WSS Instructors
Faculty at WSS are practicing artists with diverse educational backgrounds. They are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and experience and committed to furthering students’ pursuit of study in the visual arts. Instructors provide students with an arsenal of skills, while maintaining a sensitivity to each student’s individual artistic inclination.
STUDIO FACULTY
COURTNEY APPLEQUIST
Courtney Applequist is an interdisciplinary artist based in Potomac, MD. Her work explores a range of media, with a focus on painting and drawing using architecture as a foundational framework and asserting a visualization of movement, time, and the debris as a consequence of it. With a deep interest in the use of portraiture as an examination of an individual and their context, she is exploring the possibilities that form offers, expanding ideas of identity and the relationship of materiality & scale.
Courtney holds a BFA from Baylor University and studied painting at the Washington Studio School. She has exhibited in various galleries locally, SXSW in Austin, TX, Delegation of the European Union, WashingtonDC, and is currently represented by AdahRose Gallery. Her work was highlighted in the Washington Post (June 2023) and she is a 2023 GLB Project Seed Grant recipient . Applequist is a co-founding member of the ICEbox Collective, a multimodal artist group whose work fosters critical thought and dialogue across cultural boundaries through a collaborative social & public art practice. Her work with ICEbox Collective received the AIR Grant from ArtsFairfax, Virginia, was published in ArtMargins MITPress, and exhibited at the Embassy of the Czech Republic, Transformer DC, the Mexican Cultural Institute, Washington DC and La Casa del Maquio in Mexico. To learn more about Courtney visit courtneyapplequist.com
REEM BASSOUS
Reem Bassous earned her BA from The Lebanese American University and her MFA from The George Washington University. She has taught drawing and painting at The George Washington University, the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, and at Leeward Community College. She was also the Founding Director of the Hō‘ikeākea Gallery in Honolulu, where she developed and initiated a transformative, community-centered exhibition practice centering indigeneity. Bassous has been the Artistic Director and Head of Faculty at the Washington Studio School since September 2023. Her regional and national exhibitions include solo shows at the Honolulu Museum of Art, SBCAST Gallery in Santa Barbara, and the Washington Studio School Gallery. Her work has been reviewed by publications including the Washington Post, Art Asia Pacific and the Honolulu Star Advertiser, and is in permanent collections at the Honolulu Museum of Art and the Shangri La Museum, as well as significant private collections. To view more of Reem's work, visit https://www.reembassous.studio/
JILL BATEMAN
Jill Bateman is a practicing artist in the Washington, DC, area and has long been an active member of the WSS community. She graduated from the Master Certificate Program at the Washington Studio School and the Corcoran School of Art and Design Program in Painting and Drawing. Jill also studied art at the University of California in Los Angeles and the University of Tennessee, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in French. Her work is held in corporate and private locations throughout the Washington, DC, area. She is currently represented by the Foundry Gallery. Jill’s work crosses a range of media and is largely figurative. She often works ‘blind’ into her work, finding that if the mind’s need to make something look ‘right’ can be quieted, the hand and eye record the honest truth. Jill seeks to understand and capture the essence of the human form - believing that all else is contained therein. To view more of Jill's work, visit https://jillbateman.net/ or on Instagram at @Jillan9.
RACHAEL BOHLANDER
Rachael Bohlander, a mixed-media artist, resides and works in Washington, D.C. Bohlander’s practice incorporates paper-based, found and up-cycled materials, which she uses to visually explore how native plant life adapts to human encroachment on natural habitat. Bohlander received an MFA from the New York Studio School, where she was also an Artist in Residence at the New York Studio School’s post-graduate sculpture residency in DUMBO Brooklyn, New York. She is a FY24 recipient of the DCCAH Arts & Humanities Fellowship Program Grant.
An instructor in studio arts, Bohlander teaches drawing, mixed media and constructed sculpture at the Washington Studio School, Washington, D.C., and she has served as a guest instructor and teaching assistant at the New York Studio School. Bohlander is on the Editorial Board for the New York City-based Sculpture Forum project and is working with the Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation, Brooklyn, NY, to bring greater public awareness of Jonathan Silver's sculptures through a new video discussion series. Bohlander's works have been included in solo and group shows in D.C. and the surrounding region, as well as New York and Miami, and can be found in private collections throughout the U.S. and Canada. You can learn more about Rachael Bohlander and her art practice at: RachaelBohlander.com
POOJA CAMPBELL
Pooja Campbell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator living in Chantilly, Virginia, and a 2024-25 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Graduate Fellowship Recipient. Born in India, her work is influenced by her heritage, creating intimate spaces that examine everyday life through rich color and pattern. She is an MFA candidate at American University and has taught studio courses and seminars. Pooja's work has been featured in numerous shows, including the VA Biennial and the AXA Art Prize. To view more of Pooja's work, visit www.poojacampbell.com or Instagram @Poojafineart
WILLIAM FLEISHELL
William Fleishell, born in Washington DC, obtained a certificate in painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts studying under renowned mentors such as Robert Beverly Hale and Will Barnet, Louis Sloan and Arthur DeCosta. He also earned a BA degree in printmaking from GW University before joining the US Treasury Department in 1988 as a picture engraver. Throughout his career, Fleishell has showcased his talents in various mediums, including bronze sculpture installations in Capitol Hill and the Navy Yard. Additionally, he has left his mark in the world of printmaking, teaching workshops for institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design and currently serving as a drawing and painting instructor at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. Alongside his official engravings for US currency and postage, Fleishell has undertaken numerous private sector commissions for esteemed clients such as the Cooper Hewitt Museum, Oprah Winfrey, and the Bugatti family. Beyond his engraving expertise, Fleishell is also skilled in brick masonry, ceramic sculpture, and traditional window screen painting.
MARY FREEDMAN
Mary Freedman works with various drawing media, focusing on Still Life, Plant Life, and the Figure. She internalizes her subjects to create work that reflects both their essence and her own sentiment. Freedman received a BA in Art History from Pennsylvania State University and a Certificate of Achievement from Washington Studio School, joining the WSS faculty in 2009. She previously worked at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and has volunteered as an art instructor in D.C. for 21 years. Her work has been exhibited in numerous group shows across the DC and Baltimore area, including a solo show at Washington Studio School. You can view Mary's work on Instagram @freedman.mary.
MARIE GAUTHIEZ
Marie B. Gauthiez is a French-American artist exploring memory loss through various media, including oil, acrylic, and ceramics. She studied at the Washington Studio School and is currently an MFA candidate at American University, where she also serves as a teaching assistant. In 2022, she received the Van Swearingen Merit Award and a research grant to investigate memory through clay. Gauthiez has exhibited in group shows in DC, Richmond, and NYC, and her work was reviewed by Mark Jenkins in the Washington Post in June 2023. She holds a BA from Paris X University and an MA from ESMOD (France). You can view more of Marie's work at www.mariebgauthiez.com and on Instagram @mariebgauthiez.
TRISHA GUPTA
Trisha Gupta, an Occupational Therapy candidate at Columbia, uses art as a platform for social change, teaching diverse populations and working with artists facing mental health challenges. Motivated by her experiences as a South Asian American, she challenges narrow perspectives within healthcare and explores the connections between prisons, psychiatric facilities, and homelessness. Her recent projects delve into abandoned mental health institutions, revealing narratives of mistreatment and advocating for systemic change. A printmaking graduate from Washington University and MICA, her work is internationally recognized and part of prestigious collections. To view more of Gupta's work, visit: https://trishaart.com/.
JOREN LINDHOLM
Joren A. Lindholm is an artist and educator known for his work in perceptual abstraction, often blending places and things in kaleidoscopic compositions. He studied under Lynette Lombard and Mercedes Matter, developing strong skills in perceptual drawing and spatial organization. Lindholm earned an MFA from American University in 2004 and has received several scholarships, including the Milton Avery and Beverly Creighton scholarships. He currently lives in Washington, DC, and exhibits in New York City with the Painting in New York Collective. To view more of Joren's work, visit jorenlindholm.com.
LINDSAY MUELLER
Lindsay Mueller is a landscape painter focused on interconnection, perceptual ambiguity, and decay through layered, tactile works. She grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and now lives in Arlington, Virginia. Mueller holds a BFA in Painting and a BA in Psychology from Boston University, along with an MFA from American University. She has exhibited in several galleries since 2019, won the 2023 Bethesda Painting Young Artist award, and was a Four Pillars Artist in Residence at Mount Gretna School of Art. To view more of Linday's work, visit: https://www.lindsaymuellerart.com/ and on Instagram @lindsaymuellerart.
JULIANA NETSCHERT
Julia Netschert earned an MFA in painting from American University in 1987 after studying at the New York Studio School and Indiana University. Prior to this, she received a Master's in Teaching from Wesleyan University and taught art in Baltimore and North Carolina, where she developed a high school art program focused on Appalachian craft traditions. Since returning to the Washington area in 1985, she has concentrated on painting woodlands, showcasing her work in various solo and two-person exhibitions. In addition to her artistic practice, she worked at the Marsha Mateyka Gallery for 30 years and has been teaching at the Washington Studio School since 1989.
CHINEDU FELIX OSUCHUKWU
Chinedu Felix Osuchukwu, born to Nigerian immigrant parents, grew up between Washington, DC, and Nigeria, deeply influencing his art that explores his Igbo-Washingtonian identity. He earned his BFA from Corcoran College of Art and Design and an MFA from Maryland Institute College of the Arts. His work has been featured in Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine and acquired by the Studio Museum of Harlem. Osuchukwu, also a dedicated teacher, was appointed commissioner of the DC Commission of the Arts and Humanities in 2017 and currently lives in Washington, DC with his family. View more of Chindedu's work online at www.osuchukwu.com.
JILL PHILLIPS
Jill Phillips received her undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and pursued graduate-level painting studies at The George Washington University. She was Artistic Director and Head of Faculty at Washington Studio School from 2010 to 2023, where she taught for twenty years. In addition to teaching at WSS, she has instructed at the Denver Art Museum and DC Public Schools. Her artwork, influenced by memory and textile, has been exhibited in solo shows and various galleries. She is a member of the Jackson Art Center Studios.
PAUL PIETSCH
Paul Pietsch is a painter based in Washington, DC, who received his MFA as well as a Graduate Certificate in Arts Management from American University. Along the way, he picked up a BA in history from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Paul paints because few other things in life are as honest, earnest and satisfying. Paul works from life, his sketchbooks, his photos and images from the newspaper. Paul teaches because he believes in the innate creativity of all people and is concerned that too few people feel empowered to realize their creative potential. Plus, he loves to talk about painting and doesn’t get to do that during his day job. Paul has previously taught at Prince George’s Community College and run figure model sessions at Hillyer Art Space and the Washington Drawing Center. Paul is also the treasurer of the Washington Studio School’s board of directors and has previously served on the board of directors of Art Enables and on the Artist Advisory Council of the Washington Project for the Arts. Paul is online at www.paulpietsch.com.
CAROL RUBIN
Carol Rubin received her BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA, and studied at the Corcoran School of Art, Washington, DC. She obtained the Washington Studio School, Certificate of Achievement, and was a Resident artist at the Vermont Studio Center. Carol exhibits at the Studio Gallery, Washington, DC and has exhibited in juried shows nationally. Awards received includes work for ArtnDeed. Her work is held in private collections internationally. Rubin works in oil using vivid colors, strong compositions and aggressive brushwork. To learn more about Carol visit, www.carolrubin.com.
MILENA SPASIC
Milena Spasic is a Serbian-American painter with a BFA from The Corcoran College of Art and Design and an MFA from The Academy of Art College San Francisco. Her figurative work is deeply influenced by the turbulent history of Yugoslavia, focusing on the impact of war on personal and national identity. She has exhibited in solo and group shows at various prestigious venues, including The Beverly Studio School Gallery and the Embassy of Yugoslavia. Additionally, Spasic is involved in the study of artist's materials and serves as the Certificate Program Coordinator at Washington Studio School, while also being a member of ASTM International's Subcommittee on Artists' Paints. To view more of Milena's work, visit: https://milenaspasic.com/section/227233.html
SAMANTHA STOVER
Samantha Stover grew up in Bethesda, Maryland. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Art History from McGill University and a Masters in Fine Art, cum laude, from the New York Academy of Art. Throughout her academic studies in art, she focused her concentration on Drawing Techniques: historical methods and materials as well as figure-drawing exclusively from life. She learned painting, predominantly, as a copyist in New York and Washington, DC and she has traveled widely through Europe studying master drawings and paintings. Her current work involves figuration and the power of creative expression. Drawing also on her previous experience as a theatrical costume designer, she is influenced by the performative and communicative capacity of the human form and spirit. She employs the practices of her traditional training and her experience with the figure in motion to capture fleeting observations, emotions and memories. To view more of Samantha's work online, visit www.samanthastover.com
MARTIN WALL
Martin Wall received his BFA from Montclair State University with a concentration in drawing and painting. He was awarded a full-fellowship artist residency at Vermont Studio Center following his studies. During his time at VSC, he further explored traditional approaches to drawing the figure and to plein-air painting in oils. He began a career in teaching in 2001 in Washington area schools. Currently, Martin teaches drawing and painting courses at WSS and private remote or in-person lessons to children and adults.
JO WEISS
Jo Weiss received her MFA from American University and has taught at Georgetown University, American University and Maryland College of Art and Design. She has served as Head of Faculty at the Washington Studio School twice, from 1990-92 and from 1999-2010. Weiss's most recent exhibitions include a show at the Katzen Museum (2018) and Minėmå Gallery (2013). Weiss serves on the Board of Trustees for the Vermont Studio Center and is Chair of the Advisory Board at the Washington Studio School. To view more of Jo's artwork online, visit www.joweiss.com.
TREVOR YOUNG
Educated at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, Trevor Young is represented by Addison/Ripley Fine Art, Washington, DC; David Klein Gallery, Birmingham, MI; and George Billis Gallery, NY. His work has been exhibited locally, nationally, and internationally, including the Armory Show, NY; Art Miami, FL; and La Biennale di Venezia (Luciano Benetton Collection), among others. Numerous publications have reviewed his work such as The Washington Post, Washington City Paper, Artsy, and OpenLab Magazine. He was profiled for Home&Design (September/October 2015) magazine and works featured on the second season of Showtime’s Billions as well as on the “Full Frame” segment of CCTV America (October 2015). His work is included in several private and public collections, including the Washington DC Convention Center, and on the cover of Neil LaBute’s book, "How to Fight Loneliness" (2017). Young recently had his third solo exhibition with Addison/Ripley Fine Art in Washington, DC and his first solo exhibition with George Billis Gallery, NY. To learn more about Trevor visit, trevoryoung.net.
VISITING ARTISTS
MARTIN CAMPOS
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Arcenio Martin Campos studied studio arts at New Mexico State University, art history at the University of New Mexico, and received a Certificate of Painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He developed his fine art skills through independent study and private instruction, eventually beginning his teaching career in New Mexico. Campos has taught and lectured widely on anatomy, figure drawing, and painting, with his work exhibited both in the U.S. and internationally, including a solo show in Paris. He currently offers online workshops and courses, and has taught on-site workshops across the U.S. and abroad.
LOUIS ANTOINE GILBERT
Louis Antoine Gilbert is a French-American painter. He grew up in Paris, where he began painting as a street artist. His work focuses on geometric architectural abstraction, influenced by cubism, modernist architecture, and the playful aesthetic of street art. He uses a sharp and precise style to produce vibrant and surreal cityscapes. Louis has worked, participated in group shows, and sold paintings in Paris, Brussels, and Washington D.C.–where has been residing for the last five years. Louis’ art is an exploration of the interplay between tradition and contemporary expression. View more of Louis' work on Instagram @antoine_paints.
ALINA LIAO
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Alina Liao, a proud daughter of immigrants and Washington, DC resident, is the founder and CEO of Zenit, a wellness company focused on making wellness accessible to everyone. Having faced mental health challenges herself, she aims to create a world where everyone, especially in communities of color, can take pride in caring for their well-being. Through Zenit, Alina offers customized journals and workshops to help people benefit from journaling, drawing on over a decade of experience in trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health coaching. To view Alina's journals, visit https://www.zenitjournals.com.
SARAH MATTHEWS
Sarah Matthews is an accomplished printmaker and book artist whose work addresses issues of race, equality, gender, and social injustice. As an African-American, she challenges stereotypes and seeks to empower others through her art. With degrees in art, business, and sociology, her work is internationally recognized and included in prestigious collections like the National Museum of African American History & Culture Library. She is also a passionate educator, teaching at the Maryland Institute College of Art and other institutions. To view more of Sarah's work, visit https://www.iamsarahmatthews.com/
ARIA VILLAFRANCA
Aria Villafranca is a comic artist and editor from Pasadena, CA, originally from Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, with a BFA in Drawing and Painting and an MFA in Sequential Art. She works as a Managing Editor at WEBTOON Entertainment and creates independent work focusing on societal identity, gender, and social issues. Her work has been showcased at the Honolulu Museum of Art and includes collaborations on the award-winning exhibit "Duty to Country" and the graphic novel "In the Shadow of Giants." Currently, she is involved in the Utot Komiks anthology and continues her comedy comic series, *Paint Nothing!!*. To view more of Aria's work, visit: https://ariavillafranca.com/
SUSAN YANERO
Susan Yanero studied at L’Ecole des Arts Decoratif et du Batiment, Grenoble; Carnegie Mellon University, and received her MFA from American University. She has over 30 years teaching experience at American University and Washington Studio School. Her work as been included in group exhibitions at Apex Gallery, Art Barn, Courtyard Gallery, Georgetown Art Gallery, and in a solo exhibition at American University Katzen Arts Center. She lives in Washington, D.C. To view more of Susan's work online, visit kingsoaksart.com/artists-2022/susan-yanero/.
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