Hi, my name is Mariya, and to put it simply, I love art. I love to make art, and to share my passion with others. I love sharing my skills with my students. My favorite part is seeing them embrace and enjoy the process of art making, making connections between the art and their daily lives. 

I have been teaching art classes privately in NJ. I have taught homeschooling art classes, adult art classes, as well as private instruction. 

I grew up in an art school. Quite literally! My family's flat was in the same building that housed the city art school. Unavoidably, the love for art seeped in. I have been drawing, painting, photographing, and creating, for as long as I can remember. For me, creativity is a source of peace, relaxation, and a form of meditation. 

After graduating from Rutgers University, I have been teaching multimedia art. Up to this day I have not met a medium that I did not like. I always enjoy exploring a variety of mediums and concepts with my students, all whilst sharing my love for the process of art making. I currently teach art to the homeschool community, teens, and to seniors.

I have worked as a freelance illustrator and illustrated children’s books. I have also participated in public art exhibits and local shows. I continually pursue photography, drawing, and painting, always striving to be better than I was yesterday. I also volunteer on the board of a local non profit art association, Westfield Art Association, where our goal is to bring art education and opportunities in art to the community. 

I am also a mom, and homeschooled my kids. 

Currently, I reside in the state of NJ, with 3 dogs, 2 cats, a few children, husband and grandparents. Life should be fun and happy.