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Vanessa Aguilar
Vanessa Aguilar was born and raised in Maryland - and proud of it! She enjoys painting, singing, writing, and dancing...essentially all forms of art! Her favorite outlets are anything art related, as it allows her to de-stress, and create something personal at the same time. She loves to read novels and photograph nature in her spare time. She is an animal lover (she has a dog at home) and is also a vegan. She loves, loves, loves to cook for friends and family as a side hobby. Seeing people gathered around satisfied is a wonderful feeling when you can contribute to it!
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Michelle Palombi
Originally from New Jersey and an Interior Design graduate of High Point University, Michelle recently relocated to Maryland. She is a cheerful artist who gets her kicks being active outdoors and searching for puppies up for adoption. Her love of the finer things in life - the arts, wine and helping others - make her feel right at home here at Muse!
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Felicia Ralph
Felicia is a self taught artist from Maryland. From a young age, she started pencil drawings and took inspiration from her father, who is a watercolor artist, to start painting. Her favorite medium is acrylic because it best suits her free and fluid style. When she isn't painting, she is a makeup artist and works on a different kind of canvas. Felicia hopes to bring out everyone's artistic side at Muse.
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Esther Wei
Esther is originally from Taiwan but grew up in Maryland. She has a BA in Psychology from UMCP and M.Ed. in School Counseling from Boston University and she works full-time as a bilingual counselor for MCPS. She grew up loving to draw, paint, and create, so she is eager to spread this interest to people of all ages. In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball and exploring other various arts and crafts.
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Elijah DeJesus
Elijah was born in the Bronx New York but raised in Maryland. He attended the school of Art and Design at Montgomery College, then later transferred to Salisbury University where he studied Drawing and painting. He loves to run, watch movies and experiment with the idea of realism within his works of art. His fun and loving personality isn't something you can ignore, so be prepared to have a great time with this Muse employee!
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Joseph De Joya
Joseph is a passionate artist who was born in the Philippines. His family moved to the suburbs of Maryland when he was seven in pursuit of a better future. Joseph's family nurtured his love for the arts at young age through frequent visits to art museums and galleries. He owes gratitude to his professors for helping him find his voice as an artist and developing his artistic abilities. Joseph received a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in general fine arts with a concentration in painting. In 2014, Joseph had an opportunity to train and study painting and restoration techniques under Roberta Lapucci in Florence, Italy. He loves to share his knowledge of art with anyone who is willing to listen and hopes that others have a great time unleashing their creativity at Muse.
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Nicole Zelof
Nicole is an open, genuine, and easily excitable individual with a searing passion for art, theatre, cosplay, horrendously ill-timed dark humor, and sweets. Some of her favorite pastimes are watching sunsets/anime, attending concerts, and having fake interviews in the shower. Please feel free to talk to her about anything! She loves meeting new people.
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Alana Yap
Alana is currently a student at Maryland Institute College of Art. After working in the professional field, she decided to return to school and pursue her passion, painting. Her work is inspired by the relationship we have with nature and the desire we have to connect with other living systems. She enjoys the country life and slow, simple living. At Muse, Alana hopes to foster creativity and help people of all ages reach their creative potential.
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Kristin Miller
Kristin Miller is Maryland born and raised. She went to Towson University for her B.S. in both Art Education and Art and Design, with a minor in Theater. Along with her deep-routed love for the arts, in her free time she enjoys painting, cosplay, and playing with her friend's cats.
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Jonathan Wood
Jonathan Wood is a passionate Marylander who loves to be outdoors with his bare feet touching the earth. His artist instinct was nurtured at a young age, two great-grandmothers who were themselves artists. Jonathan studied painting and art history and earned his Bachelor's degree from Hartwick College (Oneonta, NY). Now, after a successful 15-year career as a fundraiser for Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and two DC-area nonprofits, Jonathan is a working artist and teacher. "I believe I have a responsibility as an artist to nurture the creative process in myself and others, to enrich the heart, expand the mind, and use creative expression to help make our world a better place." In addition to helping customers at Muse Paintbar Gaithersburg get their hands dirty and have a good time, Jonathan leads group/private art instruction for children and adults (including individuals on the Autism spectrum). He makes his home in Silver Spring, Maryland with his husband and dog.
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Sasha-Loriene McClain
Born in Washington, DC and raised in Bowie, MD, Sasha-Loriene is a 27 year old self-taught painter. Using acrylic paint as her medium of choice with no formal education or training, Sasha-Loriene weaves together different themes and techniques to capture her thoughts, feelings, and interpretation of the world in every piece. The goal of her art is to tell a story and create a personal experience for all that encourages others to not only reach deeper within each painting, but within themselves, as well. Her passion for the arts, raw talent, and academic background in public service have ignited her lifelong mission of encouraging creativity, thought, and expression in the community. As such, Sasha-Loriene has participated in several events and exhibits in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and New York.
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Clare Bain
Clare is a proud Terp, who graduated from the University of Maryland College Park, Honors College, with her BA in Studio Art. She also has a history in scenic art production after spending 5 years painting, sculpting, and texturing sets for dance and theater productions at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Her work is primarily focused on storytelling through portraits and figure drawing, but she is currently experimenting with various new mediums and subjects. Clare finds it most rewarding when she can help people discover their hidden artistic talents, and she hopes to pursue a career in art therapy.
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Alma Vasquez
Alma was born and raised in the DMV. She enjoys doing anything artsy in her free time, from painting and drawing, to hands on arts and crafts! She also enjoys spending time with her children, family and friends. Her mission at Muse is to make sure everyone gets in touch with their creative side!
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