since 2015
Yulia Balobanova
I have been teaching art since 2015 and my mission has always been to inspire people to create their own art, especially if they do not have any previous art experience. I truly believe that everyone can do art with the right guidance. And with simple materials that you probably already have in your home!
I have been painting and drawing since childhood, and completed my professional art education at a reputable Design School in Saint Petersburg, Russia. I worked in interior design for many years, and also designed custom furniture for clients. Now, my passion is teaching art to children and adults and inspiring people to be creative. Art can be relaxing, help you express yourself, and you always learn something new. I am making art accessible to people so anyone can try their hand at painting, drawing, or sewing.
I focus on creating a friendly, cozy and supportive atmosphere for my students and explain very simply how to draw or paint. Participants come away from the workshop or art class with a beautiful final picture. I’ve taught art classes to young children of 5-6 years old, to private groups of adults, and to seniors, who all enjoyed the experience!
I am a multimedia artist. I love learning new techniques for my own practice and for teaching my students. My favorite mediums for now - watercolor and watercolor pencils which I can draw in my sketchbooks everywhere. I also love hand sewing, crochet, embroidery, sport, yoga and travelling. I am inspired by nature and love to share this passion with you in the pictures we create.
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My family - husband, 3 children and 2 cats are my big love and support!
Art instructor: Marien de Freitas
Hello, my name is Marien, your art instructor! I am currently in my second last year of my Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Waterloo with a major in Psychology. I plan to continue my education and eventually get my PhD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Art Therapy. From as young as I can remember I grew up around art, both my parents were artists and shared their love of creativity with me and my siblings.
As an art instructor, I intend to share the gift of art with students and foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel empowered to explore their creativity and express themselves freely. Through a personalized demonstration, I offer hands-on guidance while also allowing students to find their unique art style.
Art is everywhere and for everyone and I believe that artists bring a special touch to the world. With a diverse background in various artistic mediums such as drawing, painting, sewing, and mixed media, I offer a well-rounded approach to my art education. My current artistic endeavor has been sewing soft body dolls with polymer heads for my family and friends.
Growing up in rural Manitoba on a farm with my family of 11 I quickly learned to treasure the natural art that Mother Nature creates so effortlessly. Now my family and I reside in Waterloo. Through my work with Yulia, I look forward to bringing my rich life experiences into my work and getting to know the little artists of KW.
From my early childhood, every free moment was spent with a pencil in hand, sketching whatever caught my imagination. Growing up in a family where artistry and teaching were cherished traditions, my passion for drawing was nurtured from a young age.
My grandfather was a master of landscapes, capturing the world with oil paints. His works filled our home, inspiring me to explore my own artistic abilities. My aunt drew excellent portraits, which encouraged me too. My sisters, who also studied in art school, shared their artistic visions, adding diverse perspectives to our creative environment.
My formal education in art began at a children’s art school, where I laid the foundation for my skills. Hungry for more, I continued my studies through three intensive years of advanced courses. I had the honor of being taught by a master from the St. Petersburg Art Academy. Under his guidance, I improved my technique and deepened my understanding of the artistic process.
Art is a lifelong passion for me. I love visiting galleries and looking at the works of famous artists, always trying to notice interesting details from their paintings. I experiment with materials and techniques, from watercolors to digital art, embracing every challenge with enthusiasm.
Over the years, I created numerous works, gifting portraits to my friends and even to my favorite singers at their concerts. Art also helps me see the beauty in everyday life, be more attentive to details, and feel happy.
Today, as an artist with over 15 years of experience, I am excited to share my knowledge and passion with others. Teaching feels like a natural extension of my artistic journey. My goal is to inspire and guide students of all ages, helping them discover their own creative potential and craft unique masterpieces.
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Vera Poletaeva
Art instructor
Art Instructor: Maria Panarina
Hello, everyone! My journey with art and education began long before I ever set foot in a classroom. Growing up, I found myself naturally drawn to caring for and entertaining young children. Their curiosity, creativity, and endless energy inspired me and sparked my desire to pursue a career that would allow me to be part of their growth.
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I graduated from Moscow State Teachers Training University in Russia, earning my degree in primary education with a focus on art and music.
This path felt like the perfect way to combine my passion for teaching with my love for creativity. Working as a primary school teacher has been an incredibly rewarding career that has not only let me share my skills but also motivated me to grow and learn alongside my students.
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For over 15 years now, I've had the privilege of working with children aged 2 and up, guiding them as they discover their unique voices through art. Art is such a powerful tool for mental and emotional development—it cultivates imagination, improves memory and attention, and strengthens both fine and gross motor skills.
In every lesson, I aim to create an environment where children feel safe, free to express themselves, and excited to explore the world through creativity.
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In my classes, your little ones will do more than just draw or paint; they'll embark on a journey of self-discovery, imagination, and fun. Through each brushstroke and every project, they'll uncover new ways to communicate, problem-solve, and build confidence—all while creating something beautiful along the way.
Art instructor assistant: Alina Shirinova
Hey! I’m Alina but friends call me Al. I’m new to this organization and will be volunteering here for the first time. I’m currently a grade 12 student at Rockway. I plan on going into child and youth care and am grateful for the opportunity to get some experience working with kids.
My relationship with art has changed a lot over the years as I’ve tried pretty much every medium there is. My start with art was with dance which I really loved but eventually had to quit as it was starting to take a toll on my health. Right now I’ve been spending a lot of my time painting with acrylic as I do my best to depict moody landscapes. Art is my longest-standing hobby that I hope will stay with me forever.
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Art instructor assistant: Lena Harris
Hi, my name is Lena. I am a grade 10 student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute, majoring in visual art and vocal
music with plans to pursue a career in the arts. I've always been artistically inclined since I could hold a pencil! I grew up being able to explore my artistic abilities with the support and help of my parents. As an art instructor assistant, I intend to spread joy and ensure that kids are having fun while learning new skills that will help them improve
their artistic capabilities for future creative endeavors.
