Sam! Teaches Monday Sensory Art Lab, Idea Lab, Mixed-Media Art Club, and Open Studio!

Hi! I am Sam! I have been working in education for 10 years as a teacher, education director, and curriculum developer. I am a mom to a 3-year-old and some of my hobbies are exploring new cities and places on foot and drawing with my daughter.

I started Sunny Studio because I wanted there to be a space where children and artists of all ages could come as they are and thrive. My creative mind has kept me afloat through so many of the ups and downs of life, and it has taken me on a life adventure, I wonder what will happen next! I want everyone to love their brand of creativity and remember that what makes you different is your biggest gift. Let’s enjoy and trust the process together. The more we get together, the happier we’ll be. ❤

Victoria! Baby Art Lab Teacher

Hello! My name is Victoria Vega, and I am so excited to be a part of the Sunny Studio! I received my bachelors degree in early childhood education and then went back for my masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in early childhood education. I’ve had the privilege of teaching both preK and Kindergarten for just over 10 years, and loved every moment of learning alongside the littles. I left the classroom two years ago, when I had my own little, George. His dad and I love being his parents and I’ve been doing all things sensory with him since he was 6 months. He loves to play, get messy, and have fun! He also especially loves his mornings at the Sunny Studio! I’m excited to meet you all and your littles and make some fun memories together!

Alyiah! Friday Sensory Art Lab Teacher!

Hi I’m Alyiah! I find joy in life’s simple moments and believe in the magic of creativity. I’m a free spirit who loves getting messy, exploring art and science, and encouraging curiosity in little minds. With experience teaching children of all ages, I’m passionate about creating hands-on, engaging learning experiences. I believe in the power of kindness, hands-on learning, and community connection, and I’m excited to share a space where kids can create, explore, and express themselves freely.

Valeria! Drawing teacher

Valeria grew up in Paris from Italian parents and lived in Brooklyn NY. Her Tuscan family instilled her rigor, ethics, pride, and the art of cooking. She studied at the ENSAAMA School of Art & Design in Paris and started her professional career as an art director in fashion magazines. There, she met the “crème de la crème” fashionistas and developed her sense of style defined by a cross-cultural “je ne sais quoi”. Valeria’s artwork is infused with her background complexity: chic and loud, red lipstick and cowboy hat, delicate black lines and bold shapes, classical subjects and emotive abstraction. You can see Valeria’s work at: https://valeriatrucchia.com/

Ben! Animation Teacher

Ben is a multidisciplinary artist and educator from Pennsylvania. Ben has been an Art Teacher for students in K-12 schools in various places such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Mexico, and right here in Tucson. He was also a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand, working in schools to help local teachers take on a more student-centered approach to teaching art and language. Ben believes deeply in the importance of helping everyone connect with their ability to play and create. He received his Masters in Art and Visual Culture Education right here at the University of Arizona and got his B.S. in Art Education at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. His artistic interests include stop-motion animation, turning electronic devices into drawing machines, inventing games based around creative practices, or dabbling with just about any strange materials he might get his hands on. When he’s not teaching or making art, he might just be exploring elsewhere in the southwest with his wife Madelyn, and daughter Ramona, or relaxing on the couch with his pup, Helga. 

Check out Ben’s work here: https://www.benpawlowski.com/video-and-animated-work

Coming soon!

Sarah! Wednesday Sensory Art Lab Teacher!