✦ Dina's Art Studio

Art & design
classes for
young makers

Small-group classes taught by a working illustrator and calligrapher. Kids ages 6–12 make real things — comics, cards, lettering, and more.

Ages 6–12 · Groups of up to 6 New Canaan Library, Fairfield County CT Drawing · Lettering & Typography · Design @dina.ruzha on Instagram
Kids working in art class
Holiday card made by student
Cherry Dreamy coffee cup design
6 kids max every child gets
personal attention
Drawing & Illustration Calligraphy & Lettering Typography Design Thinking Comics & Storytelling Mixed Media Watercolor & Gouache Handmade Books Drawing & Illustration Calligraphy & Lettering Typography Design Thinking Comics & Storytelling Mixed Media Watercolor & Gouache Handmade Books

Not a craft circle.
A real studio.

Hi, I'm Dina — a professional illustrator and calligrapher based in New Canaan, CT. My work appears on book covers, editorial pages, and product packaging. I'm also a mom to two kids (ages 6 and 3), and I do a lot of art with them at home. I know firsthand what gets kids genuinely excited about making things.

I teach because I love it, and because kids make the most surprising, fearless art when given the right tools and enough time to actually finish something. Every project in my classes is real — a comic with a plot, a holiday card with calligraphy, a full brand identity on a coffee cup sleeve.

See my illustration work →
Dina at her calligraphy desk
✏️
Drawing & Illustration
✍️
Calligraphy & Lettering
Aa
Typography
💡
Design Thinking
📖
Comics & Storytelling
🎨
Watercolor & Gouache

Real briefs.
Real results.

Project 01 · Branding & Packaging

Cherry Dreamy Café

Kids invented a café from scratch — named it, designed a logo, illustrated the packaging, and lettered the brand name on a coffee cup sleeve. Every design decision had a reason behind it.

Brand naming Logo design Lettering Packaging
Cherry Dreamy coffee cup

Project 02 · Brand Identity

Catching Waves

A vacation clothing brand — dreamed up and designed entirely by the kids. They created the name, drew a logo with a sea turtle and lettering, then applied the brand to a tote bag print and a t-shirt design.

Brand identity Illustration Lettering Print design
Catching Waves tote bag

See the
process

How it
works

1
Send me a message

Write me on WhatsApp or by email. Tell me your child's age and what they're curious about — I'll answer any questions.

2
We find the right group

I'll let you know about upcoming sessions and available spots. Groups are small — 6 kids max — so there's always room to focus. Private classes are also available.

3
Join a class

Classes are 45 minutes, held at New Canaan Library. Each session is part of a longer project — kids pick up right where they left off.

4
Finish something real

Over 4 sessions, a project goes from idea to finished work. Kids leave with something they made start-to-finish — and skills that show.

How we work

One project,
four sessions

Most art classes teach techniques in isolation. Here, every project unfolds over four 45-minute sessions — enough time to actually think, experiment, and refine. Kids go through every stage a real designer or illustrator would.

01
Brainstorm & research

We explore the concept together — references, ideas, what makes it interesting. No blank-page panic.

02
Sketching & planning

Rough drafts, thumbnails, trying things out. This is where the real thinking happens.

03
Making & refining

Into the actual materials — ink, watercolor, paper, lettering. Adjusting as we go.

04
Finished work

A completed piece the kid made themselves, from first idea to last detail. Something worth keeping.

45min
Per session — focused, unhurried, enough time to get into the work
4
Sessions per project — from brainstorm to finished piece
6
Kids max per group — everyone gets real attention, not just a turn

Private classes

One-on-one sessions

Tailored entirely to your child — their pace, their project, their interests. Same approach as the group classes, just focused on one kid.

Ask about private →
Ages
6 – 12
Grouped by age when possible
Group size
Up to 6 kids
Private classes also available
Location
New Canaan Library
New Canaan, CT · Russian-speaking groups in Westport
Schedule
Saturdays
New session starting May · Write me for upcoming dates
Pricing
$45 / session
First class $30 · Full project (4 classes) $160 · Private on request
Languages
EN · RU
English in New Canaan · Russian-speaking groups in Westport

FAQ

Questions parents
usually ask

When are classes?
Classes are on Saturdays. A new session is starting in May — write me to learn about upcoming dates and available spots.
How much does it cost?
The first class is $30 so you can try before committing. Regular group classes are $45 per session. Since each project takes 4 sessions, a full project is $160. Private one-on-one classes are available on request — write me for details.
What does my child need to bring?
Before each session I send a materials list with Amazon links so it's easy to order. Typically kids bring markers, pencils, watercolors, colored paper, scissors, and glue. Nothing expensive — most things are already at home.
What language are classes taught in?
English-language groups meet in New Canaan. Russian-speaking groups meet in Westport. Write me and I'll find the right fit for your child.
What age is it for?
Classes are for kids ages 6–12. I group by age when possible so the projects are at the right level. Not sure if your child fits? Just ask.
Can we try one class first?
Yes — write me and we'll figure out the best way to start. I want your child to feel comfortable before committing to a full project.
What if my child gets sick or can't make it?
Life happens — just let me know in advance and we'll find a way to make it work. Since projects run over 4 sessions, missing one isn't the end of the world. We'll pick up where we left off.
Do you have Instagram?
Yes! You can see student work, behind-the-scenes, and updates at @dina.ruzha.

Let's
get started!

Write me and we'll find the right session for your child. No forms, no commitment — just a quick message.

First class $30 · Group classes $45/session · Full project $160 · Private on request