Jelena Gazivoda is a classically trained artist and educator based in San Diego, CA, with a background in ceramics, drawing, and painting. She studied at the Academy of Applied Arts in Belgrade, Serbia (1999–2003), where she focused on anatomical and figural sketching, realistic painting, and traditional fresco and icon techniques. She earned her MFA in Ceramics from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 2009, where she taught a full range of courses, from introductory and foundation classes to graduate-level courses in the ceramics department, until 2015.

After relocating to San Diego, Jelena taught ceramics, painting and drawing, and 2D design at several community colleges through 2022. She also developed visual arts curricula and taught at the University of Saint Katherine.

Jelena is the founder of Art Scōl and owner of USArts Education Center in San Peñasquitos, its sister school. She develops art curricula, leads seasonal camps and bootcamps, and specializes in high school and college portfolio advising, helping students prepare for competitive art programs.

Her teaching blends classical foundations with contemporary practice, emphasizing technical skill, personal voice, and artistic growth.

Riley Fields is a multidisciplinary artist based in San Diego, CA, and brings a rich background in both fine arts and education to our teaching team.

She holds a BA in Painting, Printmaking, and Drawing from Point Loma Nazarene University (2011) and an MFA in Sculpture from Cranbrook Academy of Art (2018).

Riley has held roles in arts education and curation at respected institutions including the Cranbrook Art Museum (Bloomfield Hills, MI), Grand Central Art Center (Santa Ana, CA), and the San Diego Unified School District.

Her teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive and supportive environment, meeting students where they are—regardless of skill level or experience—and encouraging personal growth through exploration and creative expression.

Shelly Zhao is a visual artist and educator based in San Diego, CA, with a multidisciplinary background in studio art, film, photography, and digital media. Her creative work spans both traditional and contemporary practices, including illustration, and reflects a thoughtful integration of fine art and storytelling.

She has taught at several art studios, guiding students in both traditional and digital media, and has also worked as a book illustrator and guest artist. Her teaching approach is rooted in creating an engaging, supportive environment where students of all levels feel empowered to explore and grow artistically.

Shelly holds a BA in Visual Arts–Media with a minor in Japanese Studies from the University of California, San Diego, and an AA in Studio Art from San Diego Mesa College.

Sasha Furlan is a multidisciplinary artist and educator from Rijeka, Croatia, now based in San Diego, CA. With over 30 years of experience in painting, drawing, and sculpture, her work spans independent studio practice, commissions, and public art projects rooted in culture and community.

Recent highlights include a commissioned mural on the exterior glass wall of the Oceanside Museum of Art (2023–present) and the winning public art installation for the City of Oceanside’s Fire Station 1, unveiled in July 2024.

In addition to her artistic practice, she has taught art to a wide range of students—from young children to seniors and individuals with special needs—both in Croatia and the U.S. Her teaching fosters creativity, skill-building, and artistic confidence.

She holds a Master of Arts in Painting from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and a Bachelor’s degree in Art Teaching (Sculpture) from the University of Rijeka, Croatia.

Omar Montaño is an artist and educator born and raised in San Diego’s South Bay. He received his MFA in San Francisco, where he refined his studio practice before returning to San Diego in 2013. Since then, he has taught Drawing, Design, and Art Appreciation at Cuyamaca and Miramar Colleges.

In addition to his college teaching, Omar leads adult art classes at art scōl, where he focuses on building foundational skills, encouraging personal expression, and fostering creative confidence in a supportive studio environment.