Tom Francesconi studied watercolor with his mentor, Irving Shapiro, at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Illinois. Tom is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society and numerous others. His work has been exhibited in over 35 national exhibitions including the American Watercolor Society and has been an award winner in many of these exhibits. His paintings have been featured in 7 books and additionally he has written an article for 2 Watercolor Magic magazines. Tom served as President for the Transparent Watercolor Society of America. He has gained a reputation as an outstanding watercolor workshop instructor and brings his passion for the medium and his teaching enthusiasm to the Old Town School of Art.

 

Didiet Nolet was born and raised in Paris, France where he studied at the world famous Ecole des Beaux-Arts. He moved to this country in 1979, where he has shown extensively ever since. His work is represented by Perimeter Gallery in Chicago and can be found in numerous collections in the US and overseas.

 

Philip Renaud studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, California with a BPA cum laude. He has been a free-lance illustrator, painter and teacher for many years, exhibiting at the New York Illustrators' Show, Chicago Cultural Center, John Hancock Center, Museum of Science and Industry, Milwaukee Art Museum, Playboy Museum Collection in Europe and the U.S. He has been listed in Who's Who in the Midwest, and has received many awards.

 

Robert Brasher has a rich background in art history and literary reference. Chicago's Loop provides the background for many of his works, which focus on form, texture, and lighting, as well as relationships between the imposing structural surroundings and human element inhabiting them. He has studied at The Art Institute of Chicago, Indiana University, Perdue University, Loyola University, and Roosevelt University. In addition, he has received many art scholarships.

 

Kay Smith has been painting in watercolor on assignment since 1971. She has established herself as a painter of American historic sites, landmarks, and noteworthy events. In 1994, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois elected her into the Academy of Artist Laureate of Illinois. Her education is from the Art Institute of Chicago and private study with Max Kahn, Eleanor Cohen, and Leroy Neiman.

 

Grace Cole studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the University of Chicago, and the French Ecole Albert du Fois with Ted Seth Jacobs.  She is represented by galleries in New York, Glencoe, and Chicago.  Her work can be found in private, corporate, and educational collections across the country.  Grace has developed a dedicated following of students over the years.

Fitness Instructors

Instructors:

Tanya Alouane studied dance in London and New York, where she also became a certified pilates instructor.  Tanya has taught in Chicago for eight years.

Nancy Heggemeier received her yoga training from the Temple of Kriya Yoga and has been teaching since 1984.

Nancy Van Kanegan completed her teacher training under Suddha Weixler in 1995.  Various yoga systems inform Nancy’s practice and teaching.