since 2015
Yulia Balobanova
I was born and grew up in Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by many cultures, folklore traditions, and beautiful handmade crafts. Kyrgyz patterns, textiles, and the artistic heritage of different nationalities quietly shaped my early love for color, texture, and creating with my hands.
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As a child, I spent hours sewing, crocheting, knitting, doing embroidery and macramé, and experimenting with drawing and painting. My mom taught me how to crochet, knit, and sew — skills that became the foundation of my lifelong love for making things with my hands. My Ukrainian and Polish grandmothers left behind beautiful, embroidered pieces that have become part of my creative memory, even though I never met them. I collected printed reproductions of famous artworks from my parents’ magazines and studied them with curiosity. Weekly art classes in school — and drafting lessons in high school, which I absolutely loved — deepened my fascination. Creativity became my first language long before I imagined teaching.
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My early professional life took a different path. I completed a degree in software engineering, drawn to the field by my love of logic, clarity, and problem-solving. Later, I returned to school for a second professional education in interior design in Saint Petersburg. I spent many years designing interiors and custom furniture, blending aesthetics with structure.
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And then, in my forties — in a new country, in a new language, starting from zero — I found the courage to shift again, toward what had been quietly waiting all along: teaching art.
I began teaching in 2015 at my dining table in Guelph. From there, everything grew organically. Over the years, I have:
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volunteered as a teacher in the Russian School,
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taught art and textile crafts for kids and adults through the Continuing Education School Board,
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led creative programs for seniors in community centres,
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organized pop-up workshops and art picnics across Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Woodstock, and Ottawa — for both Russian- and English-speaking communities,
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and during the pandemic, hosted outdoor art picnics in local parks, helping people stay creative and connected through sketching in nature.
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All these experiences shaped my signature Structured Freedom Method™ — a gentle approach that blends clear structure with space for personal expression. I teach the fundamentals of observation, composition, tone, and color while encouraging every student to find their own artistic voice through illustration, sketching, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, mixed media, clay, and textile arts.
My classes are known for their warm atmosphere, calm guidance, and simple explanations. Many students arrive saying, “I’m not artistic.” They leave with confidence — and with a painting they never believed they could create.
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Today, I teach in my bright Downtown Kitchener studio, offer online programs, and lead guest workshops in other studios, with growing opportunities across Canada and abroad.
My life reflects what I believe most deeply:
It is never too late to create.
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Not at 30.
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Not at 40.
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Not at 70.
Creativity is for everyone — in every chapter of life.
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.
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: Maxi Lalonde
My name is Maxi, and I am a part of Yulia’s team as a Digital Marketing Specialist. My interest lies in producing impactful works that resonate with viewers, not only through my marketing designs but also, as a third-year Studio Arts student, in my artistic creations.
In this role, I have the privilege of merging my passion for art and design to develop engaging media pieces. With my over 5 years of professional experience in graphic design, my work is both visually appealing and informative, enabling me to craft captivating designs. Working with Yulia, I continually aim to transform our ideas into reality and create pieces that both captivate audiences and leave a memorable impression— I hope that you experience this same feeling in my work!
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