I have loved drawing and creating since I was old enough to hold a crayon. For me, art has always been a lifeline. Much of my early work consisted of pen and ink drawings with a focus on characters, and was often an expression of my relationship with the world around me.
My current work is mixed media and digital. My characters are colorful, quirky, emotive, and relatable. My specialty skills are drawing with pen and ink and mixed media/digital work in Photoshop, and character design.
My love for teaching has developed over the years with a growing desire to teach others what I’ve learned. I think of all the great teachers who have helped shape me as an artist and want to pass this on to my community. As a teacher, I am a patient and encouraging while providing feedback to help students grow and challenge themselves to try new things.
EDUCATION:
MFA in Illustration, University of Hartford 2010
BA in Art Education, University of Maine 1999
STUDIO SPACE:
STUDENT WORK!
WHAT I OFFER:
I offer an enriching and nurturing space to explore creativity and self expression and to find and/or develop your artistic voice. Individual lessons will be fun and meaningful based on individual student’s goals and interests.
WHAT: Private Lessons/Group Workshops
WHO: ALL AGES!
WHERE: In my studio in South Berkeley or remotely
WHEN: 8 week workshops are offered seasonally
Private lessons are recurring bi-weekly or monthly (See details Below)
WHY: Because we are all creative and it’s FUN TO CREATE!
PRICING:
WORKSHOPS:
8 WEEKS: $250 (supplies and snacks provided)
PRIVATE LESSONS:
1 HOUR: $60
1.5 HOURS: $75
2 H0URS: $100
GET IN TOUCH:
Please submit one (or both) of the two forms below for either private art lessons or one of my group workshops. I will respond within 48 hours to discuss next steps!
For private lessons, I offer a free 1/2 hour consultation prior to our first lesson to discuss artistic goals, material preference, current experience with art, and to answer any questions you may have. This information will help me build lessons specific to your personal milestones.
INTERESTED IN JOINING A GROUP WORKSHOP?
INTERESTED IN PRIVATE LESSONS?
TESTIMONIALS:
Cass has taught my 4-year-old twins so much about how to see the world as artists and creative problem-solvers. Cass is an incredibly thoughtful, patient, and playful instructor--she notices what interests them and builds on it, introducing new materials and ways of approaching projects when they get stuck or frustrated. Her gentle humor and warmth, her understanding of the kinds of activities that might interest them at different ages and phases, and her deep knowledge of different skills and approaches to art-making, mean that my twins ask constantly when they can see Cass. Watching Cass work with my kids has honestly helped me as a parent...I have probably learned as much from her as they have. She's also an incredibly skilled artist in her own right, which deepens her practice as a teacher. I truly could not recommend Cass more highly. We are lucky to know her! JOSIE HALPERN-FINNERTY
I’ve mostly known Cass as a talented fellow artist, but recently she taught me skills I’ve always wanted: block printing. She explained the tools and the process clearly and did a step-by-step demonstration with room for questions. She made it seem so easy it made me wonder why I had never done it before! Whatever level you are at, and whatever age you are, Cass has a multitude of skills to share and the encouraging teaching style to help you achieve your aims.
ARTEMIS JONES
Cass is the best! She's an amazing artist, but more than that she is incredible with kids, as a teacher, mentor, as someone who makes anyone who spends time with her feel comfortable, able, and safe to explore their artistic creativity and try new things. I've known Cass for many years as a fellow artist, colleague, friend, and fellow teacher of kids. She has a special gift for transforming young lives for the better, especially through the arts! Her technical knowledge of art and illustration is immense, and her ability to connect with young people, especially those who identify outside the mainstream mold, or who aren't quite sure who they are yet, is truly unique and special. I can't recommend her more as an art teacher and mentor.
KATE SANDERS-FLEMING
Cass is amazing in every way! They are fun, kind, creative and truly one of the most talented artists I know. They are also gifted at genuinely connecting with others, especially kiddos. Based on years of experience working with kids, Cass creates a safe and loving space for little ones to explore their creativity and to express themselves in positive, empowering ways. Creating art can feel both exciting and sometimes a little vulnerable. Cass' warmth and kindness makes them effective at not only teaching technical skills, but supporting artists of all ages to dig deep and create from a place deep within. I honestly cannot recommend Cass highly enough!
LAUREN SNEAD
My almost 4-year old is bursting with energy and it’s hard to get him to sit for an activity. I imagine at school he blows through art making without much intentionality or attention. When Cass works with him, she engages him in such a way that he is invested and excited for the entire lesson. They build stories and play with different materials. There’s a lot of laughter, exploration, sensory play and learning. Cass’ awareness of what is developmentally appropriate, her patience and warmth, as well as her stellar and varied artistic skills makes her an exceptional teacher. I recommend her to everyone!
DANI REUBEN
I am an adult who took a remote drawing class with Cass a year ago. She was so kind and empowering about skills and abilities already in the class. I felt very held by her while also guided by her expertise in drawing. Cass is funny and kind-hearted and open to all who enter her space. She taught with a warm heart and an empowering ease that filtered out to the class. I am eternally grateful for this experience and just hope others get to experience this too.
WENDY SMITH
Cass is friendly, patient, and very knowledgeable. She supported my daughter finding her own creative style using clear instructions and guidance. My daughter loved it!
TERENA SCOTT
