A few things about us...
ArtVenture Art Studio was founded in 2007 by the Reshef family in London Ontario, with a vision to provide an inspiring environment where students of all ages can develop their creativity and artistic expression while learning new skills. Under the professional guidance of local artists and teachers and within their specified age group, students work at their own pace and level to create art that defines an artistic voice that is uniquely their own.
Meet our Team
Artist / Director
erica@artventure.ca
Owning, running, and instructing Visual Arts in a private setting is a privilege and a pleasure. I graduated from Teacher's College with Visual Arts as my major followed by a B.Ed. degree from University of Alberta and have spent 40 years in the classroom teaching all grades - from Senior Kindergarten through to High School. When not in the classroom, I spent my time painting, sculpting, working on commissioned art, and raising our family. As retirement approached, so did my desire to begin a new and exciting chapter in life, and in 2007 ArtVenture became a reality. With each passing term at the studio, I continue to enjoy watching our students approach the process of art as an adventure. It is a journey I enjoy taking alongside my students and am very proud of the inclusive environment we were able to build at ArtVenture.
Manager / Director / Human Resources
ayala@artventure.ca
Creating ArtVenture from ground-up has been a family dream and a personal highlight of my career in the field of Education. Focusing on the Visual Arts has compiled all the best that education has to offer in one inspiring location with talented students, whose desire to learn is both invigorating and remarkable. Bringing forth nearly 30 years of classroom experience with a B.Ed. degree that has enabled me to teach in Edmonton, Vancouver, Stratford, London (UK) and London (Ontario), I feel fortunate to be working alongside my family as we pay homage to art history and help pave the path towards a creative outlet for students of all ages. ArtVenture’s focus on the Visual Arts has enabled me to focus solely on inspiring young artists in their journey towards a life of creativity.
Finance & Administration
hugo@artventure.ca
Shortly before retiring from an engineering career that took me from the University of Alberta in Edmonton to the National Research Council in London, I joined Erica and Ayala to co-found ArtVenture which was Erica's dream as an artist and art teacher. My interest, and later passion for finances, started when I joined H&R Block as a tax preparer in 1988. After completing the requirements and receiving a certificate from the Canadian Institute of Financial Planners I started my own business in personal and business taxation which I continue to practice to date. I'm proud to be part of this fine and unique institution and to be able to apply over three decades of experience in the field of finances to its success.
Instructor & Support Staff
Ever since I can remember art has been my passion and escape. Both at ArtVenture as a student and on my free time, I grew up trying different forms of creative pursuits from painting and drawing to clay and sewing. Currently, I am in my second year at King’s University College in the social sciences program. I find working with children to be a joy and aspire to be a teacher. I am thrilled to be able to spread creativity amongst young artists and be able to learn and grow alongside them!
Instructor
My name is Beckett and I am a graduating Art student at Western University. Growing up, I attended ArtVenture as a student and have since returned to the studio as an art instructor. Becoming a teacher at ArtVenture has allowed me to flourish as a teacher and as an artist who loves to share my love of art with children. I believe that keeping the world of art alive begins with the youth, and ArtVenture provides an incredible space for me to ignite that passion in my students. I am thrilled to be part of this awesome team and am excited for this new chapter of my artistic journey.
Instructor
My name is Eden and I’m so excited to be an instructor at ArtVenture!
I am currently completing my Master of Social Work at King’s University College and I have always had a passion for creativity, self-expression, and working with young people. From drawing and watercolour to dancing and exploring new creative mediums, art has always been an important part of how I express myself and connect with others. I love creating an environment where young artists feel encouraged to explore their ideas, try new things, and be themselves. I’m thrilled to share my love of the arts with the ArtVenture community and to inspire young artists to embrace their creativity!
Instructor
Art has always held a spot in my heart. I studied with a major in Visual Arts and a minor in Set Design at York University then completed a diploma in Interior Design. All pathways in my life have allowed me to be creative and express myself through a given discipline. Over the past decade, I've been fortunate to share my ideas and skills in the visual arts through many venues and organizations in the city. Now, here I am at ArtVenture adding passion and love to my community of art loving people. For me, art is about play. Play for children comes naturally, but for adults this can be difficult. We are taught to narrow our vision and live in boundaries. Art has allowed me freedom to connect to our world and search for tools and techniques that make me feel comfortable and soulful. My greatest wish for any artist, is make time to play and enjoy the process that comes with it. ArtVenture is the perfect setting for you to soar; I look forward to soaring too.
