Our Professional Staff & Instructors

Ly Hoàng-Schmidt is a Vietnamese American artist, activist, and art educator. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a BFA in Art Practice & Ethnic Studies and pursued her Teaching Credential from National University. Her paintings are political and spiritual, inspired by her passions for poetry, memory, family, world peace & community—informed by global movements for social justice, economic & racial equality. Ly has a decade of experience working with youth of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Her passion is bringing art to underserved communities. She developed the Drawing & Painting Fine Art Programs at both The Artist Labs, advancing content and making Fine Art education accessible to more youth. Ly bridges communities through art as a healing & empowering tool for future generations. Ly loves to paint, write, travel, go to the beach, give back to community & spend time with family.

Mylinh graduated with a BFA in Illustration from California State University Long Beach. Ever since she was a child, creating has been a great love of hers. While Mylinh’s recent practices have now shifted towards 3D Design, she is still passionate by utilizing her fundamental skills in Painting and Drawing. The quality of all of her work is intricate, professional, & neat, and she strives to impart these traits with all of her students.

Sophia graduated from the distinguished Shanghai Normal University, with an Emphasis in Education. She accepted a postion to teach Chinese at a primary school in Shanghai’s Luwen District, imparting knowledge to youth for over 4 years. After moving to the United States to start a family and support her husband’s company, she has been vehement to once again share her gifts by providing a unique afterschool experience above and beyond what is offered in the community. Sophia aspires to make Lifelong Learners of all students, and foster their critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity about the world they live in.

Shelby Gordon is a Los Angeles based artist and photographer who takes joy in helping artists of all ages find their artistic voice. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BFA in Studio Arts, and has a background in many creative spaces including photography, ceramics, painting, drawing, and design. For the past several years she has taught classes in air-dry clay, painting, and oil pastels. Shelby is passionate about helping kids connect with art using whatever medium or process calls to them, and her experience across various media helps her to create engaging classes that encourage exploration of each medium. She believes any person has the ability to fine tune their skills and stretch their mind to create successful art, and loves helping young artists find their own unique style in which they can flourish.