Olga Tymoshchuk is the co-founder of Imaginook and a passionate professional artist. This semester, Olga will be teaching Clay Classes for young artists ages 5-8 and 8-14, as well as a Clay and Sculpture Class for students aged 10-16.

 

Olga has been an essential part of Imaginook since it first opened its doors in 2018. Her journey with clay began in 2015 when she discovered the material in a community college class. It was love at first touch, and since then, clay has been her medium of choice for exploring the world of 3-D art. This fall, Olga is pursuing her MFA at Sacramento State University, further deepening her connection to the art she loves.

 

For Olga, art is more than just creating something beautiful—it’s about reflecting the world around us. She believes art acts as a mirror, capturing the stories of our time, whether they are tales of joy, pain, love, or struggle. She encourages her students to push beyond conventional boundaries, explore new techniques, and embrace the unique stories their art can tell.

Working at Imaginook is something Olga holds close to her heart: “Imaginook is my baby, and I’m incredibly proud of the close-knit community we’ve built here. Seeing our students grow, explore new techniques, and push their creative limits is a constant source of inspiration for me.” Over the years, she has built strong relationships with students and parents alike, some of whom have been with Imaginook since the very beginning. Olga finds endless inspiration in the creativity of her students, and she believes there is no "good" or "bad" art—only the exciting challenge of trying something new and seeing where it takes you.

Co-founder of Imaginook, Tetiana Taganska teaches art classes for all ages. Her journey into teaching art began when her daughter created her first painting in 2012. Curious about how to teach art while preserving kids’ spontaneity and bravery to explore, Tetiana began researching and dreaming of a studio where kids could play, create, and learn art.

 

At Imaginook, Tetiana emphasizes that kids shouldn’t copy adult art. Instead, she encourages them to be confident and authentic, expressing their unique voices. This philosophy extends to adults, helping them find their own creative style, expressing emotions, vulnerabilities, and excitement. Tetiana’s classes are the perfect opportunity for kids and adults to create something new, unexpected, and meaningful.

 

Tetiana is a member of the Board of Directors at the Fremont Art Association (FAA) and she actively contributes to the local art community. 

Exhibitions and Awards:

2024 “Artists Stand with Ukraine” at FAA, Imaginook (Curator)

2023 “My World Ukraine” Kids Art Show, Imaginook Art Studio, Fremont Art Association, Fremont Main Library (Curator)

2023 Award of Excellence, Fremont Art Association Annual Show

2023 Honorable Mention, Winter Landscapes at Pacific Art League

2022 “Black Light” Solo Exhibition, Imaginook

2021 “My Garden” Solo Exhibition, Imaginook

2017 Artist of the Year at Fremont Art Association 

2017 President Award at Fremont Art Association Annual Show

Masha Lakhtikova will be teaching a variety of exciting classes this semester, including Clay and Sculpture for ages 10-16, Drawing and Sketching Techniques for teens and adults, Sewing and Knitting for teens, and Sewing Class for adults.
 

Masha’s journey in art started alongside her background in special education. She earned her master’s degree in special education but continued to fuel her passion for art by studying at the Stroganov State University of Arts and Industry. After moving to the United States, she continued her studies in Graphic Design and Fine Art at Ohlone College.

 

For Masha, people are her greatest inspiration. She says, "People, their emotions, faces, eyes—this is the most exciting topic for me, and drawing portraits continues to captivate me for many years."

Masha believes that everyone has a creative spark. She explains, "I am sure that every person is a creative being. Drawing is one of millions of ways to express, develop, and enjoy your creative nature. I love and know how to help develop skills and abilities, and I will be glad to become your guide in the world of drawing."

Viviane Mascher was born and raised in Germany, where she honed her artistic skills as a fine china painter. 

 

Since moving to the U.S. in 2016, she has been sharing her love for arts and crafts with children. Inspired by her daughter Nina, Viviane’s creative journey is a beautiful blend of motherhood and artistry. She loves how art guides her through the changing seasons, and her projects evolve as the world around her does.

 

Viviane joined the Imaginook family in October 2022 and, in the Fall semester, she will lead a variety of classes, including preschool, Kids Arts, Kids Craft class, and Sewing for ages 7-10. What she loves most about teaching at Imaginook is the deep relationships she forms with her students and the joy of watching them grow and flourish on their artistic journeys.

 

A wise teacher and friend once told her, "There are no mistakes in Art!" Viviane carries this belief into her classroom, encouraging students to embrace their individuality and creativity without fear of failure.

Elly (Alena)  Kiseleva is an amazing Digital Animation and Digital Drawing instructor at Imaginook. Elly’s journey in art has been nothing short of inspiring. She earned her Bachelor in Fine Arts, Animation from California College of the Arts in 2019 and has since dedicated herself to teaching and creating. With experience across three schools, including Imaginook since the summer of 2019, Elly has developed her own curriculum and has also worked as a freelance animator on various projects.

Elly’s passion for animation began in her childhood, and after moving to the U.S., she seized the opportunity to turn that passion into a career. Starting with art classes at Foothill College and eventually earning her degree, she credits Tetiana Taganska as a major influence, especially for the live drawing sessions that helped her connect with fellow artists and continue to be inspired.

Animation is where Elly’s heart truly lies. She’s driven by a desire to portray expressive movement and the emotional depth of her characters. Her artistic philosophy is rooted in the belief that every piece of work, even the ones you don’t like, offers a learning opportunity—she always encourages her students never to delete their work but to rework and reflect on their progress. Elly loves working at Imaginook for the strong sense of community and the freedom of creativity it fosters, making it the perfect place for both students and teachers to grow. We can’t wait for you to experience her passion and expertise in our Fall semester. 

Mariya is joining us for her first official year after teaching at our summer art camps, where she inspired young artists and fell in love with the creative and supportive atmosphere at Imaginook. With over 15 years of experience in graphic design, illustration, and art, and a master’s degree in Art, Mariya’s journey into the art world began in her childhood. She started by illustrating her favorite books, driven by a deep desire to share the emotions and visions that her imagination brought to life.

For Mariya, art is a powerful tool to open hearts and communicate beyond what the eyes can see. She loves seeing how her work can tell stories, inspire others, and create connections. Her artistic philosophy? “Art is a universal language. Grow yourself so you will have something meaningful to say!”

At Imaginook, Mariya has found more than just an art school; she’s discovered a place where art and creativity are a part of everyday living. She loves the warm, creative atmosphere and can't wait to share her passion with her students.