Alison Halford

Visual Artist

Art has always been a passion of mine and I am currently seeking opportunities in museums or learning centers. I have been a collaborative art educator, accumulating eight years of experience (as of 2017) in environments requiring quick adaptability, leading children and teens in artistic exploration. I am organized and driven to serve my community. My background includes fifteen years in customer/community service, with eight years in multiple forms of educational settings ranging from after school programs, art camps, as well as public school classrooms in the Bay Area. As an employee I am a problem solver and creative thinker with a team player mentality.
Currently credentialed as a secondary visual arts teacher in California, I am searching for a supportive community to become part of. Besides designing and implementing tailored art curricula, I have been responsible for curating student art shows. While in the classroom I used Google platform to create technology based lessons, assignments and assessments.
Art skills include drawing, painting, ceramics, and paper crafting. Some of my commissioned works include wall-size murals, book illustrations and portraits. I am seeking opportunities to apply my art skills to someone else’s project or vision.
Office skills include Microsoft Office suite, reception, file management, scheduling, inventory management, mail routing, correspondence creation, and many more.

Dr. Nidhi L Sharda – Founder, Educator & Creative Director

Dr. Nidhi L. Sharda is a distinguished Visual Art and Design Educator and Researcher, serving as the Founder & Creative Director of Kalaa Art & Design Studio in Pleasanton, California. With over 15 years of experience as a Professor and Head of the Department at a leading Design College (NIFT, Bangalore), she has guided fashion design collections, supervised doctoral and postgraduate research projects, and administered international academic programs.

Dr. Sharda also served as a Nodal Officer for Swiss Textiles College for three years before relocating to the USA. Her scholarly contributions include numerous presentations and publications in international journals. Her applied research spans natural dyes, sustainable design, Indian textiles, and surface design techniques. Passionate about fostering creativity, her pedagogy emphasizes the appreciation of art and design forms through a scientific and sustainable lens to promote ecological well-being.

Saesha Sharda – Teaching Assistant

Saesha is mentored in Fine Art and Fashion Designing under the guidance of Dr. Sharda for more than 8 years. Apart from Kalaa Studio, Saesha has an experience as tutor at College Board for SAT Preparation and USA Biology Olympiad tutor for Biology Club. Currently Saesha is doing Molecular & Cell Biology Major from UC Berkeley, Ca.

Dr. Richa Jakhmola, Knitting & Crochet Designer Exhibition Teacher

Dr. Richa is a hobbyist and Crochet artist. Doctor by profession she has been knitting and doing crochet for nearly 20 years

Dr.Vrushali Dhage – Art Educator & Exhibition Curator

Dr. Vrushali Dhage is an accomplished art historian and exhibition curator based in the SF Bay Area. Her research explores the intersection of artistic practice, public engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration—especially in the context of ecological change and urban development. With a doctorate focused on the impact of economic globalization on contemporary Indian art, Dr. Dhage brings a critical and global perspective to her work. She has taught at the Department of Art History and Aesthetics, MSU Baroda, and delivered lectures across leading institutions in India. Her curatorial projects, residencies, and widely published research contribute richly to the evolving discourse on art and sustainability.

Stephanie Wright- Art Instructor

Stephanie Wright is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a passionate artist at heart. Mentored by Dr. Nidhi in landscape and still life painting, Stephanie brings creativity, discipline, and heart into every artwork. As a mother of a preschooler, she balances her professional and artistic journeys with grace, drawing inspiration from everyday life and nature.

Capt Parul – Design Mentor

Capt. Parul is a seasoned professional and mentor with a rich background in design thinking and IT strategy. With a disciplined foundation from her military experience, she now guides aspiring creatives and tech professionals through structured, purpose-driven mentorship. Her approach blends analytical insight with creative problem-solving, empowering learners to build meaningful careers in design and technology.

Ms. L

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Kinjal Parikh

Kinjal Parikh is a qualified Chartered Accountant whose creative spirit finds expression through visual art. With a deep passion for detail and harmony, she specializes in intricate mandala designs, evocative animal sketches, and tranquil landscapes. Kinjal’s work reflects a unique blend of analytical precision and artistic intuition, offering viewers a sense of balance, beauty, and quiet storytelling.