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Art Studio Agoura Inspires Community Artists

“Humans have been expressing themselves through painting since before they had speech or writing. Everyone, regardless of technical ability, has something to say through their art,” says Art Studio Agoura Owner Elena Avanesova.

An artist herself—"I love to paint portraits and florals and design silk scarves and ponchos inspired by my own floral paintings!”—Elena established Art Studio Agoura to serve as an open art space for all ages and every imagination.

“Our art program focuses on helping students to discover their own creativity and express themselves without any judgment,” says Elena, who credits her father with showing her “how art is more than just applying paint to canvas.”

Art Studio Agoura students have the opportunity for personal creative freedom and self-expression through art projects that meet their individual needs and goals. Offering social and instructional art experiences, Art Studio Agoura provides instruction in painting, drawing and sculpture as well as social art-based activities like paint and sip parties, fundraisers and family days.

“Our instructional philosophy is centered on giving the students the tools to capture their individual creativity. We do not simply give the student a photo to copy stroke by stroke, but rather teach them the techniques of color and brush stroke that allow them to create their own work,” explains Elena, who began teaching art in her native Uzbekistan more than 20 years ago and has taught privately and in public and private schools around the world, including in Thailand, England and Switzerland.

What types of art classes does Art Studio Agoura offer?

Our studio provides art instruction in painting mediums—watercolor, tempera and acrylic painting and oil painting for adults. We teach drawing fundamentals, where students learn about composition, proportion, value and perspective. Sculpture is also very popular. Young artists love to create 3D art and learn about tools and clay.

What social art events are offered?

Our popular paint and sip parties can be a mom’s night out, date night or company team building. We also do birthday parties for kids and adults. These events feature acrylic pour painting, mandala painting and custom acrylic painting with step-by-step instruction. Events can also be fundraisers, with 35% of the proceeds donated to schools and organizations. We also have a family open studio on Saturdays where parents and kids can work together.

What programs are offered for students?

In the summer, we offer Art History Camp for kids 5-13. Campers learn about famous artists and then create their own work in that artist’s style. For busy parents, Art Studio Agoura has a flexible schedule, offering small classes where students work in a group setting on individual projects.

What makes Art Studio Agoura different?

We differentiate ourselves in our flexibility—we offer professional art instruction that aims to develop creative talent, not just copying ability. We also offer many opportunities for more casual and social engagements with art. This is coupled with competitive prices, flexible schedule, individual approach and an all-ages, family-oriented approach that can’t be beat.

Ask about Art Studio Agoura’s 50% off Art History Summer Camp and 25% off Paint Nights and Birthday Parties.

Art Studio Agoura is located at 28233 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Call 818.699.6066 or visit ArtStudioAgoura.org for more.