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.
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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