Rebel Art Crew
Alexandra Hollingshead, Director
Welcome to Rebel Art School! I'm Alex, the owner and creative driving force behind Rebel. I received my BFA in Studio Arts from San Diego State, and after nearly a decade of teaching art and freelancing I decided it was time to create a space to invite others to share in my passion for art. The idea for Rebel Art School was born, and with the love and support of our community I opened the doors on November 1st, 2016.
Creating and fostering art is sacred to me, and being able to instill the idea that there is no right or wrong way to make art is priceless. We all need ways to express ourselves, and whether that be through dancing, writing, climbing mountains, taking photos, painting, etc. we need to find those outlets. I could not be more thankful to be able to provide a safe place for people of all ages to come explore and express, and to foster creative thinking. I look forward to inviting you into the studio!
Amanda Granberg, Studio Arts Manager
Hello! I am so happy to join Rebel Art School and be a part of the students’ experience here!I grew up in Sweden and received my sculpture training in Italy at the FlorenceAcademy of Art. It was in Florence as a drawing instructor that I found my love for teaching. From a young age, I have been creating with everything around me: paper, clay, fabric and paint. It’s a joy to see the students experiment with and experience many different mediums. I am passionate about teaching and learning, both in and out of the classroom and I love seeing students thrive and grow. I feel lucky to share my love of art with the students here at Rebel Art School!
Kristy Zacharias, Studio Arts Manager
Hi there! As a graduate with a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's Studio Arts program, a working graphic designer, and mother to two Girl Scouts, I am thrilled to be empowering kids and adults to make art. I am so motivated by the lack of confidence that settles in too early for people. Too often I hear “Oh, I can’t draw” or “My sister is the creative one”. EVERYONE CAN MAKE ART! Art is a powerful way for us to learn about ourselves and each other—to be a part of a community that fosters that kind of learning is important to me.
Growing up, I was fortunate to be taken under my uncle's artistic wing. He introduced me to drawing by sharing his best tools and teaching me how to see. Perhaps the most important lesson I took away from him was the unwavering respect he showed me as a very young artist. Never judging or criticising —I believe that his reverence for the artistic process has made a lasting impact on my life. I hope to bring this kind of support to each student that I have the privilege of interacting with.
Camen Olson, Studio Arts Teacher
Hi! My name is Camen. I am a current student at DVC and am happy to be a teacher here at Rebel Art School since August of 2022 while I work towards my degree! I grew up in eastern Idaho until I moved to the Bay Area in 2016, and I have always been a devoted artist. For as long as I can remember I have been a maker, and creating art has felt like second nature. I love to try new things and learn new ways of doing things. As someone who loves art, I am passionate about teaching it; it is incredibly inspiring to watch our students grow and explore new mediums!
See you in the studio!
Maren Isom, Studio Arts Teacher
Hello!! My name is Maren. I am a student at DVC and I’m thrilled to be teaching at Rebel Art School. I started my journey at Rebel as a student here for 4 years through middle and high school, and then worked as an assistant for about 3 years until I most recently became a Rebel teacher as of this Fall! I’m passionate not only about creating art, but also teaching kids about all the things that I have learned. I love when kids come out of their comfort zone and explore new mediums. Watching the kids come up with ideas for their projects inspires me and I hope they feel the same inspiration from me! It’s been super amazing watching the school and students grow. I’m excited to continue making memories with everyone! See you in the studio!
Charlotte Yearman, Studio Art Teacher
Hi, my name is Charlotte and I am a proud teacher at Rebel Art School! I’ve always found art to be a powerful way to express emotions, ideas, and perspectives. The creative process brings a sense of freedom and connection, allowing us to explore our own unique voices; teaching art is equally fulfilling! It’s a privilege to guide students and help them build confidence and discover new techniques, and it is so rewarding to watch their growth and transformation. I am honored to play a part in our student’s creative journeys!
Tess Aykanian, Ceramics Teacher
My name is Tess, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Rebel Ceramic and Studio Arts community! I started doing ceramics at an afterschool program (one much like Rebel) in high school and I quickly became enamored by clay’s limitless possibilities as a material, its theraputic side and it’s endless teachable moments! I graduated from California College of the Arts with a BFA in Ceramics. I’m inspired by my teachers and mentors, to continue aiding people in follwoing a creative path. Clay has given me freedom and joy and I’m so lucky I get to share and impart that joy with others!
Shama Sendan, Studio Arts Teacher
Hello! My name is Shama, and I am excited to be a teacher at Rebel. I have been at this studio for almost 8 years, starting as a Rebel Foundations student, then progressing to a teen student, Studio Assistant, and now becoming a teacher at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. I can confidently say this is one of my favorite places in the world and I love having the opportunity to be here with you and your children. I love art, and it’s incredibly inspiring to see the next generation of artists grow and enrich the art community; I am proud to support them on their journey!
Nicky Preut, Ceramics Teacher
Hi everyone— Nicky here! I am a life-long creative with a passion for inspiring others and fostering a love for learning. My parents would tell you my best work was on blue-lined paper, and my earliest mediums were tissues and tape. I did go on to achieve my BFA in Art & Design from Cal Poly, SLO, and started a branding/creative company with my husband in 2014. I have over three years of experience in ceramic art and wheel-throwing, alongside a diverse skill set in digital illustration, print design, and photography. I believe in the importance of providing a supportive environment where creativity can flourish and I so look forward to joining your family on their art journey! "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!"- Ms. Frizzle