Our Instructors
Nicole Melnicky
Founder / Instructor
Nicole Melnicky is an experienced and passionate visual arts educator with a diverse educational background spanning Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Toronto. She holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from OCAD University, specializing in Interdisciplinary Art, Media & Design (IAMD). Prior to her graduate studies, Nicole earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, where she focused on Fine Art with minors in Textile Design and Art History.
In addition, she holds a Diploma in Fashion Design from Blanche Macdonald Centre and has further honed her expertise in Surface Design and Fashion Design at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles,CA.
With over ten years of teaching experience, Nicole has taught at a variety of respected British Columbia art studios, including NPC College of Art and Design, Peaceful Art Studio, Bao Bao Art Center, Young Rembrandts, and Green Apple Art Center. She currently teaches Visual Art & Design at Crescent Heights Academy and is certified by the BC Ministry of Education with an Independent School Teaching Certificate (ISTC).
Tania Serna Hinojosa
Instructor
Tania Serna Hinojosa is a passionate fine artist and art instructor with over two years of experience teaching drawing and painting to students of all ages. Grounded in her studio practice, she is dedicated to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence in her students’ artistic development. She previously taught at Art Village Art Studio, where she guided young artists in developing their skills and creative expression.
She is currently pursuing studies in Art History and Education Assistance, deepening her understanding of both the theoretical foundations of visual art and inclusive approaches to teaching.
Tania also volunteered as a gallery docent at the Surrey Art Gallery, sharing her appreciation for art with diverse audiences. More recently, she has expanded her creative practice into tattooing, using the human body as a new surface for artistic exploration and self-expression.
Samaneh Hashemi
Instructor
Samaneh Hashemi is a multidisciplinary artist and art instructor with a background in painting, mixed media, and digital art. She has completed studies in Graphic Design at BCIT, where she developed a strong foundation in visual communication and creative problem-solving. Passionate about nurturing young artists, Samaneh encourages her students to explore their imagination and express their individuality through diverse artistic techniques.
Her teaching philosophy centers on the belief that creativity is an essential part of everyday life, one that builds confidence, curiosity, and joy. Through her classes, she aims to inspire students to see the world through an artistic lens and to embrace the creative process as a form of personal growth and discovery.