Artful Edge Academy is a professional art studio in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where artists of all ages and skill levels can learn, create, and express themselves in art.
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We believe in keeping things simple, smart, and human. Every project starts with listening and ends with something we're proud to share.
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Integrity, creativity, and empathy shape the way we work. These aren't just words—they’re the foundation of everything we build.
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What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead. What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.
Our Classes
INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION
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:
2 hour classes (Extended hours are available)
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
GROUP INSTRUCTION
20 Group Classes:
Fall/Winter
Wednesday: Sept 30th - March 10th (no class:11/11, 12/30, 1/6, 2/17)
Course Information:
Students will create 13-15 finished Artworks, 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:
20 Classes
2 hour classes (Extended hours are available)
Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)
Material fee $50 or BYO
8 Group Classes: Wednesday: September 30th - November 25th (does not meet on school holidays)
Course Information: Portfolio preparation for High School applications. Students will create 6 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
8 Classes, 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available) .
Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)
20 Group Classes: Thursday: October 1- March 11th (does not meet on school holidays)
Course Information: Advanced preparation for BFA applications. Students will create 13-15 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
20 Classes, 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available) .
Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)
8 Group Classes: Thursday: October 1- November 26th (does not meet on school holidays)
Course Information: Advanced preparation for BFA applications. Students will create 13-15 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
8 Classes, 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available) .
Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)
Ongoing Enrollment + Free Virtual Portfolio Reviews!
Send us a Message to Schedule a Meeting
We offer flexible enrollment throughout the year, allowing students to begin portfolio development when they are ready. Whether you are developing foundational skills or refining advanced work, our personalized instruction helps you build a strong, cohesive portfolio through focused projects and ongoing feedback.
Meet the Instructor
I’m the Lead Instructor and Director of Artful Edge Academy, where I help young artists develop their skills, creative voices, and portfolios for art and design college.
I started AEA after parents in my community began asking me to help with portfolio development and college applications.
I love helping students discover what makes their work unique, strengthen their portfolios, and find the right direction for their creative goals. I created AEA to bring that experience to more young artists.
I’m a Professor at Pratt Institute with more than 25 years of experience teaching art, design, drawing, color, art history, and professional practices. I have worked for 10 years as a teaching Artist in several NYC K-12 Schools.
I’m a professional painter with an international studio practice.
My teaching approach is collaborative, curiosity, experimentation, self-expression, and acceptance. I believe students do their strongest work when they are guided by also encouraged to explore their own ideas, take creative risks, and develop their individual artistic voices.
I have taught portfolio development and professional practices to all ages. I have worked in academic advising and admissions and served on portfolio review committees for leading art and design colleges. I have firsthand insight into how student work is evaluated
I received my MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art and my BFA in Art and Design from the College for Creative Studies.
“Painting and teaching are my superpowers, I love working with & inspiring creative minds”
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 design curriculum informed by art history, portfolio-based learning, and the New York City Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. I also serve on portfolio review panels for art and design schools and as a juror for visual arts competitions, which keeps me closely connected to current expectations in admissions and professional practice.
At the core of my teaching is a simple goal: to support real artistic growth. I want students to build confidence, develop technical skill, and create a body of work that feels focused, intentional, and authentic to them. I teach with care, curiosity, and respect for each student’s process, meeting them where they are while helping them move forward in clear, achievable steps.
I come to this work from my own experience of learning art without formal training in my early years. I taught myself to draw and built my portfolio independently in order to apply to art school. That experience continues to shape how I teach today. It’s why I care deeply about access, clarity, and making sure students feel supported no matter their starting point.
Drawing
Charcoal
Colored Pencil
Oil Pastel
Pen & Ink
Pencil
Soft Pastel
Digital Media Classes
Photoshop
Procreate
Illustrator
In Design
Graphic Design
3 Dimensional
Clay
Sculpture
Stained Glass
Packaging Design
Mixed Media
Painting
Acrylic
Oil
Watercolor
Printmaking
