John Armstong (Founder/Owner/Instructor) - Drawing, Painting, Voice
John's key objectives in founding the Open Arts Studio with his wife Lucy is to provide students with a classical foundation in music, visual and performance arts while creating a safe, noncompetitive and enjoyable classroom atmosphere. He teaches the Open Arts Drawing Method, singing, voice overs and improv. He has a Bachelor of Music from Central Washington University and received his Masters degree in Music & Classical Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado. John has created and studied art since his childhood.
John teaches with passion and excitement to all ages but has a special talent with children. He encourages each student to build their drawing and painting skills with a fun manner that keeps the children wanting to learn more.
Ann Hurst (Instructor) - Watercolor, Painting
Ann was born and raised in the Seattle area, but became an artist while living in Hawaii where she resided for twenty years. Her mother and brother had amazing artistic talent and she always wondered if she might have that talent in her. Ann had always loved art and knew one day she would pursue it. She began her journey by reading books and watching how-to videos for watercolor painting. At some point deciding she needed more instruction, she began taking classes.
She was inspired by the natural beauty of the islands and loved the vivid colors which she expressed in her work.
Ann was a member of the Hawaii Watercolor Society, and was fortunate to sell at the Honolulu Academy of Arts for a time, the Zoo Fence in Waikiki and annually at the Haleiwa Arts Festival for a number of years. She had a solo show at Hoomaluhia in 2010 and sold at various art shows and fairs around the island. Ann also began to teach beginning watercolor classes and taught art to high school kids in a private school. It was a fantastic and memorable time in her journey as an artist. She does miss her island art life, the climate and the people.
Now that Ann has moved back to the Pacific Northwest she says, “her surroundings are much different, but still breathtakingly beautiful. There is an entire new world around me and so much to paint. I am excited to be here and to grow as an artist. and I still have so much more to learn, and my journey continues...”
Mikko Freeman (Instructor) - Drawing, Painting
Mikko studied multimedia and fine art at the Northwest College of Art and Design with a focus on oil painting, as well as art history, business and philosophy at the Evergreen State College. For several years he recorded and performed music professionally while maintaining his passion for painting. While traveling in Europe he rediscovered traditional painting for himself after spending days studying Sargent, Leighton, and Waterhouse paintings in the Tate Britain. Deeply moved by these historic works Mikko decided to return to his artistic training in a traditional manner. He moved to Italy and studied classical drawing and painting at the Florence Academy of Art. Steeped in tradition, history and a community of burgeoning realists he began to develop his voice as a representational artist. Currently, Mikko lives, paints, and teaches in the Pacific Northwest.
Shonda Bowman (Instructor) - Pouring Picasso
"Color, balance, and beauty are what gives me great pleasure and joy in life, and you can apply that to a room, a wardrobe, a canvas…anywhere.”
Originally from Colorado, Shonda has loved to draw and paint since she was in kindergarten. She remembers drawing a horse when she was five years old that surprised even her. “Wow, that is a pretty good horse” she said to herself. Ever since then, she has wanted to be a real artist. Shonda took as many art classes she could throughout her education. She was selected to paint her first mural in sixth grade on a wall in the cafeteria. Then in high school she designed programs for various events and entered competitions winning awards here and there.
After high school Shonda was able to keep creativity in hand during various employment including, make-up artist, retail merchandising and interior design. But painting was consistently on the side. While managing a team of visual merchandisers, her employer hired her to paint several murals in her home. Later Shonda and her husband ran a faux finishing business where she did several installations of specialty paint finishes and many murals. This led to her own interior design/consulting business. Along with that she was asked to teach wine and painting classes.
As far as education is concerned, when time allowed, Shonda took life drawing and painting classes at the Denver Art Student’s League where she was taught by various working artists; however, she is primarily self-taught.
Now living in Tacoma, Shonda is mainly inspired by nature’s scenery and is thankful that, “The Creator gave her a dose of creativity.” And now living in the Pacific Northwest, there is no shortage of beautiful material to bring her ideas.
Shonda currently teaches the Pouring Picasso classes for the Open Arts Studio. She loves sharing the gift of painting with anyone who is willing to let go and enjoy the process and pleasure that painting can give.
Originally from Colorado, Shonda has loved to draw and paint since she was in kindergarten. She remembers drawing a horse when she was five years old that surprised even her. “Wow, that is a pretty good horse” she said to herself. Ever since then, she has wanted to be a real artist. Shonda took as many art classes she could throughout her education. She was selected to paint her first mural in sixth grade on a wall in the cafeteria. Then in high school she designed programs for various events and entered competitions winning awards here and there.
After high school Shonda was able to keep creativity in hand during various employment including, make-up artist, retail merchandising and interior design. But painting was consistently on the side. While managing a team of visual merchandisers, her employer hired her to paint several murals in her home. Later Shonda and her husband ran a faux finishing business where she did several installations of specialty paint finishes and many murals. This led to her own interior design/consulting business. Along with that she was asked to teach wine and painting classes.
As far as education is concerned, when time allowed, Shonda took life drawing and painting classes at the Denver Art Student’s League where she was taught by various working artists; however, she is primarily self-taught.
Now living in Tacoma, Shonda is mainly inspired by nature’s scenery and is thankful that, “The Creator gave her a dose of creativity.” And now living in the Pacific Northwest, there is no shortage of beautiful material to bring her ideas.
Shonda currently teaches the Pouring Picasso classes for the Open Arts Studio. She loves sharing the gift of painting with anyone who is willing to let go and enjoy the process and pleasure that painting can give.
Peter Giardina A.K.A. "PECO" (Instructor) - Guitar, Piano, Ukulele
Peter Giardina has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Youngstown State University in Ohio. He earned his Master's degree in Education Technology from City University. Peter has been working as a public school teacher for 15+ years and has a background in the Orff and Kodaly teaching methods. He has taught guitar privately for 20+ years. Peter has experience in many areas and styles of guitar such as fingerstyle, classical, electric rhythm and blues as well as rock. He has participated in many cover bands, tribute bands and original bands. Peter is also an aspiring singer and songwriter.
Risa Kaneko (Instructor) - Ceramics
Risa Kaneko was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. She moved to the states to attend school and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma Washington.
Art is big part of her life, and she has studied several artistic processes such as, painting, photography, graphic design, sculpture and ceramics. She is very thankful and happy to be part of Open Arts Studio, working with teachers and students creating an exciting learning experience.
Angela Drew (Manager/Instructor) - Ceramics
Angela was born in San Diego, Ca and relocated with her family in 1999 to Puyallup, Wa. It was then in Jr high that she took her first ceramics art class and has been in love with the clay medium ever since. After continuing ceramic classes in high school then attempting a degree at PLU in Elementary Education she realized that she missed building with clay. Angela moved back to Southern California to earn her BFA in Ceramics with a Minor in Child Development and Family Studies at California State University Long Beach. Preceding obtaining her degree in 2015 the artist arrived to settle again in Puyallup, Wa and began teaching at Open Arts Studio in 2016 where she feels at home.
As an instructor Angela combines technique with the interest of her students to create a fun learning experience for all ages. From wheel throwing to handbuilding both adult and children students get the chance to express themselves as an artist and potter. She appreciates the joy in seeing her student's skills build in their artwork.
Angela maintains her own art practice in between teaching classes and managing the front desk at Open Arts Studio.
As an instructor Angela combines technique with the interest of her students to create a fun learning experience for all ages. From wheel throwing to handbuilding both adult and children students get the chance to express themselves as an artist and potter. She appreciates the joy in seeing her student's skills build in their artwork.
Angela maintains her own art practice in between teaching classes and managing the front desk at Open Arts Studio.
Jamie Tait (Instructor) - Ceramics
Jamie was originally a Florida native, but since she moved to Tacoma that has quickly begun to change. The rain now feels like home, and the mountains have been inspiring her work even before they were just a short drive away. She received her BFA in Studio Art, focusing in Ceramics and Glass blowing, at the University of South Alabama, and has taught ceramics to both children and adults over the years. Her teaching experience ranges from the college level, all the way to a workshop for elementary students at the Grunewald Guild in Leavenworth, Washington. "There is just something about being elbows deep in wet clay, only to come clean again after you've breathed life into something new."
Kelcey Tucker (Instructor) - Ceramics
Its safe to say Kelcey was destined to be a maker from day one. Being born into a family of artists and educators has shaped who she is in many ways. Her mother taught art and ceramics for over 30 years, so the ceramics studio has always felt like home to her. After graduating from Eastern WA University with a BFA in studio art and graphic design, she moved across the state to Seattle. After taking a couple ceramics classes at OAS to get back into the art community she began teaching our morning “littles” pottery classes during summer of 2019. Kelcey is enjoying being our Homeschool pottery teacher now during the week. Providing a fun, inviting and safe environment for kids to grow their artistic talents has always been a mission of hers. Kelcey is beyond excited to have joined to teaching team here at OAS and looks forward to spending time with more students and helping them to advance their artistic abilities. Outside of the studio she enjoys cooking at home, exploring local national parks and spending time with family.
John Vorstadt (Instructor) - Ceramics
John Vorstadt is a ceramic artist from the finger lakes region of upstate New York. He works primarily with clay to create functional forms displaying the processes of construction and materiality. In 2015 he graduated from Alfred University with a BA in Interdisciplinary Art and is the recipient of the Kiki Smith fellowship at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Following, John completed a post-baccalaureate from the University of Florida and is currently teaching ceramics in Tacoma Washington.
Emily Grace (Instructor) - Pouring Picasso
Emily Grace was born in Oklahoma and trained as a ballet dancer from a young age. Upon graduating high school at age 16 she became a professional ballet dancer for a number of years. She then decided to retire as a dancer and pursue her other passion in art. She earned her BFA in 2D art from Northeastern State University. While a student there Grace won multiple awards for her art as well as participating is annual art exhibits. After graduation she moved to the Pacific Northwest and has been working here as an artist ever since. Grace’s favorite area of art is figurative painting, and she is often working on her next portraiture or figurative work. She is very excited to be part of the team at Open Arts Studio!