Neo Art School
4649 Sunnyside Avenue N., Room 121
Seattle, WA 98103
206-632-2530
neoartschool@comcast.net
The Neo Art School was established in 1982 by Linda Demirel Barnes to encourage students to use art as a means of self-discovery, problem solving and enjoyment while seeking the intrinsic value of the art process and product.
Our award winning school artwork has been featured on television, in movies and in print. Our curriculum includes technique development and creative exploration combined with environmental awareness -- to recycle, reuse, rethink and recreate with more than just traditional art materials. Maintaining high quality artwork in hand with student comfort and safety has always been paramount to our success! Thank you for your support!
About Linda Demirel Barnes
Linda Demirel Barnes is the head teacher and the reason that former students choose to return to classes at Neo Art School. She provides a down-to-earth, nurturing environment in which students can relax and find their creative muse.
Linda was born in England, where her family's humble economic status inspired creative resourcefulness. She decided to become an art teacher when she was 7 years old due to her love of learning and affinity for the school environment.
Linda studied art at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from the University of Washington in 1981. She is the mother of three grown children and a grandmother of two.
Linda's art philosophy and teaching style have been featured in many local venues including Pacific Magazine and television shows. She has led participatory art demonstrations at Folklife, Bumbershoot and other festivals. She has also provided children's artwork for movies.
About Russ Barnes
Joining Linda in the classroom is her husband, Russ Barnes, who brings creative and technical expertise that uniquely compliment Linda's teaching style. Russ' background as a flight instructor adds a mechanical skill set and perspective that help students appreciate paying attention to detail. His can-do attitude inspires children to turn their imaginations into wonderful art projects. Russ enjoys metal fire arts as a hobby.
Together, Linda and Russ combine their positive energy and knowledge to create a wholesome environment that encourages the young artist to tap into their own special creativity. Their projects give attention to the principles and elements of design, while lesson plans explore many different, non-toxic art media.
Students thrive under their peaceful and resourceful approach to art education in our technologically-oriented society. Everyone at Neo Art owes a debt of thanks to all the parents, volunteers and everyone who has contributed to make Neo Art an exceptional school that consistantly provides us all with inspiring and creative artwork.
About Magic Demirel
Magic Demirel graduated from the University of Washington in June of 2009 with a Bachelors in Arts. She is currently attending graduate school to gain her Masters in Teaching and will only be able to help us every now and then. She has been a Neo Artist since she was born; her mother is Linda! Magic has spent her summers at Neo Art camp as a student, assistant, and now as a teacher. She loves engaging the children and helping them expand their imaginations. Growing up at Neo Art School has taught her how important art is in a child’s life and she knows first hand what a vital role it plays in a child’s education.
About Ana Mailen Loggio
Mailen is originally from Mendoza, Argentina. She has been working closely with children for the past five years and provided art lessons in her native country.
She studied Architecture for one year and Fine Arts for a total of four years at the University of Cordoba in Argentina. She also has certificates in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Photography.
Her experience also includes being in charge of the art and concept of two music albums and being featured at a Student Exhibition for a local school newspaper. Mailen's vocation is art education, she achieves great satisfaction working with children and being part of their learning process and interaction in the world. Her goals are to guide them to develop and improve their skills being in contact with themselves. Mailen is currently assisting Linda and Russ and enjoys immensely the opportunity to work in such a down-to-earth and positive environment.
About Other Class Helpers
During summer and school break camps, Linda is assisted by college-age helpers drawn from the ranks of former students. Linda's adult children often assist her in the classroom, having grown up at Neo Art. They are now pursuing teaching degrees and helping to plan and develop Neo Art's Overnight Summer Camp and Family Retreat.
About The Classroom Environment
Neo Art School occupies several rooms on the ground floor of Historic Seattle's Good Shepherd Center. The classrooms have large work tables and non-toxic art materials galore for many types of projects. Out the back door is access to Meridian Park, with a large grassy area, a playground, fruit trees, a picturesque gazebo, a P-Patch community garden and the Tilth Demonstration Garden.
