“I believe art has the power to transform thinking. Art lifts the human spirit and helps people express their feelings; art builds confidence, and it encourages understanding of the world around us.” -David Repyak

Northwest artist, David Repyak, was struck at an early age by the beauty and power of our natural environment. His journey as an artist has included a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University, a K-8 teaching certification from the University of Washington, and a Montessori Elementary credential from MEIPN. He has studied with professional artists of the American Watercolor Society, Gage Academy, Plein Air Washington Artists, Poulsbo Artist League, and is a 2-time grant recipient Arts and Humanities Bainbridge. David Repyak is the founder and program director of SHINE Art Academy in the Fort Ward neighborhood of Bainbridge Island. His goal as a teaching artist is to design and execute a positive, educational and creative experience, with more attention placed on process than on product.

Lishu Rodriguez has been passionate about art since her childhood days in Nepal. Since then, she followed her dream and earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles and later spent 20 years as a furniture designer and social entrepreneur. Now, a certified arts educator in Washington State and a National Board Certified teacher, Lishu brings her love for the arts to teaching at a local elementary school and art museum. She believes in the arts as a path to personal and communal well-being. Known for her calm, encouraging style, she creates inclusive, engaging lessons that inspire every child to explore, experiment, and grow as an artist, instilling a lifelong love of the arts.

Lishu Rodriguez has been passionate about art since her childhood days in Nepal. Since then, she followed her dream and earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles and later spent 20 years as a furniture designer and social entrepreneur. Now, a certified arts educator in Washington State and a National Board Certified teacher, Lishu brings her love for the arts to teaching at a local elementary school and art museum. She believes in the arts as a path to personal and communal well-being. Known for her calm, encouraging style, she creates inclusive, engaging lessons that inspire every child to explore, experiment, and grow as an artist, instilling a lifelong love of the arts.

Lishu Rodriguez has been passionate about art since her childhood days in Nepal. Since then, she followed her dream and earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles and later spent 20 years as a furniture designer and social entrepreneur. Now, a certified arts educator in Washington State and a National Board Certified teacher, Lishu brings her love for the arts to teaching at a local elementary school and art museum. She believes in the arts as a path to personal and communal well-being. Known for her calm, encouraging style, she creates inclusive, engaging lessons that inspire every child to explore, experiment, and grow as an artist, instilling a lifelong love of the arts.

Lishu Rodriguez has been passionate about art since her childhood days in Nepal. Since then, she followed her dream and earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles and later spent 20 years as a furniture designer and social entrepreneur. Now, a certified arts educator in Washington State and a National Board Certified teacher, Lishu brings her love for the arts to teaching at a local elementary school and art museum. She believes in the arts as a path to personal and communal well-being. Known for her calm, encouraging style, she creates inclusive, engaging lessons that inspire every child to explore, experiment, and grow as an artist, instilling a lifelong love of the arts.

Lishu Rodriguez has been passionate about art since her childhood days in Nepal. Since then, she followed her dream and earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles and later spent 20 years as a furniture designer and social entrepreneur. Now, a certified arts educator in Washington State and a National Board Certified teacher, Lishu brings her love for the arts to teaching at a local elementary school and art museum. She believes in the arts as a path to personal and communal well-being. Known for her calm, encouraging style, she creates inclusive, engaging lessons that inspire every child to explore, experiment, and grow as an artist, instilling a lifelong love of the arts.