Rebel Art Crew
Alexandra Hollingshead, Director
Welcome to Rebel Art School! I'm Alex, the owner and creative driving force behind Rebel. I received my BFA in Studio Arts from San Diego State, and after nearly a decade of teaching art and freelancing I decided it was time to create a space to invite others to share in my passion for art. The idea for Rebel Art School was born, and with the love and support of our community I opened the doors on November 1st, 2016.
Creating and fostering art is sacred to me, and being able to instill the idea that there is no right or wrong way to make art is priceless. We all need ways to express ourselves, and whether that be through dancing, writing, climbing mountains, taking photos, painting, etc. we need to find those outlets. I could not be more thankful to be able to provide a safe place for people of all ages to come explore and express, and to foster creative thinking. I look forward to inviting you into the studio!
Amanda Granberg, Studio Arts Manager
Hello! I am so happy to join Rebel Art School and be a part of the students’ experience here!I grew up in Sweden and received my sculpture training in Italy at the FlorenceAcademy of Art. It was in Florence as a drawing instructor that I found my love for teaching. From a young age, I have been creating with everything around me: paper, clay, fabric and paint. It’s a joy to see the students experiment with and experience many different mediums. I am passionate about teaching and learning, both in and out of the classroom and I love seeing students thrive and grow. I feel lucky to share my love of art with the students here at Rebel Art School!
Kristy Zacharias, Studio Arts Manager
Hi there! As a graduate with a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's Studio Arts program, a working graphic designer, and mother to two Girl Scouts, I am thrilled to be empowering kids and adults to make art. I am so motivated by the lack of confidence that settles in too early for people. Too often I hear “Oh, I can’t draw” or “My sister is the creative one”. EVERYONE CAN MAKE ART! Art is a powerful way for us to learn about ourselves and each other—to be a part of a community that fosters that kind of learning is important to me.
Growing up, I was fortunate to be taken under my uncle's artistic wing. He introduced me to drawing by sharing his best tools and teaching me how to see. Perhaps the most important lesson I took away from him was the unwavering respect he showed me as a very young artist. Never judging or criticising —I believe that his reverence for the artistic process has made a lasting impact on my life. I hope to bring this kind of support to each student that I have the privilege of interacting with.
Richelle Soper, Rebel Ceramics Manager
HAAAAY! I am new to Rebel Art School AND the Bay Area as of this year! I have been bopping around the states (for arts sake) since 2013; I received my BFA from State University of New York at Plattsburgh and my MFA from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Clay has given me purpose, experiences and community in a way that I couldn’t have imagined— I look forward to sharing the invaluable love of making with anyone and everyone who is willing to get a little dirty!
Net Tesfay, Studio Arts Teacher
Hello! My name is Netsanet, you can call me Net. I’m delighted to be a part time teacher-in-training at Rebel Art School. It brings me so much joy to be a part of this wonderful crew and look forward to working with folks in my community.
I am an illustrator/graphic designer originally from Ethiopia, now living in Walnut Creek with my husband and two small children. I take delight in all things whimsical, DIY projects and geek out over politics and social justice shenanigans.
See you all in the studio soon!!
Wren Olson, Studio Arts Teacher
Hi! My name is Wren. I am a current student at DVC and am happy to be a teacher here at Rebel Art School since August of 2022 while I work towards my degree! I grew up in eastern Idaho until I moved to the Bay Area in 2016, and I have always been a devoted artist. For as long as I can remember I have been a maker, and creating art has felt like second nature. I love to try new things and learn new ways of doing things. As someone who loves art, I am passionate about teaching it; it is incredibly inspiring to watch our students grow and explore new mediums!
See you in the studio!
David Zetley, Ceramics Teacher
Heyyyoooo! I am so thrilled to be a part of the incredible team at Rebel Art School fostering an empowering creative space for students of all ages. Ever since I was a kid I have found myself most at ease in moments and communities of making, learning about myself through creative exploration. In 2022, I graduated with a degree in Design from the Sam Fox School of Art and Design where I dived deep into the worlds of Graphic Design, Typography, Furniture Design, and Ceramics. Arriving in the Bay in the Fall of 2022, I found myself called back to hone my focus on the medium of Ceramics, having found myself living alongside an elder Ceramic artist and mentor. I am so excited to be given the opportunity to empower others on their own creative journeys through clay, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Maren Isom, Studio Arts Teacher
Hello!! My name is Maren. I am a student at DVC and I’m thrilled to be teaching at Rebel Art School. I started my journey at Rebel as a student here for 4 years through middle and high school, and then worked as an assistant for about 3 years until I most recently became a Rebel teacher as of this Fall! I’m passionate not only about creating art, but also teaching kids about all the things that I have learned. I love when kids come out of their comfort zone and explore new mediums. Watching the kids come up with ideas for their projects inspires me and I hope they feel the same inspiration from me! It’s been super amazing watching the school and students grow. I’m excited to continue making memories with everyone! See you in the studio!
