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!
Holly Reynolds, Studio Art Teacher
Hey There! My name is Holly and I’m a teacher at Rebel. I graduated from UC Davis in 2022 with a bachelors in psychology and art, and found a love for teaching while tutoring kids with dyslexia throughout college. Now, I’m an Art Therapy MFT grad student! I’m so excited to be a part of the team at Rebel and looking forward to supporting the students as they explore their creative side.
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!
Olga Larner, Rebel Ceramics Manager
Hello! I am thrilled to be part of the Rebel Art Crew! I am a multi-disciplinary graphic designer and artist, with a B.A. from both UCSB and The Art Institute of California. I have a passion for clay and have been working with the medium for over 8 years. I love mentoring and fostering young talent to develop their voice and see them develop new skills as artists. I look forward to exploring new creative possibilities and inspiring the next generation of artists.
Tess Aykanian, Ceramics & Studio Arts 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!
Steph Burke, Ceramics & Studio Arts Teacher
Hi! I’m Steph (they/them), a teacher at Rebel. I am a ceramicist and avid art student myself. I love to learn new methods and mediums to express through. It is a privilege to be in a position to support others in their interests, passions, and creative practices. Teaching is an opportunity for me to continue to learn and develop myself and watching other create is a true joy. I’m lucky to do so!