CARRIE KLEIN

My name is Carrie Klein and I am the owner and Director of The ARTROOM. I worked under the nationally renowned educator Bev Bos. I continued my education at CCA (California College of the Arts) and graduated with a BFA in Sculpture and Glass and a minor in Photography. I continued studying at JFK University in their Education and Art Therapy Masters program. I became the owner of The ART ROOM 15 years ago and had a vision to expand with a process-based curriculum. I wanted to foster a passion for art in others and give students the freedom to choose their own direction and focus– developing their individual artistic language. With guidance and experiential-based learning, we give students the tools they need to grow as artists. We welcome collaboration and draw influences from our surroundings to ensure that we continually grow and evolve with the ever-changing world around us!

YANA VERBA

Hi, I‘m Yana and I’m a full time painter! I received a BFA in Drawing and Painting from OCAD University in Toronto, Canada in 2015. I ground my practice in geometric abstraction. I exhibited in Canada, USA, and the Middle East. I teach painting and drawing classes.

KC Nugent

Hi! My name is KC and I have wanted to be an art teacher for as long as I can remember. I moved to the Bay Area from my hometown in Georgia in May of 2022, and have loved living here so far! I graduated with a BFA in Painting & Drawing from Kennesaw State University and have been teaching art since then. I love all mediums of art, but mostly enjoy painting in my free time. I teach both kids and adults in a variety of mediums, which helps keep things interesting. When I’m teaching, my main goal is to provide a space that allows for students to enjoy their time creating and see the beauty that they can create with their very own hands!

Check out my work at floweredcombat.com

Samantha Graham

A Bay Area resident since 2015, Samantha Graham is a visual artist and ceramicist. She attended California State University East Bay and holds a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Traditional Art. She teaches visual art through SFArtsED and produces functional ceramic work out of a community studio in Berkeley, drawing inspiration from the natural world. She is passionate about teaching art to youth through various mediums and helping to grow confidence in artistic abilities.

Valerie Castillo

Hello, I’m Valerie! I am the Manga teacher here at The Artroom. I am a published manga artist and illustrator with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from West Texas A&M University. I have loved drawing and creating worlds ever since I learned to pick up a pencil. I have a deep love and appreciation for manga and anime, even studying for a semester in Kyoto, Japan! I love to share the tips and tools of the trade and inspire students to create their own stories and work influenced by this diverse medium. Feel free to get a look at my portfolio here and hope to see you soon!

Hi! My name is Adi Donanhirsh.

I have been drawing and painting from a very young age. My grandfather was a very skilled craftsman and artist and I looked up to him. As I grew older I studied psychology, as I wanted to help people overcome hardship and feel better about themselves. I then combined both of my passions by studying for a Masters Degree in Art Therapy. I worked several years with adults and youth, with all kinds of mental health issues. After graduation and becoming a mom, my focus changed and I found myself wanting to do more hands-on art than being a therapist. I started working as an art teacher and discovered that I have come back full circle to the joy and happiness that art gave me as a child. I am grateful to be able to share the love of art with my students.