Winter Studio will take place over five weekends in January 2026. The program prepares students for competitive, portfolio-based opportunities through art instruction and seminar-style study. Each course supports students in the development of both technical skills and individual voice. 

We encourage students aged 14 and up to apply. One full tuition scholarship and one partial tuition scholarship is available per course. Students must apply by Deadline I (October 31, 2025) in order to be considered for a scholarship.

2026 Courses:

• Intro to B&W Film with Maj Roshandel (3 weeks)
  
• Figure Drawing with Nelli Astvatsatrian (5 weeks)
  
• Open Studio with Nelli Astvatsatrian (5 weeks)
  
• Portfolio Prep with Somi Jun (3 weeks)
  

Intro to B&W Film

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Saturdays, 11am–2pm
January 3, 10, 17

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Taught by Maj Roshandel

This 3-week workshop introduces students to the fundamentals of black-and-white film photography. Participants will learn the basics of shooting, developing, and printing film through hands-on practice in the darkroom. The course provides a solid foundation for beginners interested in traditional photography processes.

Max: 8 people
$360

Maj Roshandel makes experimental prints and jewelry informed by family archives, MENA and SWANA gendered resistance movements around the world, and local organizing within Los Angeles. 


Figure Drawing

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Sundays, 11am–2pm
January 4, 11, 18, 25 + February 1

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Taught by Nelli Astvatsatrian

In this 5-week course, students will explore foundational techniques for figure and portrait drawing with live models. Discover line, shading, and proportions as you dive into an artistic study of human anatomy. 

Experiment with a variety of materials and start developing your unique style in figure drawing. The human figure offers endless inspiration for both beginners and experienced artists. 

Max: 8 people
$675

Nelli Astvatsatrian is an Armenian-American artist and educator based in Los Angeles. Through figurative drawing, ceramics practice, and found object assemblage on quilts, Astvatsartian materializes trans-generational narratives. 

Nelli holds a BA in Art Practice and Rhetoric from the University of California, Berkeley and has taught figure drawing at Drawwing Cabinet, Richmond Art Center, TUMO Studios and Kala Art Institute.

Open Studio

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Sundays, 3pm–6pm
January 4, 11, 18, 25 + February 1

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Taught by Nelli Astvatsatrian

This 5-week course provides dedicated time and guidance for students to create new artwork. Participants will work independently on projects of their choice while receiving personalized feedback and support from the instructor. The studio supports painting, drawing, and some forms of sculpture.

Emphasis is placed on developing a well-rounded body of work. Ideal for artists preparing for applications and exhibitions.

Max: 8 people
$600

Nelli Astvatsatrian is an Armenian-American artist and educator based in Los Angeles. Through figurative drawing, ceramics practice, and found object assemblage on quilts, Astvatsartian materializes trans-generational narratives. 

Nelli holds a BA in Art Practice and Rhetoric from the University of California, Berkeley and has taught figure drawing at Drawwing Cabinet, Richmond Art Center, TUMO Studios and Kala Art Institute.

Portfolio Prep

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Saturdays, 11am–2pm
January 17, 24, 31

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Somi Jun

This 3-week course guides students through the process of creating strong application materials for specific portfolio-based opportunities. Over the course, participants will refine their artist statements, resumes, and supporting documents while learning how to photograph and edit their artwork for professional presentation.
Max: 8 people
$360

Somi Jun is a writer and educator from Los Angeles. Jun received a BA in Comparative Literature from Princeton University and MFA in Creative Writing from UC Irvine. They have been teaching essay-writing with a focus on college applications since 2016.