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Chris Ams & Isaac Ruff

Teaches at The Art Studio NY

Chris Ams is a multi-disciplinary, award-winning illustrator, fine artist, and art educator. His broad background includes creating and exhibiting work as a fine artist; illustrating for books and television; and building props, sets, and puppets for theater and film. He was also the proud recipient of RAW Arts' Brooklyn Visual Artist of the Year award.

As an artist, Chris creates vibrant, dynamic artwork that touches on our shared connection to the natural world. He loves to cross boundaries and genres through using a variety of traditional and digital techniques, while maintaining a consistent focus on underlying narrative, aesthetic detail, and emotional impact.

As an art educator, Chris is passionate about encouraging creativity and cultivating environments that promote inclusive artistic growth, empowerment, and nourishment. Chris’s teaching philosophy is anchored in his deep belief in the healing, transformational power of art; the importance of listening; and his personal goals to be a lifelong creator and learner.

With years of experience teaching creatives of all ages and skill levels, and a commitment to fostering proactive environments that spotlight the exploration of diverse artistic styles and techniques, Chris combines his patience, mindfulness, warm enthusiasm, and proficiency to bring out the best in all of his students.

Chris earned his BFA in Studio Art, with a concentration in Drawing, from Oakland University, Michigan. Outside the studio, Chris also sings and writes music with Brooklyn-based, soul/funk band, Favorite States.

Isaac Ruff is an artist and educator who believes in the power of self-expression. Isaac discovered his love for drawing and painting at a young age, and he followed his passion and immersed himself in a wide variety of artistic mediums, techniques, and styles throughout his studies at the University of Minnesota, where he received a Bachelors in Studio Art.

Isaac believes that art provides access to a more meaningful life. "Once you begin to look at everyday objects and experiences as a potential painting, the world around you becomes more beautiful," shares Isaac. Currently, he is most excited about expressing himself through acrylic and watercolor paints to capture the beauty of his surroundings. His expertise spans the spectrum of art materials, including oil painting, guache, drawing in pencil, charcoal, and pastels.

While in school, Isaac volunteered in elementary schools and after school arts programs for children, and he found teaching to be an amazing and rewarding experience. This led him to work as a Special Education Educator for two years--an impactful experience that taught him how to be an adaptive, patient, and positive teacher. By far, Isaac’s favorite aspect of working in special education was helping his students to express themselves creatively through their artwork. Through art, Isaac was able to impact his students in a healing and empowering way.

Isaac’s primary goal as an art instructor is to support and guide his students to express themselves while also accessing joy and having fun. He believes that making art should be relaxing and rewarding for all of his students, of all ages and all levels, from the very beginner artist to the advanced. Isaac combines his love of art with his natural patience, positivity, and expertise in order to help students create something they will love, while inspiring them to continue creating art in a way that is meaningful to them.

Classes taught by Chris Ams & Isaac Ruff

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