“If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means
paint, and that voice will be silenced.”
- Vincent Van Gogh























WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS

The heart of our art program is our staff, made up of Enrichment Specialists, Bachelor of Arts graduates, Le Cordon Bleu Chefs, and Performing Arts Professionals with years of experience working with children. The passion and expertise they bring to each workshop will spark your childs creativity and enthusiasm. Our staff is dedicated to creating a fun, educational, and exciting experience for your child.

VALLEY VILLAGE INSTRUCTORS

STEPHEN CLAY:
PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINER AND TEACHER

Stephen, has been with the Art Camp for 9 years. He most recently completed his 14th year of his annual holiday show to a sold out crowd in San Francisco (where he was featured on the cover of the SF Chronicle) In 2009 he ventured to the Middle East with his show for 2 weeks and in February, will complete his TESOL certification to teach English overseas. Time to travel!

WORKSHOPS: VOICE ACADEMY, DANCE CREW, MUSICAL THEATRE, CIRQUE DU SOLIEL
TIFFANY BRKICH:
B.A., CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE

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!

WORKSHOPS: IMPROV ACTING, MASTERS OF DISGUISE: STAGE MAKE-UP!, PUPPET THEATRE, DRAMATIC DRAMA!
MICAH COVER:
PROFESSIONAL MAGICIAN,
BLACK BELT; TAE KWON DO

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.

WORKSHOPS: TAE KWON DO, BEGINNING MAGIC, MAGIC & MIND READING
LYNNE GOODHILL:
CERAMIC INSTRUCTOR

Lynne has been working as an assistant teacher for the past 8 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 7th year at the Art Camp. For more ceramic workshops visit Clay Camp

WORKSHOPS: CERAMICS, CREATIONS IN CLAY
STACIA BLACK:
DRAMA INSTRUCTOR

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, Stacia currently teaches under an art grant for Pasadena Unified and is a jazz instructor at Millennium Dance Complex in North Hollywood. With a Masters Degree in Literature, Stacia is excited for this opportunity to combine her three passions: writing, teaching, and musical theatre!

WORKSHOPS: DANCE POP STARZ, THEATRE IMPROV
MICHAEL RANGEL:
PROFESSIONAL MAGICIAN

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 ten years for corporate events, hotels and restaurants around Southern California. He has performed for the likes of Quincy Jones, Michelle Phifer, David E. Kelly, Dillon McDermott and Jim Belushi. This will be Mike’s second year with the Art Camp.

WORKSHOPS: HOCUS POCUS
STEPHANIE GALE:
B.F.A., UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD

WOW! The Big Cheese and Stephanie have been together 9 years! 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.

MYSTERY MIKE:
AKA, MIKE HENNESSEY

Mystery Mike Hennessey has been the owner and operator of Mysteries By Mike (www.mysteriesbymike.com) for over 15 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.

LINDA WEHRLI:
PROFESSIONAL ART INSTRUCTOR

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 8th year at the Art Camp.

WORKSHOPS: WATERCOLORS, ACRYLICS
BRENT ARTHUR JAMES GERIS:
PROFESSIONAL MAGICIAN

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!

WORKSHOPS: CARD TRICKS & SLEIGHT OF HAND, MAGIC: THE ART OF ASTONISHMENT
LYNN KURATOMI :
PROFESSIONAL YOGA INSTRUCTOR

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 6th year

WORKSHOPS: YOGA
MONIQUE SMALLSON:
OTIS/PARSONS ART INSTITUTE

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.

WORKSHOPS: AFRICAN EMBROIDERY PLUS, BEGINNING SEWING/QUILTING, PAPER POWER!, MAKING MINIATURES, FASHION EMBELLISHMENT
NATALIE MERCADO:
B.A., CSULA

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.

WORKSHOPS: WOODWORKING
KELLEY CHRISTENSON:
CHOREOGRAPHER

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 5th year with the Big Cheese. 

WORKSHOPS: CREATIVE MOVEMENT & DANCE
MARCIA SANCHEZ-WALSH:
NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE, ARUNDEL, ENGLAND

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 Tinsel town Rose Society. This is Marcia's 5th year teaching at the Art Camp.

WORKSHOPS: ART PHOTOGRAPHY, CLASSIC ALBUM COVER ART, ART IN THE GARDEN, THE "BIG CHEESE" PRESS, MUMMIES OF EGYPT, NATIVE AMERICAN ART, SUMMER SPA
SYLVIA SCHORN:
ARTIST AND WOODWORKER

Sylvia runs a “Woodworking and Decorative Art Program” in various schools throughout the greater Los Angeles and South Bay areas. Kids in elementary schools, kindergartens, preschools, camps and parties get the chance to explore and work with wood a natural wonderful material. Her passion is to bring fun and creativity into the lives of young children. Her motto is “you can never make a mistake in art”. 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 United States. This will be her fourth year with our Art Camp 101 Woodworking program at the Art Academy.

WORKSHOPS: WOODWORKING AND DECORATIVE ART
CARLA CORBIT:
FENCING INSTRUCTOR

Carla has been our lead Epee Fencing Instructor for the past 7 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.

WORKSHOPS: EN GUARD! FENCING
CONTRA MESTRE
AMIR SOLSKY:
CAPOEIRA INSTRUCTOR

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 4th year as our Capoeira Instructor.

WORKSHOPS: CAPOEIRA
SHELLI TOLLMAN:
BFA, TUFTS UNIVERSITY

Shelli grew up in South Africa and graduated with a BFA from Tufts University and the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts. She has been painting since the age of fourteen. She recently showed at the Annex Gallery in L.A. and you can view her work at www.saatchionline.com or at www.artslant.com. This is her 8th year at the Art Camp.

WORKSHOPS: FOLK ART, FANTASY ART
AMEE HAGLER:
BA, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY AT LOS ANGELES

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.

WORKSHOPS: HERE BE DRAGONS!, STORYTELLERS, ANIMAL DRAWING, IT’S A PUZZLE, HUMOR IN ART, PASTEL PERFECTION, STORYBOOK ILLUSTRATION
CHEF OMAR GARCIA
LE CORDON BLEU CHEF

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

WORKSHOPS: BLAST OFF BREAKFAST, 50’S CAFÉ, THE ART OF BAKING, COOKIES, BROWNIES, MUFFINS AND MORE!, CARNIVAL TREATS, CHOCOLATE EXTRAVAGANZA, FANTASTIC SNACKS
MIKE MAZON
ILLUSTRATOR

Mike is an artist and architectural designer based in Los Angeles. He received his B. Arch from Woodbury University, and is moving on to graduate studies with an emphasis in urbanism. Mike has a passion for design and detail that is always balanced with a fun and positive spirit. Better known as M&M at the camp, he returns for his fifth year with an extensive knowledge of all the great cartooning classes the camp offers. He is the reigning lunchtime camp champion of pirate battles and whip cream contest after retiring from foosball last year! 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 becoming Bruce Wayne… Mike’s goal at camp is to inspire young artists to be creative while having a good time.
“JOIN ME, IT IS YOUR DESTINY….”

CARTOONING WORKSHOPS: CLASSIC MOVIE MONSTERS, SUPERHEROS VS. SUPER VILLIANS, FUNNY CHARACTERS:THE BASICS, ANIME', ROBOTS & SPACESHIPS, SCI-FI ALIENS
CHRISTINE TERRY
PROFESSIONAL ART EDUCATOR

Christine earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Printmaking and Art History from the Massachusetts College of Art. She has been teaching a variety of art classes to children over the past eight years: including printmaking, drawing, painting, and photography. Currently she is teaching Art at The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks as well as has recently completed her Masters of Arts degree at CSUN in Art Education. This will be her 8th year working for the Big Cheese and her first year as a teacher at the camp. Christine previously was the site director for the past 7 years. She is looking forward to another great summer inspiring the children who attend the camp with her energy and creativity.

WORKSHOPS: MEET THE MASTERS, BY AIR AND BY SEA, ART AROUND THE WORLD
GREG MACHLIN
TEACHER AND PROFESSIONAL WRITER

Greg has been teaching various enrichment classes with Parker-Anderson Enrichment for two years. He received his BA at Brown University, and his MFA in writing from the University of Iowa in 2008, where he taught several classes. His experience in film & dramatic writing includes: a short film accepted into the Maine International Film Festival in 2005, a Heideman finalist at the Actors Theatre in Lousiville in 2008; a radio drama broadcast on NPR (also 2008), and a film screened at the Cable Car Cinema in Providence, RI. He enjoys teaching and looks forward to working with students in Xipster Video Animation at the Summer Art Academy.

WORKSHOPS: XIPSTER VIDEO ANIMATION
RYAN MITTS
TEACHER AND SCREENWRITER

Ryan has been teaching various enrichment classes in Elementary Schools all over the Los Angeles area with Parker-Anderson Enrichment. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelors degree in Radio/Television/Film from the Communication school. He has had experience working with every level of children from very young elementary schools students to high school student in a variety of subjects including Chess, Lego Robotics, Computers, Sports, English, Math, Science, History, Economics, and test prep for the SATs.

WORKSHOPS: CHESS CLUB: FAST ATTACKS AND COOL COMBOS!, MINDSTORMS LEGO ROBOTICS, GAMING, JR. DETECTIVES, CRAZY MACHINES, POSTERIZE IT!
CHEF KACIE SCHEER
LE CORDON BLEU CHEF

Kacie graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in 2009, focusing on French pastry and dessert techniques. She was hired as a baker in a specialty dessert shop based in Santa Clarita. For the past two years has worked with the YMCA in their youth program and enjoys working with children. This will be her first year with the Art Camp and is looking forward to sharing her passion for cooking with all the campers attending this year in our Art Camp 101 program!

WORKSHOPS: OODLES OF NOODLES, BAG IT UP/LUNCH ON THE GO, IT’S PARTY TIME!, MUFFIN MADNESS
SABINA SANDOVAL
DRUMMING EDUCATOR

Sabina has been drumming for over 30 years as a  performer, teacher, and facilitator for both adults and children. In addition to entertaining at a variety of private and corporate events, Sabina is the founder of the "Free To Be Me Drum Circle" bringing drumming to the elderly, mentally challenged, convalescents, prisoners, and to teens at risk. Wherever she is, when she picks up her drum and begins the beat, people react enthusiastically by picking up an instrument and joining in, or breaking into dance. She also has a monthly drum circle on the sand in Hermosa Beach every 3rd Sunday of the month. For more information on her program and how you can be part of the Free To Be Me Drum Circle please visit: Free To Be Me!

WORKSHOPS: KOOL KIDZ DRUMMING, DRUM CIRCLE
JENNIFER PORTILLO
ANIMAL HANDLER & EDUCATOR

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.

WORKSHOPS: ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
SCOTT BLY:
BA, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

A graduate of USC’s film & theater schools, Scott has performed in children’s plays and taught computer classes at elementary and middle schools for over ten years. This is his fifth year overseeing the Summer Art Academy’s computer program.  Scott is also an author, and this year he is teaching our new Digital Defenders workshop, which is based on the world of his exciting novel coming out with Scholastic in February of 2011!

WORKSHOPS: DIGITAL DEFENDERS






AGOURA HILLS INSTRUCTORS

COTTY KILBANKS:
BA, SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, N.Y.

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 third year at the Art Academy.

WORKSHOPS: CARTOONING MADE EASY, SCULPEY CREATIONS, FUNNY CHARACTERS, PENGUINS PUPPIES & PORPOISES, FAIRIES FLOWERS AND FANTASY, CREATIVE STORYTELLING, DRAGONS ROBOTS AND MONSTERS, CREATURES OF THE LAND AND SEA
STACIA BLACK:
DRAMA INSTRUCTOR

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, Stacia currently teaches under an art grant for Pasadena Unified and is a jazz instructor at Millennium Dance Complex in North Hollywood. With a Masters Degree in Literature, Stacia is excited for this opportunity to combine her three passions: writing, teaching, and musical theatre!

WORKSHOPS: WILD WILD WEST, POP STARZ, FAIRYTALE THEATRE, HAIRSPRAY, THEATER AND DANCE MEDLEY, PETER PAN, UNDER THE SEA, FAME!
MICHAEL RANGEL:
PROFESSIONAL MAGICIAN

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 ten years for corporate events, hotels and restaurants around Southern California. He has performed for the likes of Quincy Jones, Michelle Phifer, David E. Kelly, Dillon McDermott and Jim Belushi. This will be Mike’s second year with the Art Camp.

WORKSHOPS: THE ART OF ASTONISHMENT, HOCUS POCUS , WIZARD SCHOOL
DONNA GOLDSTEIN:
LEAD TEACHER, ARTS IN EDUCATION AID COUNCIL

Donna received her formal art education at Pratt Institute in Brookyn, NY. Soon afterward came a large family to raise during which time she discovered that her greatest love is making art with children. For the last fifteen years she has been privileged to teach art to both children and adults in various venues including Ventura County Unified School District's Artist in Residence Program, LA Valley College Extension Program, The Atelier Studio in Chatsworth, as well as in her home studio. Over the years she has also created murals, sets and portraits for various television productions. She is Vice President of Arts in Education Aid Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the arts to public schools in the San Fernando Valley. For the last five years, Donna has written curriculum and taught exclusively for this organization, sharing her love of artmaking with K-5 students at Melvin Avenue Elementary in Reseda and Maurice Sendak Elementary North Hollywood. Donna feels that teaching art to young children is the best job in the world!

WORKSHOPS: COLOR ME CREATIVE, MIX IT UP!
MYSTERY MIKE:
AKA, MIKE HENNESSEY

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.

LISA FRANZ:
WELLESLEY COLLEGE, INSTITUTE FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES

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.

WORKSHOPS: PAPER MACHE CREATIONS, PARTY TIME, PUPPETS AND PLAYS, PARTY TIME!, SCRAPBOOKING, PET PROJECTS, TRASH TO TREASURE, ANCIENT EGYPTIAN TREASURES, DECOUPAGE, SUMMER SPA
RYAN GYRO:
4th DEGREE BLACK BELT of TANG SOO DO

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 over ten 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.

WORKSHOPS: MARTIAL ARTS: TANG SOO DO
CARLA CORBIT:
FENCING INSTRUCTOR

Carla has been our lead Epee Fencing Instructor for the past 7 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.

WORKSHOPS: EN GUARD! FENCING
NEAL FRIEDMAN:
DIRECTOR OF ROBOTICS EDUCATION

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.

WORKSHOPS: ROBOTICS
ANDREA DIAMOND:
NATURALIST

Andrea is currently Director of Education for Programs After School, Inc. She 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.

WORKSHOPS: MEET THE ART MASTERS, DAVINCI’S WORKSHOP, GROOVY VAN GOGH, JUNIOR VAN GOO, HOT ART- COOL SCIENCE, YOUNG SPROUTS IN THE GARDEN
KELLEY CHRISTENSON:
CHOREOGRAPHER

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 5th year with the Big Cheese. 

WORKSHOPS: CREATIVE MOVEMENT & DANCE, LET'S DANCE
LAUREN CHENEY
ANIMAL HANDLER & EDUCATOR

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 thrid year at the Summer Art Academy.

WORKSHOPS: ANIMAL ADVENTURES
MARY McGILL
CERAMIC ARTIST AND INSTRUCTOR

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 3rd year sharing her love for her art with the kids who take her ceramic workshop at the Summer Art Academy.

WORKSHOPS: CERAMICS
LINDY SCHELVIS
BA, CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE

Lindy began both dancing and cheering when she was in elementary school. As she got older, she started volunteering as cheer coach for youth football as well as teaching dance in local after school programs. Lindy graduated from Cal State Northridge with a degree in Liberal Studies and an elementary school teaching credential. During the school year, Lindy works in an elementary school teaching computers and dance. Lindy has been an outstanding Art Camp 101 workshop assistant for the past two summers. Lindy is so exicited to return to the Art Camp for the third summer as a Workshop Assistant and as our Dance/Cheer Instructor!

WORKSHOPS: CHEER SQUAD, JAZZ DANCE, DANCIN’ MACHINES, DANCE TROOP!
JOEY STUCKELMAN
BA, U.C. SANTA CRUZ

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.

WORKSHOPS: WOODWORKING
LAUREL SCHWARTZ
BA, STUDIO ART, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

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.

WORKSHOPS: LET'S FACE IT, PASTELS!, CRAZY CARTOONING, THE MASTERS IN MIXED MEDIA , LET’S FACE IT 101, BEGINNING PASTELS
KARILA SHANNIS
HULA INSTRUCTOR

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!

WORKSHOPS: ALOHA!PARADISE HULA, KEIKI HAWAII ADVENTURE
CHRIS ALLEN
LE CORDON BLEU CHEF

Graduating with high honors from the Le Cordon Bleu program, Chef Chris began his work with the Summer Art Academy in 2002 acting as the Executive Chef for the culinary portion of the summertime camp. Currently, Chris is a full time faculty member at the Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. He has traveled the world sampling the foods from many countries and looks forward to teaching all his international culinary secrets to the kids. Additionally, he has owned a catering company and has been a special demonstration Chef for the Friends of Robinsons Garden as well as a personal Chef.

WORKSHOPS: OODLES OF NOODLES, BAG IT UP/LUNCH ON THE GO, CELEBRATION CAFE!, MUFFIN MADNESS
TIFFANY BRKICH:
B.A., CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE

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. Tiffany also teaches Drama, Improv and Musical Theater for an elementary afterschool enrichment program, DramaWorks. This is her second year teaching at the Art Academy, and she can’t wait to have a positive influence on the students through her fun, energetic, and creative personality!

WORKSHOPS: THE ART OF DISGUISE: STAGE MAKEUP , DRAMATIC DRAMA!
ALINA HEVIA:
MUSICIAN AND TEACHING ARTIST

Alina is a native of Miami, where she received a Bachelor's of Music as well as a Bachelor of the Arts in English. She is a singer/songwriter, and has been seen on stage and film in Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Washington State. She is the lead singer of the LA based band The Luvnauts, and can be seen and heard gigging all over town. She has achieved Certification Level One with Music Together, a national early-childhood development program, and recently completed the ten-week Teaching Artist Training with the Music Center of Los Angeles County. Her teaching career began in the Miami, Fl public school system, and she can now be found teaching Arts and Crafts and Music all over Los Angeles.This will be Alina's 1st year with The Art Camp, and she can't wait to share her creativity with the Art Camp 101 campers!

WORKSHOPS: FAIRYTALE CRAFTS, MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC
LEORA RAIKIN:
AUTHOR, ARTIST AND TEACHER: AFRICAN FOLKLORE EMBROIDERY

Leora Raikin, orignally from South Africa and Author of Safari through African Folklore Embroidery has taught over 10,000 adults and children this creative needle art. Leora has taught at Skirball Museum and exhibited at the Calabasas Artist Alley, Calabasas Library, Ontario City, Houston and Long Beach convention Center. Leora is excited to take our Art Camp campers through an "African visual safari" with African Folklore Embroidery!

WORKSHOPS: AFRICAN FOLKLORE EMBROIDERY
LINDA ILLUMANARDI:
M.A. PAINTING/MODERNISM,
VT COLLEGE OF NORWICH UNIVERSITY

Linda has been making art for as long as she can remember.  She has a master’s degree in painting, and published a limited edition artist book as an artist-in-resident at Otis College (2001).  Linda continues to teach a variety of media to artists of all ages.  She moved from Vermont to Los Angeles in 1999 to teach Visual Art at Marlborough School.  Linda lives in the mountains with her horse Tillie, her dog Willow, and her feisty cat Pepito. This will be her first year teaching at the Art Camp!

WORKSHOPS: MYSTICAL MAGICAL ART!, THE JOY OF PRINTMAKING
JOSHUA BRODT:
COMPUTER TEACHER

Josh has been teaching various enrichment classes in Elementary Schools all over the Los Angeles area with Parker-Anderson Enrichment.  Josh received his BA from Life Pacific College where he was an Academic All-American and captain of the Basketball Team.  Josh also works as a youth pastor at a local church where he enjoys both teaching and having fun with the kids along with working with the parents in order to see the best possible overall growth take place in the children’s lives. This will be his first year at the Art Camp.

WORKSHOPS: DIGITAL PHOTO, JUNIOR DETECTIVES: SPY KIDS!
KATIE STEFIL
PROFESSIONAL YOGA INSTRUCTOR, UCLA–B.A. PSYCHOLOGY

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. Katie's yoga classes vary in structure and complexity depending upon the individual students (yogis) and the group as a whole – from simple, fun movements and activites with familiar names and sounds; to more complex postures, words, ideas, and projects.Her background with yoga, passion for art, and experience with kids, makes the addition of Katie a great fit for everyone. Katie looks forward to another wonderful summer sharing her life's passion during her third year at the Summer Art Academy!

WORKSHOPS: YOGA
GREG MACHLIN
TEACHER AND PROFESSIONAL WRITER

Greg has been teaching various enrichment classes with Parker-Anderson Enrichment for two years. He received his BA at Brown University, and his MFA in writing from the University of Iowa in 2008, where he taught several classes. His experience in film & dramatic writing includes: a short film accepted into the Maine International Film Festival in 2005, a Heideman finalist at the Actors Theatre in Lousiville in 2008; a radio drama broadcast on NPR (also 2008), and a film screened at the Cable Car Cinema in Providence, RI. He enjoys teaching and looks forward to working with students in Xipster Video Animation at the Summer Art Academy.

WORKSHOPS: XIPSTER VIDEO ANIMATION

Home | Valley Village Campus | Agoura Hills Campus| Sessions and Fees | Workshop Descriptions | Instructors
General Information | Parent Comments | Frequently Asked Questions | Job Opportunities | About Us | Contact
Register for Valley Village |Register for Agoura | Art Camp 101 | ClayCamp | Cooking Camp | Back to the Art Academy