Artistic Fox Art & Design Academy is a nonprofit creative art school in Colorado for adults and children. We have art classes and courses in painting, drawing, sculpting, design, and crafts. Together with professional artists, we have developed unique creative author's drawing and painting classes for adults and children. Under the guidance of our experienced artist-educators, you will get real creative drawing skills in different techniques, create your own works of art, and have a great rest! Our students are honorable mentions, high merit and prize winners of Regional, National, and International art competitions, exhibitions, and art projects. We have created a great atmosphere of real artist’s workshops, where during unhurried and professional conversations about art you will learn to see as an artist, think as an artist and draw like a real artist!
Latest happenings
Our Teachers
Kadriya Shakirova-Walden
Kadriya is an exceptional two- and three-dimensional illustrator residing in Denver, Colorado. She is honorary member of International Academy of Contemporary Arts; Member of the Union of Professional Artists of Russia and Member of the Guild of Fine Arts “Heritage” of the United States. Her art has been featured in books, advertisements, commercial buildings, schools and some of the finest private residences throughout Colorado. She is known for unique, hand-painted interior and exterior renderings, from antique to contemporary styles. After five years of art school and six years of university study in the Russian Federation, she received her master’s degree in architecture. Kadriya emigrated to the United States in 2009 and made Denver her home. In addition to her contract illustration work, she teaches techniques in fine art to students of all ages. "I am very enthusiastic about trying to convey my love of art , all my knowledge, and experience to my students. I am specially created an Artistic Fox Academy, to give its students the opportunity to convey art to a wide range of possible: from painting and academic drawing, to sculpture, architecture and design."
Alina Luther - Art Instructor
Alina Luther, originally from Ukraine, moved to the U.S. in 2016, reigniting her passion for art after a successful 17-year career in marketing. Her artistic journey began at the Artistic Fox Art & Design Academy, where she studied under renowned artists like Nikolai Ryzhenkov. Skilled in oils, acrylics, gouache, and watercolors, Alina continues to experiment with various techniques.
She completed formal teacher training at an international art school, which deepened her understanding of art education. Now, Alina is dedicated to teaching children, helping them develop their creativity and artistic skills in a supportive environment. Her goal is to inspire young artists to explore their imaginations and express themselves through art.
Anna Shadrina - Piano & Music Theory
In 2022, Anna Shadrina moved from Moscow to Colorado, bringing with her over a decade of music education experience. She holds a diploma in piano teaching, solfeggio, and music theory, having studied for 8 years at a specialized music school and 4 years at a music college. Her expertise includes piano, music history, and polyphonic music, which was the focus of her thesis.
Now based in Denver, Anna teaches private piano and solfeggio lessons at Artistic Fox Academy. She also leads group classes in musical development, incorporating elements of theatrical performance. Passionate about fostering creativity, Anna aims to inspire her students with a lifelong love of music. In her free time, she enjoys yoga and exploring Colorado’s scenic hiking trails.
Kate Ruzhytska - Photographer
Originally from Ukraine, Kate has been pursuing her passion for photography since 2014. After completing her studies at the Kyiv School of Photography, she worked on both commercial and personal projects back home. Now based in Denver, CO, Kate is excited to bring her skills and fresh perspective to a new audience. With a degree in journalism and communications, she excels not only in photography but also in retouching, ensuring every client gets the best possible results. Kate’s approach is personalized, working with clients of all ages to capture joyful, authentic moments.
Child Psychologist & Art Therapist
Yulia Davidov is a dedicated child psychologist with over 15 years of experience. She has continually refined her skills, completing advanced training in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology at the Imaton Institute of Practical Psychology in St. Petersburg and earning certification as a Gestalt therapist from the Moscow Institute of Psychology.
Yulia integrates various forms of art therapy, including drawing, puppetry, and sand therapy, in her practice. Her sessions help children overcome anxiety, aggression, and fears, while also fostering imagination, communication skills, and emotional development. Passionate about her work, Yulia is committed to creating a safe, nurturing space where children can express themselves freely and thrive.
Jasneet Sethi - Early Literacy Specialist
Jasneet Sethi’s passion for picture books began while raising her first child, as they explored the vibrant and captivating world of children’s literature together. This love for beautifully illustrated stories has now been passed on to her second child, who never sleeps without her current favorite book under the pillow.
With a master’s degree in Psychology and a bachelor’s in English Literature, Jasneet has over a decade of experience in Early Education and Literacy. In 2021, she relocated from India to Colorado, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for children’s literature. As she continues to build her new life, Jasneet is committed to not only filling bookshelves but also touching the hearts of her readers.
Nikolay Rizhankov - Fine Artist
Born in Moscow in 1960, Nikolay Rizhankov studied fine art and Russian Classical Painting at the National University of Art, graduating with a Master’s in Fine Art in 1989. After relocating from Armenia to Denver in 2013, Nikolay continued his work in landscape, portrait, and still life painting, using traditional techniques rooted in classical painting.
In his first year in the U.S., Nikolay earned 1st Place in Professional Oil Painting (Floral Category) at the Glenwood Springs Artists’ Guild Fall Art Festival, along with other honors. Known for his dedication to high-quality materials, he exclusively uses linen canvas and traditional primers to create timeless, vibrant works full of warmth and energy. His commitment to classical techniques ensures his paintings endure with both beauty and resilience.
Anastasia Rezvova - Artist & Engineer
Anastasia Rezvova is a multifaceted artist, engineer, and mother of two. Her artistic foundation was built at Kovrov's art school under Distinguished Artist Victor Bichkov, who inspired her strong principles in art. After earning a Master’s in Civil Engineering from the Moscow University of Civil Engineering, Anastasia spent seven years designing iconic structures such as Moscow's Federation Tower and Saint Petersburg’s Lakhta Center.
After moving to the U.S., she returned to her artistic roots, studying watercolors at Veronica Kalacheva’s Art School and completing courses in acrylic painting and art therapy. Passionate about art experimentation, Anastasia is dedicated to inspiring others to create without fear. She teaches essential art and design principles, encouraging others to explore the world of creating and designing living spaces.
Anastasia Rezvova
I am Anastasia Rezvova. I am an engineer, an artist, and a mommy of two princesses. I finished Kovrov's art school in a class of a Distinguished Artist - Victor Bichkov. He inspired me and founded a strong art principles base. Then I finished The Moscow University of Civil Engineering Master Degree and designed for seven years structures for public and industrial buildings and skyscrapers, including famous ones: the "Federation tower" in Moscow and "The Lachta Center" in Saint-Petersburg. I love buildings so much and everything that is related to them. After we moved to America my heart send me to return to my art education. I studied at the Art school of Veronica Kalacheva in all Watercolors courses from beginner to professional, finished the course "Online practicums of worldwide level painters," a course "Acrylic painting as a therapy" at Karina Kino's Art School. I love all types of art experiments. And I feel I have to inspire other people to make art, not be afraid to make art, teach them basic art design principles, give them main instruments and ways to create new things, and open the door to the world of designing living spaces.
Anna Shadrina
In 2022, Anna Shadrina relocated from Moscow to Colorado. She earned her diploma in piano teaching, solfeggio, and theoretical disciplines after studying for 8 years at a specialized music school focusing on piano, and for 4 years at a music college specializing in theory, music history, and piano. Her diploma thesis focused on polyphonic music. Anna has also dedicated herself to raising her two daughters while pursuing her career in music education. Beyond her professional endeavors, Anna enjoys practicing yoga and exploring the beautiful hiking trails of Colorado in her free time. Currently based in Denver, Anna teaches private piano and solfeggio lessons at Artistic Fox Academy and conducts group classes in musical development with elements of theatrical performance. Her passion lies in nurturing musical talent and creativity in her students, aiming to inspire a lifelong love for music.
Kate Ruzhytska
Kate is native Ukrainian photographer who came to the US in search of bigger dreams. She’s doing photography since 2014 and has overcome lots of challenges in her professional career. After finishing Kyiv School of Photography, she’s been doing commercial and personal photo shoots back in her country and now is ready for a fresh start here in Denver, CO! Kate always finds the right approach to every client, from the youngest age to oldest. Degree in journalism and communications also gave her an impulse to development in photography and retouching. Kate is looking forward to bring joy and positive emotions for you and your families!
Nikolay Rizhankov
Nikolay Rizhankov was born in 1960 in Moscow, Russia. He studied fine art and Russian Classical Painting at the National University of Art in Moscow and graduated with a Masters in Fine Art in 1989. In November 2013, Nikolay Rizhankov relocated from Armenia to Denver, Colorado. He is currently working on landscape, portrait and still life paintings and restoration of an old painting. In his first year of living in America, Nikolay was awarded 1st Place in Professional Oil Painting (Floral Category) in the 52nd Annual Fall Art Festival of the Glenwood Springs Artist's Guild. Nikolay was also honored with a Wildlife Appreciation award and another for his miniatures. In the 2015, the Annual Lone Tree Art Expo presented him with the Commissioner’s Choice award. Classical painting style and traditional techniques rule in Nikolay's works. The artist never uses affordable and popular cotton canvas and acrylic primer, but only high quality linen canvas, masterfully stretching them and applying a special primer, in the tradition of the old masters. Not only do the paintings performed on linen canvas stay true to the test of time, but they also have a smoother and more robust surface. This approach gives Nikolay’s paintings lively energy, warmth and mystery.
Our Awards
We strive to improve our teaching skills and are responsible for the results of our work. High artistic skill and pedagogical experience, help to use an individual approach to achieve high results of our students of different ages. Our school was awarded the International Art Achievement Award in 2019 by Vesuvian Academy of Arts and Culture (Italy) and National Art Achievement Award in 2020-2023 by Celebrating Art company (USA).
Artistic Fox Art School students are the honorable mention, high merit and prize-winners of Regional, National, and International art competitions, exhibitions, and projects:
- IKEA National Soft Toy Design Competition
- TOYOTA National Dream Car Art Competition
- National Art Competition Celebrating Art
- Colorado Youth Art Competition of the Optometry Association of Colorado
- “I Love Colorado” Regional Art Competition
- Wildlife Forever International Art Competition – "Fish Art Contest"
- International Art Competition of the Vesuvian Academy of Arts and Culture "The World Around Us" (Naples, Italy)
- International Art Competition "Festival of Owls"
- Wildlife Forever International Art Competition "Songbirds"
- "My World" Regional Art Competition, SSR Magazine