Our Instructors
are artists and trained educators who are passionate about art and teaching.
Here's what parents are saying about our instructors...
“Excellent, very knowledgeable and made learning fun.”
“She truly cares about the students and they adore her.”
“I appreciated the professionalism and there “real” art being taught.”
Meet Our Team
DIANA DIDRIKSON (MSc, SLP)
OWNER & STUDIO MANAGER
Diana became the owner of Aliki’s Art House in 2012 after experiencing the life-changing impact of art for herself as a student and for her family as a parent.
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Trained as a Speech-Language Pathologist at the University of British Columbia, she brings a strong knowledge base of right and left-brain functioning, including the value of using art and drawing to enhance self expression, thinking, problem-solving and learning.
She enjoyed much success and fulfillment when she specialized in neurological communication disorders for almost 15 years in both public and private practice.
She remains connected to her professional community by hosting fundraisers and integrating students with aphasia or other disabilities into classes and camps.
Diana gained valuable entrepreneurial, leadership and team-building skills through her involvement in numerous non-profit initiatives in her profession and community.
Diana’s caring nature coupled with her leadership skills, dedicated work ethic and educational background is a perfect fit with Aliki’s mission of delivering superior quality art education with exceptional customer service.
She enjoys operating the art studio located in the quaint neighbourhood where she lives with her husband and four children.
PENNY ATKINS
MEMBER OF VOICE AND VISION
Penny Atkins is an artist and teacher who has a passion for witnessing how students learn and grow through artistic expression
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Early on Penny was deeply influenced by famous artist Modigliani. This led to a love of abstract portraiture and a deep appreciation for colour theory.
Now, using chalk pastel, she draws portraits of people and pets. Painting brightly coloured, whimsical landscapes in acrylic medium is Penny’s specialty.
As a member of Voice and Vision, Penny’s work has been featured in Voice and Vision magazine as well as Airdrie Life Magazine.
Having used art therapy as a connection tool in bridging gaps for those with cognitive issues, Penny has discovered a calling.
To further pursue this calling, she is currently studying for certification in art therapy. Penny’s main goal is to inspire joy, confidence and connection in her teaching!
ALESHA BUCZNY BROWN (B.FA)
BACHELOR OF FINE ART DEGREE, MAJOR IN
JEWELRY AND METALS.
Alesha was born in Lethbridge, Alberta and grew up in beautiful British Columbia. Her path along art education began with a Jewelry and Metals Diploma Program in the basement of the Vancouver Community College.
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From there, she came back to Alberta to further her studies at the Alberta College of Art and Design. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art Degree, Major in Jewelry and Metals.
Alesha is best known for her jewelry, ornamental sculptures and mixed media paintings. She uses many different mediums and found objects to express herself.
Everything from pottery, paintings, metals, organic materials like dried roots and dried vines from her garden, and has discovered a new love for the fiber arts.
Alesha’s creations deliver organic structures with a heavy influence of the invaluable existence of beauty and the hidden destruction that follows.
Alesha’s work has been shown in many exhibitions in Alberta. She has shared her art and talent in a range of community initiatives and volunteer activities including the Visions & Voices project, Garage Art Gang and as a guest artist at Nose Creek Elementary School, Airdrie, Alberta.
DEBORAH LAWTON (B.FA)
STUDIED ART AT THE ALBERTA COLLEGE OF ART (1982) AND THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY (1988)
Deborah received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and also studied Costume and Set Design at the U of C.
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As a sculptor, Deborah has exhibited her sculptures in several locations in Alberta and private collections in Western Canada. She is passionate about sharing the love of art with her community.
She encourages fellow artists to pursue their talent and has been teaching Fine Art in Alberta since 1985. Deborah loves to ignite the potential of young artists and it is this desire that led her, in 2005, to teach for Airdrie Kiononia Christian School as the Sr. Drama and Fine Art instructor.
Active also in the theatrical community, she has designed and constructed costumes and sets for several local theatrical productions.
Since 1999, she has worked for the Canadian Badlands Passion Play primarily in the wardrobe department and has filled the role as the Production Designer.
As the owner of Art Branch Studio Deborah is also able to ‘branch out’ into the many areas of her creativity (sculpture, teaching, graphic design, custom jewelry and clothing).
ANNAKA DIDRIKSON
CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN JOURNALISM AT SAIT. STUDIED AT AUARTS FINE ARTS PROGRAM.
Annaka
KARINA DIDRIKSON
BFA STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY Aliki's Art House has been a huge part of Karina's life. She took her very first summer camp there at age 6. Over the years, she's had so many roles at the studio from camp volunteer to teaching assistant, and now as an independent instructor.
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She is a young instructor with a big love for creativity and making art fun for kids! She got her start as a volunteer, sharing the joy of art and discovering that working with young artists was her happy place. After a stint as an assistant, Karina now leads her own classes at Aliki’s Art House, where her goal is to make each session as fun and inspiring as possible.
Over the years, she’s become a familiar face at the studio, where she teaches everything from weekly classes to summer art camps. She’s also brought her creative spark to other places like the Calgary Jewish Cultural Centre, always excited to share new ideas with curious young minds.
Karina will be diving into an art degree next year, and she can’t wait to bring back fresh techniques and inspiration for her students. For her, it’s all about building a space where kids feel free to explore, create, and make a little magic with their art!
FAQS
What Makes Your Teaching Method Unique?
We can teach ANYONE how to draw in as little as a day.
Aliki’s 7-step system is a sequential process of teaching the basic fundamental skills of drawing as a series of steps. We define concepts and vocabulary, explain the process and demonstrate how to practice techniques succeed while providing feedback along the way. Our methodology has been refined and proven successful for more than three decades.
What Can I Do At Home To Help My Child Learn to Draw?
One of the best things you can do is encourage your child to use a visual reference when drawing.
Is It Possible To Learn How To Be An Artist, Even Without A Natural Talent?
Yes, it is definitely possible to learn to be an artist! While some people may have a natural inclination or talent for art, becoming an artist is largely a matter of practice, learning, and developing skills. Talent is optional – interest is an asset! Drawing classes will get one started on an artistic and creative path.
My Kids Don’t Show Much Interest In Art And I’m Not Sure If They Are Talented Enough To Take Classes. Any Suggestions?
Many children may not show an interest in art simply because they haven’t been exposed to the techniques and skills needed to create. Art education plays a crucial role in developing children’s confidence and abilities. When children are taught specific drawing skills, such as understanding shapes, proportions, and shading, they gain the tools they need to express themselves. This technical knowledge can boost their confidence and encourage them to explore their creativity.
