𐃘 ⭐️About me, Sanya, Sanja Manakoski, Founder of My Art Academia:

I am an awarded winning professional artist with an MFA degree from Northwestern University. I possess expertise in various fields of art such as theater designing, fashion designing, illustration, and fine arts. I have taught art to students of all ages, from young artists to graduate students at the university level. My artwork has been displayed and recognized in both Europe and the United States. Currently, I reside on the beautiful Island of Oahu, where I continue to create art. 


𐃘 ⭐️About Art Pro Teaching Super Star Jelena:

Jelena, an amazing artist with a masters degree in art from New York City, is truly remarkable. She has been teaching art and design classes at Art College Cuny for many years. While studying for our bachelors degree, we both focused on Fashion and Costume Design. Throughout the rigorous 5-year program, we collaborated on various projects, witnessing Jelena's immense talent and creativity. What I find most admirable about her is her calm demeanor and caring nature. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing and expressing herself visually. Her designs are always extraordinary, like the time she created a dress entirely out of straws! Jelena has a knack for turning ordinary things into something special, and with her unique experience working in New York, from the Metropolitan Opera to movie sets, she can impart her knowledge and expertise to students for their future careers. 

𐃘 ⭐️About Art Pro Teaching Super Star Megan:

Megan, an exceptional artist residing in Chicago, is truly remarkable. Not only does she dedicate herself to being a school counselor for students with special needs, but she also possesses an incredible talent for art. We both pursued our master's degrees at Northwestern University, where she earned her graduate degree in art. Megan's artistic abilities are truly outstanding, showcasing her high level of skill and creativity. Moreover, she is a nurturing and caring individual, making her a joy to be around. She has a unique ability to recognize the special qualities in everyone and uses that to help her students grow and find their own voice.

𐃘 My Art Academia Teaching Philosophy:

Picasso once said, “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Teaching allows me to keep my artistic side alive by constantly exploring new ways to create and appreciate art. As an art teacher, I get to nurture my artistic side too by discovering fresh methods to create and admire art. I push myself to view things from diverse perspectives and experiment with various techniques to teach each young student uniquely.

My teaching philosophy is that all students must have a stimulating creative environment that will foster their artistic, creative, social, and intellectual growth. I approach each student individually by celebrating their specific point of view. 

My goal is to create a class that is never one-note or repetitive, but rather collaborative, interactive and dynamic. I want every student to have a meaningful experience in my class. 
In a safe, process-based environment I invite my students to learn through experimentation, share their ideas and discover the joy of creating art. 

My aim is to support students in feeling confident as they express their creativity and nurture their individual talents. This will be accomplished by teaching them essential art and drawing techniques and skills, and providing guidance on how to view the world from an artistic perspective.

Thank you for reading and I hope to see you in some of my classes!