My Work

With an Armenian father and Romanian mother, I was raised in a culturally rich home where both languages and traditions intertwined. Growing up in Bucharest, the influence of my Armenian grandmother, who painted with oils, and an artistic father who was both a skilled artist and graphic designer, played a significant role in shaping my creative journey.

After moving to the US at a young age and earning my BA in Commercial Art, I ventured into teaching art and instituting curriculum at esteemed institutions such as Worcester Art Museum, Fitchburg Art Museum, and more. It was during this time that I realized the boundless potential of creativity in any medium, leading me to develop creative workshops suitable for all ages and skill levels.

As an artist and potter I’ve also been collaborating, for numerous years, with the talented Master Potter Rick Hamelin of Pied Potter Hamelin. He throws on the wheel, carefully shaping the pots to perfection, while I sgraffito decorate, adding intricate patterns and designs that truly make these vessels stand out. One delightful characteristic of our Kulina Folk Art and Pied Potter Hamelin tableware is the adorable running cat paw prints on the reverse side. This charming addition began when one of our cats, Ashby, leaped onto a slab of clay, leaving behind his playful marks. We embraced this unexpected occurrence, creating a unique association between our artworks and our feline companions.

Inspired by the belief that art serves a utilitarian purpose, in bringing happiness to our spaces and enhancing our lives, my ultimate aim is to evoke joy and delight in those who collect my creations or participate in my creative programs.

Resumé

Group Exhibitions

2021 - “American Clay: Modern Potters, Traditional Pots”, Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, MA, curated by Stephen Earp

2009 - History in the Making IV, a National Juried Exhibition, Ceramic Traditions - Contemporary Pots, The Firehouse Gallery at Genesee Pottery, Rochester, NY

2009 - “Historic Interpretation” Contemporary artists interpret the historic collection at the Peabody Historical Society and Museum, Osborne-Salata House, Gideon Foster House, Peabody, MA

2009 - “Clay-town,” Sheffield Ceramics Exhibit. The exhibit integrates local historical research with the sgraffito and slipware designs of Hamelin and Arakelian, Sheffield, MA

2008 - History in the Making III, A National Juried Exhibition, The Firehouse Gallery at Genesee Pottery, Rochester, NY, Honorable Mention

2008-2009 - Keepers of Tradition, National Heritage Museum, Lexington, MA

2007 - Anna Maria College, Invitational, Paxton, MA

1993 - Worcester Center for Crafts,

Faculty Show

1987 - Summer’s World Center for the Arts, Faculty Show, Worcester, MA

Publications

2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 - Early American Life Magazine, Directory of Traditional American Crafts

2009, 2008 - Early American Life Magazine, Directory of Traditional American Crafts, Holiday

2006 - Worcester Telegram & Gazette, article

2005 July/Aug. - Country Business Magazine, article

2005 June - New England Antiques Journal, featured artisan