About Us
Brush and Glaze Learning Studio LLC
is an art studio in beautiful Wasilla, Alaska, located in the Creekside Plaza. We specialize in small group classes for learners of all ages and experience levels. Our goal is to provide full session art classes for homeschool students in an environment that fosters appreciation for the creative process and for each other as friends and fellow students.Frequently Asked Questions
Are the teachers certified?
Yes, Rachel is a certified instructor. Her license is currently with the state of Kansas, and she is working to meet Alaska's specifications. Other instructors may not all hold complete licenses but undergo hands-on training with Rachel to ensure quality of instruction and lesson planning.
What do I do if we miss a class?
Life happens! Sometimes it's necessary to miss a class. That's why we have Open Studio time built into the schedule. When a student misses a class, they can attend Open Studio at no additional charge to work on their projects and catch up. Students should notify their instructor if they know in advance that they'll miss a class. This will help our staff communicate any needs for a make up.
What if I want my child to learn a skill but I don't see a class for it?
Tell us about it! We love to hear your feedback. We want our classes to stay relevant and exciting to both students and parents. In each class, we believe student interest is a highly important factor. After all, isn't' student interest what this is all about?
Have more questions we didn't answer? Email us at brushandglaze@gmail.com for more information.
Meet our Art Instructors
Ms. Rachel Skinner
Rachel Skinner is the owner of Brush & Glaze Learning Studio. She is a certified K-12 Art and 6-12 English educator. Until 2021, she has taught in public school. She loves seeing children light up when they create art! Ms. Rachel believes that knowledge of and practice in the arts are some of the most foundational tools any person can have. She knows history is recorded and remembered through works of art, and that art has an amazing ability to help us work though difficult moments. She finds it fascinating how art helps us learn concentration and activates multiple centers of the brain. She believes that every person alive has the ability to be an artist. The trick is having the patience!
Ms. Rachel is married to Derek Skinner. They have one son, seven-year-old Elliott, and three fat, naughty kitties, Clementine, Felix, and Pippin.
Ms. Rachelle Sieber
Rachelle Sieber is a professional photographer and homeschool momma. She owns and operates Cherish the Moments Photography in Wasilla. She has been teaching for two years at Brush & Glaze Learning Studio, and also hosts her own photography workshops throughout the year. Rachelle has her degree in Early Elementary, and taught kindergarten prior to having her own children and starting her homeschooling journey. We're so pleased to have Rachelle on board this year to teach Little Picassos and Artful Phonics, our all new art-integrated phonics supliment course.
Ms. Jennifer Ford
Jennifer Ford lives in Palmer, Alaska, and has been a homeschooling mama for 26 years. She has 11 children, all with vast interests. She became interested in clay in 2020, and was taught by John Barton and Matthew Van Atta. After Matthew's passing, she purchased his studio and has been teaching homeschool courses in her home studio ever sense. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing young artists light up and release their creativity!
We are thrilled to bring her clay knowledge to our studio. This semester, she's teaching Clay With Me, Play With Clay, and Clayworks.
Ms. Kaylynn Zagyva
Kaylynn Zagyva is 23 years old and has spent the majority of her life in Alaska. She loves traveling, animals, and art. She started felting and clay building as a child, and also won several gingerbread house competitions in her youth. Kaylynn comes from a family of teachers. She has always worked with kids and enjoys babysitting, substitute teaching, teaching art, and volunteering.
Kaylynn is teaching All About Clay, Hand Crafting, and Open Studio this semester!
Ms. Becky Topinka
Becky Topinka is our resident ray of sunshine. She is a morning person through and through, and loves bright colors and all things creative. She enjoys making a variety of art; colorful embroidery, paper mosaics, beading, painting, and jewelry, to name a few. Becky is a homeschool mama to a 13 and 15 year old. She loves sharing her ideas and talents with students and cheerleads them through the learning process. You never know what pair of overalls she will be wearing on any given day, but there's a good chance she's either bedazzled them or created something else she is wearing. Becky is excited to teach at Brush & Glaze and help the next generation learn and discover what she loves... art!