Artful Edge Academy is a professional art studio in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

We work with artists of all ages and skill levels to master techniques, create, and express themselves through art.

AEA is a powerful portfolio development program created for parents of artistic students who need a strong portfolio for high school or college applications.

We love helping students discover what makes their work unique, strengthen their portfolios, and create standout applications that support their future careers in Visual Arts or Design.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT

2026 GROUP CLASSES

14 COMPLETE PORTFOLIO Classes (Mon+Tues Oct 19-Dec 1) 14 COMPLETE PORTFOLIO Classes (Mon+Tues Oct 19-Dec 1)
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14 COMPLETE PORTFOLIO Classes (Mon+Tues Oct 19-Dec 1)
$1,000.00

14 Group Classes for Middle School Students

  1. Mon, Oct 19

  2. Tue, Oct 20

  3. Mon, Oct 26

  4. Tue, Oct 27

  5. Mon, Nov 2

  6. Tue, Nov 3

  7. Mon, Nov 9

  8. Tue, Nov 10

  9. Mon, Nov 16

  10. Tue, Nov 17

  11. Mon, Nov 23

  12. Tue, Nov 24

  13. Mon, Nov 30

  14. Tue, Dec 1

Course Information:

Students will create a complete High School Portfolio. They will learn about art history, color theory, experiment with a wide variety of materials, and master techniques. Meets on Wednesdays, 20 classes, 2 hours at AEA studio in Brooklyn.

  • Portraiture

  • Observational Drawing from Life

  • Figure drawing

  • Art historical painting

  • Landscape

  • Still Life

  • Abstraction + Principles of Art and Design

  • Collage and Mixed Media

Materials:

Drawing in Charcoal, Graphite, Color Pencil, Pastel

Painting in Watercolor and Acrylic

Details:

  1. 14 Classes

  2. 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available)

  3. Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)

  4. Material fee $50 or BYO

7 PORTFOLIO Classes (4-6PM WED, Oct 21-Dec 2) 7 PORTFOLIO Classes (4-6PM WED, Oct 21-Dec 2)
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7 PORTFOLIO Classes (4-6PM WED, Oct 21-Dec 2)
$500.00

7 Group Classes:

  1. Wednesday, October 21

  2. Wednesday, October 28

  3. Wednesday, November 4

  4. Wednesday, November 11

  5. Wednesday, November 18

  6. Wednesday, November 25

  7. Wednesday, December 2

Course Information: Portfolio preparation for High School applications. Students will create 4- 5 finished Artworks, learn about art history, color theory, experiment with a wide variety of materials, and master techniques.

  • Portraiture, Observational Drawing, Figure drawing, Art historical painting, Landscape, Still Life, Abstraction + Principles of Art and Design, Collage and Mixed Media

Materials: Sketchbook, Charcoal, Graphite, Color Pencil, Pastel, Painting in Watercolor and Acrylic . Material fee $50 or BYO

Details: AEA Studio 1000 Dean st Brooklyn NY 112238

  1. 7 Classes, 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available) .

  2. Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)

Winter 2026 we are offering three group class options.

We offer flexible scheduling for students who may not be available on the dates listed. Please contact us if you would like to book different dates for classes.

10 PORTFOLIO Classes (4-6PM Mon + Tues, Oct 19- Nov 17) 10 PORTFOLIO Classes (4-6PM Mon + Tues, Oct 19- Nov 17)
10 PORTFOLIO Classes (4-6PM Mon + Tues, Oct 19- Nov 17)
$700.00

10 Group Classes: 4-6pm

  1. Monday, October 19

  2. Tuesday, October 20

  3. Monday, October 26

  4. Tuesday, October 27

  5. Monday, November 2

  6. Tuesday, November 3

  7. Monday, November 9

  8. Tuesday, November 10

  9. Mon, Nov 16

  10. Tue, Nov 17

Course Information: Portfolio preparation for High School applications. Students will create 7 finished Artworks, learn about art history, color theory, experiment with a wide variety of materials, and master techniques.

  • Portraiture, Observational Drawing, Figure drawing, Art historical painting, Landscape, Still Life, Abstraction + Principles of Art and Design, Collage and Mixed Media

Materials: Sketchbook, Charcoal, Graphite, Color Pencil, Pastel, Painting in Watercolor and Acrylic. Material fee $50 or BYO

Details: AEA Studio 1000 Dean st Brooklyn NY 112238

  1. 8 Classes, 2-hour classes (Extended hours are available) .

  2. Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION

7 Individual Sessions, 2hr 7 Individual Sessions, 2hr
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7 Individual Sessions, 2hr
$1,400.00

Course Information:

Students will create 3-5 finished, portfolio-ready artworks, learn about art history, color theory, experiment with a wide variety of materials, and master several techniques.

The subject matter, material choice, and project outcomes are tailored to your goals. A bonus free planning session is offered before the first class.

Materials:

Drawing in Charcoal, Graphite, Color Pencil, Pastel

Painting in Watercolor, Acrylic, Oil

Instruction in drawing, design, painting, glass, photography, digital media, sculpture, and illustration.

Details:

  1. 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available)

  2. Material fee $60 or BYO

Bonus Application Support:

  • Full portfolio documentation, photography, editing

  • Video interview preparation and filming

  • One-on-one lessons and application guidance

  • Customized projects aligned with portfolio requirements

  • Statement writing and presentation support

  • Letter of recommendation

1 Adult Skill Based Classes, 2hr 1 Adult Skill Based Classes, 2hr
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1 Adult Skill Based Classes, 2hr
$200.00

3 hours

Our students have been accepted to the top Art and Design Colleges, with scholarships and grants based on the quality of their portfolio.

Our Middle School students have been admitted to the most competitive High School Programs in NYC.

“AEA is the best portfolio program in NYC!”

“Michelle is a phenomenal teacher.

She has grown my daughter’s confidence in her abilities and taught her a variety of techniques that helped her create an amazing portfolio that earned her a scholarship! I always knew my daughter was talented, but Michelle helped her take her skills to the next level. She is patient, encouraging, and incredibly talented. I highly recommend taking advantage of her expertise. She will help your child build confidence, develop their skills, and reach their full potential.”

— Kara Smith, Parent

Working with Michelle was so much fun! She was a great teacher and really helped me to improve my artistic skills in such a short period of time!

The one-on-one sessions really helped me narrow in on my personal strengths and weaknesses. I hope we can work together again in the future!

-Monet Freidman, AEA student

“ When I realized my son needed help creating an art portfolio for High School, I didn’t know how to help him, I’m not creative person. A friend recommended Michelle at AEA. I was so fortunate to find such a talented artist and Pratt professor. Michelle created a custom portfolio plan for Ben, and I was blown away by the artwork he created. She helped him with all of the high school requirements for visual arts. His portfolio was outstanding, and he was lucky enough to get into LaGuardia his first choice.”

— Jessica Allen, Parent

With the work I created at AEA, I was accepted into my top two colleges and received a $40,000 scholarship!

Michelle is not only a gifted artist but an exceptional instructor. I loved working in the studio and exploring new materials in my paintings—it was such a fun and inspiring experience.

- Jessie Green, AEA Student

— Dan Taseraki

Michelle came to the rescue when we realized our son had only a couple of months to put together an entire art portfolio for his November high school auditions.

Week by week, she helped him create a spectacular portfolio that got him into LaGuardia. He learned essential art techniques, learned about a variety of subjects, and explored several mediums.

— Dan Taseraki

AEA made the challenging college portfolio process clear, focused, and inspiring. My daughter received personalized instruction, clear goals, and the confidence to believe in herself.

Thanks to Michelle’s expert guidance, she was accepted to her dream college with a large scholarship. We are so grateful for Michelle’s support and the creativity she helped nurture in my daughter.

– Kristi Scott, Parent

H.S. NYC Portfolio Requirements

NYC visual arts programs require students to demonstrate observational skills, creative thinking, technical proficiency, individual expression, and a range of types of work.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

• 4–8 original pieces
• Self-portrait from observation
• Still life with 3 or more objects
• Figure drawing from observation
• Additional artwork showing creativity and range
• Program-specific portfolio requirements

Artist Statement or Video Interview

Students share their creative process, inspiration, influences, techniques, and formal choices behind the artworks, providing insight into their artistic identity and sources of inspiration.

Painting and teaching are my superpowers!

I love working with & inspiring creative minds and working with developing artists

I’m here to help you help build an outstanding portfolio and develop creative confidence.

Michelle Hinebrook

At the core of my teaching is a commitment to real artistic growth. I help students build confidence, strengthen technical skills, and develop focused, intentional work that is authentic to their individual voices.

My approach emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, self-expression, and acceptance. I meet students where they are, provide guidance and support, and encourage them to explore their ideas, take creative risks, and grow as artists.

Hi! I’m the Lead Instructor and Director of Artful Edge Academy, where I help artists develop their skills, creative voices, and portfolios for art and design high school and college applications.

I started AEA after parents in my community began asking me to help their children with portfolio development and college applications. I’ve been an art educator for 26 years, and I love helping students discover what makes their work unique. My goal is to help students strengthen their portfolios, develop their techniques, and achieve their creative goals.

I’m a Professor at Pratt Institute, where I have more than 26 years of experience teaching art, design, drawing, color, art history, and digital media. I’ve also worked as a Teaching Artist in NYC K–12 schools and am a professional painter with an international studio practice.

Throughout my career, I’ve taught portfolio development and professional practices to students of all ages. I have experience in academic advising and admissions, and I serve on portfolio review committees and panels for leading art and design colleges.

I received my MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art and my BFA in Art and Design from the College for Creative Studies.

My teaching grows out of my own studio practice, years of classroom experience, and ongoing work with students in both secondary and higher education. I’m passionate about helping young artists build confidence, find their creative voices, and create meaningful work they’re proud of!

Drawing

  • Charcoal

  • Colored Pencil

  • Oil Pastel

  • Pen & Ink

  • Pencil

  • Soft Pastel

Painting

  • Watercolor

  • Oil

  • Acrylic

  • Printmaking

  • Mixed Media

  • Inks

  • Dry Pigments

3Dimensional

  • Clay

  • Mixed Media Sculpture

  • Stained Glass

  • Glass Fusing and Painting

  • 3D Modeling

Design and Digital Media

  • Graphic Design

  • Advertising and Branding

  • Animation and Motion Graphics

  • Film and Video

  • Prototyping and Printing

  • Web Design

  • Design for Social Media

Color Design

  • Color Theory

  • Pattern Design and Color

  • Designing with Color Harmonies

  • Color Mixing

  • Color for Interior Design

Product and Packaging Design

  • Packing Dielines

  • Product Design

  • Industry-Specific Design

  • Packaging Design

  • Prototyping and Production

  • Physical Mockups

  • Digital Modeling

FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEWS: SCHEDULING HERE