Team
Dedication. Passion. Creative
Our teachers here at Kaleidoscope provide a unique set of lessons that they work to emphasize in their classrooms. Students gain a more comprehensive understanding of various subject matters in art by having a diverse group of teachers. Our goal is to give the space for students who are looking to learn and create in an encouraging environment for all ages.
Executive Director
Annmarie Dymon
Annmarie joined the team in January 2020, bringing a wealth of non-for-profit experience. As the former President of BJWC and Board Member of Barrington Giving Day, Annmarie is an active leader in the community. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Northwestern University, and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from The George Washington University.
Art School Coordinator
Instructor
Carmella Spagnola
Carmella has received her Bachelor's in fine arts from the American Academy of Art and continues her studies through numerous ateliers. Her background in classically trained fine arts allows her to approach projects with a structure that emulates traditional techniques. She strives to make her classes flexible for all levels to feel challenged and class to be enjoyable. You can check out her personal work at carmellaspagnola.art
Instructor
Karen Walsh
Karen has been working at Kaleidoscope for over ten years. She began as one of Jill's students and since has taken many sculpting classes at Harper Community College. Karen always wants to learn more and share her creative solutions with others.
Instructor
Laura Loppnow
Laura has a Bachelor of fine arts in art education from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. She has been teaching classes at Kaleidoscope since 2000, as well as teaching preschool in the Barrington area. Laura's multiple teaching roles in the community allow her to connect well with students as she works through projects. Her patient approach in the classroom ensures students view art as a safe place in and out of the classroom.
Instructor
Doug Jennings
Doug completed Studies toward a Major in Art & Design at Southern Illinois University. Doug started teaching at Kaleidoscope in 1987, one year after the opening. Over the years, he has provided Graphic Design and Illustration support for various publishing projects. He supports his students by providing an environment rich in storytelling, while instruction includes pencil drawing, inking, basic lettering, layout, and graphic storytelling.
Watercolor Instructor
Megan Nolte
Megan graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a degree in fine art. Her connection to art started at a young age watching her mother work on her stained glass projects. Megan's mixed media techniques include stained glass, ceramics, 3D design, graphic design, and drawing, with her current focus mediums being: painting with watercolor and acrylics. In her watercolor classes, she continues her theme of nature through colors, textures, and details.
Instructor
Edith DeCastro
Edith's previous experience teaching elementary to preschool levels allows her the ability to nurture younger students through positive encouragement. She helps students work through their projects experimentally, allowing them to explore many mediums. Being in her classes is a unique and memorable experience for all ages.
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Instructor
Carla Nassif
Carla found her passion for weaving after a few classes with Lauren Elizabeths, a SAIC graduate from the Department of Fiber and Material Studies. She continued her interest in weaving by taking multiple workshops at Fine Line Art Studio, where she learned how to create a scarf on a floor loom. Carla’s inviting personality brings a positive and encouraging energy that supports beginners of all ages.
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Instructor
Nicole Lindsey
Since Nicole received her Master's degree in art education from Olivet Nazarene University she has taught in middle and elementary schools for the past 11 years. She incorporates a blend of techniques along with a great range of art vocabulary and history into her classroom. Her passion for teaching can be felt in every class!
Instructor
Elizabeth Stedman
Elizabeth was a returning student at Kaleidoscope in elementary school and now teaches her own drawing and painting classes here! In her studio at home, she works on things like jewelry making, paper quilling, and painting. Along with her previous music career, she provides a whimsical yet informative approach to her step-by-step classes. With her range in mediums, she can construct projects with a multimedium feel and create intricate projects that focus more on drawing.