The Art Academy

 

 

 

 

Our Instructors


James Robinson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Columbia College, Chicago in 1981. He spent six months studying Italian Renaissance Art and Art History through Loyola University's Rome Center in Rome, Italy. He continued his training at Atelier LeSueur, Atelier Lack, and The Atelier, schools which emphasize the disciplines of 19th century academic and impressionist painting. Upon graduating from The Atelier, Jim taught in their full time day program before founding The Art Academy, LLC. He has written extensively on traditional art methods for international publications. In addition, Jim has also worked in the fields of Children's Text and Tradebooks for 9 years, specializing in both illustration and design. He has taught children's art classes for 12 years.


Sarah Howard studied drawing and painting at The Atelier and is a graduate of that program. Sarah's main interest is figurative work in tempera and oil. She also does comissioned paintings, including the Madonna and Child Icon for the main altar at St. Sahag Armenian Church in St. Paul.


Mary Klein is a portrait and landscape painter who studied at Atelier Wicker-Howell and Atelier Lack. Her traditional arts training was completed at The Bougie Studio in Minneapolis. Mary has also worked extensively in the fields of illustration and graphic design.


Marc Johnson received his art training at The Minneapolis College of Art and Design and Atelier Le Seuer and has twenty years teaching experience. His work has appeared in numerous publications and galleries. Marc has been illustrating children's books professionally for fifteen years. In addition to his illustration work, Marc also does mural decoration, including three 30' x 4' paintings for the Plymouth Library children's section.


Scott Nicely received a BFA degree from Ball State University. He is a professional Graphic Designer specializing in board, card, and role-playing design. Scott has been painting fantasy and historical miniatures for 11 years.


Sam Petersen earned a BFA from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He furthered his art education by traveling to Florence, Italy, where he studied figurative drawing and oil painting at Studio Art Centers International. Sam is versed in many mediums, including sculpture. He is a professional caricaturist and cartoonist.


Sarah Klein is a graduate of our school studying theater production and costume design at the University of Minnesota. She has taught in our program for over six years.


Erin Ries attended our school as a child and teenager and has taught in our program for over 4 years. She graduated with a BFA from Iowa State University and is a professional Graphic Designer who specializes in logo and card design and other promotional materials.


Emily Tutelman, Kelly Lumbar, Chelsea Fries, Amanda Falardeau, Maggie Mountain, Emily Borka, Sophia Ruff, Cara Hunter, Tasha Coryell, Barrett Vann, Maddy Cahill, Allie Bonyata, Riley O'Kane and Zeph O'Rourke also teach in our classes.


Charlotti Biscotti is our faithful dog and mascot.