Art Lessons with KAO
Information
Lessons focus around a variety of still-life objects, or if you have a particular painting that you are working on I can help you with that as well.
2-hour drop-in style lessons. $20/student. All skill levels are welcome.
I will help guide you through composition, color-mixing, depth and development of your piece, while emphasizing personal creativity and style. My goal is to help you to show your vision as accurately as you want it, in a style that feels like your own.
Upcoming Lessons:
Wednesday, October 7th, 2026 &
Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
@ 6-8pm in Rockford, MI
Experience
I graduated in 2021 with a BS in biochemistry from Central Michigan University, taking classes focused mostly on genetics and epigenetics, physiology, and biophysical chemistry in my later years. Due to this I have a fluid, expansive knowledge of systems – human, plant, and fungi alike. We aren’t so differently evolved when we all come from such similar base elements, requiring similar needs to stay alive.
Following my graduation, I worked in Traverse City at Grand Traverse Children’s Clinic, a pediatric office, where I was a receptionist for two years. It was a difficult balance — working full time and caring for my own medical needs, as well as my household with my partner. I learned a lot about helping people properly in their time of need working reception, and the back end of the medical insurance system, another complex system. I’m forever thankful for that experience.
And now I’m home outside of Grand Rapids, MI. Michigan has always been my home, but this city feels right. It feels accepting of me and my disabilities and the progress I’ve made. It sees me for who I am.
I currently work part-time at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Customer Engagement, answering phones and organizing data on how we can improve, to make it more accessible.
I’ve been painting my whole life. My mom gave me a craft box as a toddler to keep me occupied and I never stopped creating. Art has always been my form of expression, whether it was drawing, painting, music, writing. I’ve always been an artist.
I had three years of formal art training in high school, and took two art classes my Junior and Senior year each, a blend of 2D and 3D skills, and AP art, before deciding to pursue my biochemistry degree. I felt art school wouldn’t have challenged me enough and I still feel this was the right move for me. I cannot regret my path. Biochemistry challenged me to a level I am proud of, and I am still passionate about to this day.
I’m an artist at heart, with lessons to teach that I’ve learned along the way from all my teachers — from my art teachers, science teachers, and artist mentors. If you have a moment to listen, I’m more than happy to teach.
I’ve had chronic health conditions my whole life. I know I’m imperfect and I accept myself as I am and for the growth I can achieve. I’m standing here still so that I may help others with my abilities and my tales of what it means to survive through art.
