The Artists Behind Petite Canvas
Our teachers are working artists, experienced educators, and thoughtful guides who understand that how a child is taught matters just as much as what they create.
Each brings their own creative practice and teaching experience into the studio, while sharing the same commitment to helping young artists build skill, confidence, and their own artistic voice.
LAUREN
Lauren is an artist and arts professional with experience in inclusive community programming, accessible art experiences, and grant-funded arts initiatives. Her work is rooted in thoughtful, inclusive creative practice, and at Petite Canvas she supports each artist’s confidence, creativity, and individual way of engaging with art.
Background: Minor in Studio Art, Hawaii Pacific University
Lead Art Teacher
KIRA
Lead Art Teacher
Kira brings more than six years of experience working with young children in early childhood and classroom settings. Her background combines art, play, music, and creative movement, giving her a strong understanding of how young children learn through hands-on, engaging experiences.
Background: Early Childhood Education & Art, Palomar College
Nathan is an artist and sculptor with experience spanning graphic design, stone sculpture, fine art presentation, and art instruction. His work reflects a strong understanding of form, materials, scale, and visual composition, and he brings that hands-on perspective into the studio to help young artists develop ideas and build confidence in their creative process.
Background: B.F.A. in Graphic Design
Lead Art Teacher
NATHAN
Olivia is a working artist and sculptor whose practice explores the relationship between people, materials, and the natural world. She creates abstract sculpture and assemblage using both new and repurposed materials, and brings that same curiosity and inventive approach into the classroom, helping young artists see new possibilities in the materials they use.
Background: M.F.A. in Sculpture, Pratt Institute
Lead Art Teacher
OLIVIA
ARIANA
Lead Art Teacher
Ariana is an artist and educator with nearly 20 years of experience teaching children across Montessori, private, and public-school settings. She brings a thoughtful, developmentally informed approach to art instruction, helping young artists build strong skills, confidence, and a meaningful connection to the creative process.
Background: M.A. Teaching Fine Arts, University of Utah
DAVID
Lead Art Teacher
David is a professional artist, tattoo studio owner, and mentor with more than 23 years of experience in fine art and digital illustration. As the owner of Dark Hearts Tattoo, he brings a strong foundation in drawing, composition, color theory, perspective, and design, along with years of experience mentoring other artists.
Background: 23+ years in professional fine art and illustration.
SHELBY
Lead Art Teacher
Shelby is an art instructor and freelance artist with experience guiding artists of all ages through complete painting projects. Her teaching style focuses on clear instruction, preparation, and helping students feel comfortable and confident as they work through the creative process.
Background: Art & Environmental Science, Saddleback College
SAMANTHA
Samantha created Petite Canvas as a mom of four who wanted a more thoughtful kind of art experience for children. After beginning to homeschool her own kids in 2022, she became especially interested in how much the right environment, teacher, and level of challenge can shape a child’s confidence.
She built Petite Canvas to be the kind of place she would want for her own children; skill-building, rooted in community, and filled with teachers who genuinely know the artists in front of them.
Background: B.S. Communications, Cal Poly Pomona
Owner & Studio Director