked with both kids and art through her studies at UCLA, in public schools, and through her yoga practice. She is currently teaching through YOGAWORKS and other studios in the West Valley. Her background with yoga, passion for art, and experience with kids, makes the addition of Katie a great fit for everyone. This will be Katie’s first year at 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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