Category: Teacher Spotlight

Ready to immerse yourself in an artistic symphony, filled with vibrancy and harmony? In this spotlight, we celebrate the rich tapestry of talent that is Christina Sun. This dynamic artist’s journey with East End Arts began in the spring of 2021, as she and Kate Albrecht brought the communal magic of drum circles back to life, reinvigorating our community with unity and energy that had been dampened during the pandemic.

Born with an artist’s heart and a yearning to be a part of the creative sanctuary that is East End Arts, Christina was entranced by the melody of over 20 drums calling individuals to share their love for music. The drum circle has become a centerpiece of community bonding and shared joy, a testament to Christina’s transformative impact.

Although Christina’s early days were spent on Riverside Drive in NYC, marveling at the might of the Hudson River, her spark for illustrating maritime wonders ignited during her formative years in Jackson Heights, Queens. Now, nestled amidst the tranquil charm of the North Fork of Long Island, Christina’s creations are a mesmerizing ode to the seafaring world, from playful depictions of tugboats and ferries to detailed portraits of sailors and sea creatures. Her vibrant illustrations have captured hearts and minds, imbuing each viewer with a sense of her deep connection to the aquatic world.

But Christina’s artistic journey doesn’t end with illustration. A true Renaissance woman, she offers expertise in yoga and swimming, teaching with the same passion and dedication that she brings to her art. But perhaps it is in the realm of drumming where her love for sharing and teaching reaches its crescendo.

Christina recently led a groundbreaking drum circle class for individuals with special needs at EEA, in partnership with EEDA. The session was nothing short of magical. Christina’s infectious energy and warm presence resonated throughout the room, captivating everyone present and inviting even the assistants to partake in the rhythmic celebration. Her unique gift to connect with individuals on a deep, personal level truly sets her apart.

In Christina’s own words, “Seeing how new individuals learn, process, and express things, while passing on the teachings of great mentors, brings immense joy to my heart.” With a B.S. from Cornell University, Red Cross certifications, a yoga teacher training certification, and over ten years of teaching experience, she has seamlessly blended her love for arts, music, and community into a symphony of creativity and education. She learned from a great mentor M’Bemba Bangoura, master at the djembe drum and West African dance.

When she’s not creating art or leading a vibrant drum circle, Christina’s love for drumming continues to resonate. Join us at East End Arts to experience the energy and unity of Christina Sun’s drum circles. Experience firsthand the unique blend of creativity, passion, and community that makes Christina an indispensable asset to East End Arts. The beat is calling—are you ready to join the circle?

Prepare to be enthralled as we shine our spotlight on a virtuoso of visual arts, a beacon of inspiration in the world of abstraction – Dan Shaw-Town. Hailing from the United Kingdom, Dan’s remarkable artistic prowess and enduring dedication have added a vibrant stroke to the canvas of East End Arts community.

Born in 1983, Dan’s voyage into the realm of art truly began to blossom after his Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art from London Metropolitan University. His thirst for deeper exploration of artistic expression led him to the prestigious Goldsmiths College, University of London, where he acquired a Master of Fine Arts degree, fueling his journey towards global recognition.

Dan’s artistic portfolio is as impressive as it is diverse, mesmerizing audiences across Europe and the United States with his captivating solo exhibitions. Esteemed galleries such as MaisterraValbuena in Madrid, Unosunove in Rome, Seventeen in London, Room East in New York, and China Art Objects in LA have all played host to Dan’s distinctive artistic voice. Visitors to these renowned establishments have been left in awe of his creative vision, experiencing the power of his work firsthand.

In addition to his solo exhibits, Dan has participated in numerous group exhibitions that have further solidified his standing in the art world. Renowned institutions such as the Denver Museum of Art, Lisson Gallery in London, Marianne Boesky Gallery in New York, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Malvina Menegaz Foundation in Castelbasso, Italy, and the Leeds City Art Gallery in the UK have all acknowledged Dan’s significant contributions and shared his work with discerning audiences.

In the midst of this vibrant artistic landscape, Dan Shaw-Town’s partnership with East End Arts shines as a compelling example of his community impact. With a keen eye for talent, Dan orchestrated an immersive intensive program for the victorious artists of the MLK Portrait Project’s People’s Choice Awards. This program has been a milestone in the artistic journeys of these young visionaries. His mentorship, a harmonious blend of inspiration from his own remarkable skills and the empowerment of new, innovative tools, enriched their artistic processes profoundly.

Dan’s influence on the East End Arts community is a symphony of color and passion. His boundless enthusiasm, open-mindedness, and genuine encouragement towards aspiring artists to explore the path less tread is truly remarkable. The way he embraces diverse ideas and fosters collaboration has firmly established him as a cherished figure in the art world.

In summary, Dan Shaw-Town is not merely an artist; he is a master of abstraction, a visionary whose talent and dedication have left an indelible mark on the world of art. By imparting his knowledge and inspiring budding artists, he has cemented his place as a true pillar of East End Arts.

Join us at East End Arts and experience the power of abstraction under the expert guidance of remarkable educators like Dan Shaw-Town. Let’s shape futures through art, one stroke at a time. Are you ready to paint your masterpiece? Register for classes today!

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through the world of music with an industry titan as your guide? Meet Jeannie Woelker, a virtuoso whose exceptional talent and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the artistic landscape of Long Island. With an illustrious background in music education and performance, she is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring musicians and a cornerstone of East End Arts & Music School.

Jeannie’s musical journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. An alumna of both the esteemed Boston Conservatory of Music and Stony Brook University, she has honed her skills under the tutelage of celebrated musicians, refining her craft with every chord, every stroke of the bow. Her participation in the East End Arts/Perlman Music Program collaboration was a seminal phase in her career, offering priceless opportunities for pre-college string students to learn from and perform with Perlman’s acclaimed young musicians – all under the guidance of the legendary Itzhak Perlman.

As a mentor, Jeannie’s radiance is fantastic. Her near-two-decade stint as a cello/violin teacher at East End Arts has been instrumental in creating a symphony of success stories. Under her leadership as the Program Coordinator for the Perlman Collaboration, she has been the guiding light for countless young musicians, helping them navigate their dreams and aspirations in the world of music.

In the realm of performance, Jeannie’s artistry knows no bounds. She continues to enchant audiences with her performances, her talent resonating through a variety of musical groups. Her versatility, the sheer range of her repertoire, speaks volumes about her passion for her craft.

Jeannie Woelker is more than a remarkable musician and educator; she is a force of nature. Her profound impact on music education and performance, coupled with her unyielding dedication to inspire the next generation of musicians, makes her an invaluable gem in the music community. Her passion for music doesn’t just illuminate her own path, but also lights the way for those who seek to follow in her footsteps.

At East End Arts & Music School, we’re not just teaching music; we’re crafting futures, one note at a time. Join us and experience the magic of music under the expert guidance of remarkable educators like Jeannie Woelker. Let’s unlock creativity and build a harmonious community together. The stage is set. Are you ready to play your part?