About Us
Darling Art School
At Darling Art School, we ignite passion and inspire creativity through our art classes and events. Our expert instructors cultivate artistic growth, welcoming students of all levels. Explore your potential, connect with a like-minded community, and embark on a colorful journey with us at Darling Art School.
Brad Love with Angel Productions
Meet the Team
Cynthia Darling
As new owners of the art school, my husband, Aaron Darling, and I are excited to continue its legacy with a street art vibe. Through after-school art classes and diverse events, we engage with the community, offering unique experiences like graffiti workshops and portable art walls at football games for all ages.
Sam Montag
To know her is to love her! Sam Montag is a local creative and head of the new Art In Public Places Committee for Keep Lago Vista Beautiful. Her method of teaching is based on the philosophy that "creativity follows mastery", and that a strong foundation of artistic skills will enable students to eventually follow any artistic path they choose.
Bella Zaleski
Bella Zaleski is an after school teacher for our elementary through middle school students. The students look up to her and she has a fun easy going presence in the class room. She is an Lago Vista graduate and is currently a college student studying art. She has taught a variety of classes at Darling Art School - Paint Pours, Collaborative Couples Date Night, Paint Your Pet, Drawing Classes, Art Camps and more.
Valerie Chacon
I’m a Montana-native artist who loves all things creative and experiencing visual artworks with others. I recently obtained my Masters of Secondary Education (with an art post-bac and K-12 Texas teacher certification in visual art) from Texas State University in Dec., 2023. I strive to teach students to relax and approach the creative process with an explorative and curious mindset. My personal teaching philosophy is that students should feel open to engage in multimodal, experimental, and meaningful art making.
Aaron Darling
With 20 years of muralist expertise spanning states and countries, Aaron Darling brings innovation, organizational skills, and artistic versatility. Collaborative and self-taught, Aaron tailors projects to client preferences, infusing personal nuances for a unique and engaging artistic experience.
Mary McCarty
Mary McCarty is a retired art teacher with a Bachelors in Commercial Art (Graphic Design) and All - Level Art Ed Certification. Her student art was on display at the Bush Library in College Station. The Darling Art School students love the variety of mediums Mary brings into the classroom: clay, color theory, drawing, paper mache, perspectives, and more.
Amanda Wright
The amazing Amada Wright is the owner of Peridot Peacock. We are lucky to have her lead many classes and our monthly Art Jam (2nd Wednesdays of the month 10am - 2pm). She does it all: Resin, Stencils, Pens, Freshies, Tumblers, Key Chains, Food Art, and more!
Ashley Huff
Ashley Huff is a self taught artist. Intuitive Art describes her unique and impressive art style. Hers is a two step process. Apply color, step away, come back and let the image come out at you! Once you see it, you put pen to paper and make it come alive! Similar to finding shapes in the clouds, there is no wrong way to create.
Sadie Nash
Sadie Nash is fiercely loved by her students and is a natural at teaching kids about art (and life). She is an after school teacher for our elementary students. She is pursuing a degree and career in Art Therapy. The Darling Art School is thrilled to have her on the team and looks forward to her bringing art therapy to our community in the future!
Angel Marshall
Angel Marshall with Kraken-Up Krafts is a Data Analyst by day, artist and mom of two always! Originally from the Dallas area, art has always been a passion but her daughter's love for the arts gave her the push to pursue it outside of home. Art isn't about perfection, it's about expression. Angel has the gift of bringing people together. She coordinates special community art projects and brings them to Darling Art School.