Philly Art Center

Nina is a teaching artist and art therapist. She graduated from Arcadia University with a BFA and a concentration in ceramics and then went on to get her masters in art therapy and counseling from Albertus Magnus College. Nina enjoys working with all age groups and all art media. Her favorite media is anything related to ceramics. She believes that art is one of the best ways to communicate how a person views the world and themselves. She is grateful to work in a studio environment and get to guide individuals in the art process!

Lori earned a B.S. in Health Behavior Science at the University of Delaware & researched Autism at Duke prior to moving to Philadelphia to pursue her Masters of Occupational Therapy at Temple University. She is inspired to create a space where art intersects with accessibility for all. At home, Lori loves making vegan recipes, styling fresh flowers & going to trivia with friends!

Piper was raised in Wilmington, Delaware and graduated from Temple University with a degree in Advertising Art Direction. She believes in the importance of expression for kids and their development and understanding of self. Piper loves the organizational and management side of administration, and is thrilled to spend quality time with budding artists at the Art Center! Outside of work, Piper loves collage, watching TV, and spending time for self care.

Cameron is from Cherry Hill, New Jersey and graduated from the College of Charleston with a BA in Historic Preservation/Community Planning and a BS in Urban Studies. He loves being able to provide children in the greater Philly area with engaging art classes because he feels that art should be heavily integrated into urban spaces. He loves drawing, specifically architectural drawing, and print making. When he’s not teaching he can be found exploring Philly with his friends.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Marina has lived in Philadelphia for the past few years and loves it! She studied abroad in Rome for a semester and earned her BFA in Fibers & Material Studies from Temple University's Tyler School of Art. Marina loves teaching kids to get creative and grow their skills in the studio! Aside from teaching, she loves biking and embroidery.

Marcie is from Baltimore, MD, and lived in NYC for 9 years before coming to Philadelphia in December 2018. She received her M.S. in Interior Design from Pratt Institute and a B.A. in Studio Art from The University of Maryland, College Park, with a concentration in drawing and woodblock printing. She loves exploring art techniques and thinks it's more important to enjoy the process than the final product. "Happy accidents" often produce her favorite pieces. In addition to making art, Marcie loves exploring the city, traveling abroad, reading, and bad puns.

Shane was born and raised in Glenside, PA. He holds a BFA in Studio Art from Marywood University and an MFA in Painting from Boston University. He currently lives and works in Philadelphia, and draws inspiration for his paintings from the vast array of people he sees every day. When he isn’t in the studio, he can be found playing the piano, listening to some vinyl, or traveling somewhere new.

Destin’ee is a mixed media oil painter born and raised in Philadelphia. She loves teaching kids to not be afraid to try something’s new and enjoy the process of creating. She is currently in school for business administration at Southern New Hampshire University and attends the Milan Art Institute for Mixed media arts. When not creating art, Destin’ee loves baking, dancing, singing & spend time with her friends.

Mary Hall Keyes is an oil painter and collage artist living in Philadelphia. Before working at the Philly Art Center, Mary Hall graduated from Alfred University where she earned her BFA and minored in Visual Arts Education. She has pursued her passion for working with children in a creative setting by student teaching for grades K-12th as well as being a counselor and administrative staff member at Chimney Corners Camp. She believes building confidence in kids is an essential part of being an educator and enjoys celebrating their self-expression in the studio.

Laura is a woodworker and seamstress with a bachelor?s degree in Crafts from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She teaches woodworking and engineering courses at the high school level, having earned an MAT in Technology Education from The College of New Jersey. Prior to teaching, Laura built custom cabinets and furniture. Laura loves working with kids of all ages in their exploration of different materials and techniques.

Graduating from Swarthmore College with degrees in Studio Art and Political Science, Nick understands curiosity and attention as central to any process of making. Drawing is his approach in art: watching and observing lets the world—inside or outside—feel freshly alive. Currently teaching art to Pre-K through 8th Grade, he works towards the joy of students taking learning into their own hands.

Antea Roberts has been working with clay since she was a kid. Hailing from South Philly, she took classes at Starr Garden, The Clay Studio and Fleisher Art Memorial. Antea spent 7 summers at Appel Farm Arts Camp in Southern NJ experiencing all kinds of art, and returned as an adult for an additional 7 summers to lead the ceramics department. After graduating in 2008 with a BFA in Fine Art/Ceramics from Corcoran College of Art in Washington DC, Antea developed ‘The Ceramery’- her brand of one of a kind ceramics; sold online and at area craft shows. A life long love of clay has brought Antea to Philly Art Center, where she’s excited to teach and grow alongside everyone!

Joni was born and raised in Northampton, MA, but has spent time in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Boston, and now Philadelphia. She earned her Bachelor of Humanities and Arts in Psychology and Art from Carnegie Mellon University, and May 2021 she graduated from Boston University with an MFA in Painting. She has a studio in North Philly, and when she's not painting there, she's with her rescue pup Tala or she's finding a new Italian restaurant to try with her fiance. Joni loves teaching and sharing the joy of painting, and believes the magic is in the process.

Kailey graduated from the University of the Arts with a BFA in Illustration in 2016 and has been illustrating anything and everything ever since. Her work can be found in magazines, newspapers, books, and even murals. She has loved drawing, painting, building, and making for as long as she can remember and loves to watch young artists learning to do the same. When she’s not drawing or teaching, she can be found outside, usually with her dog, and a coffee!