ABOUT US
We believe making things with your hands changes how you see the world. At TONGWOOD, we build that habit early and keep it alive for life.
Small-group classes and camps for kids and teens by day. Creative evenings and open studio for adults by night. We keep our classes small because that is the only way real learning happens. Our students ask their parents every week when they are coming back. Come find out why.
MEET OUR TEAM
Our teaching team brings training in Art, Early Childhood, General Education, and Fine Arts. They’re patient, inspiring, and love working with children, supported by a thoughtful team ensuring the best experience.
Yajun He
Yajun is our Founder + Program Director. She has been running TONGWOOD since 2021, when it all began in a tiny studio on her own. She is the creative force behind everything we do. Designing and teaching countless lessons and workshops.
Todd Dong
Todd is our Creative + Administrative Director. From building our website to managing online bookings and designing everything you see in our studio, he keeps everything running seamlessly and makes TONGWOOD what it is today.
Luna M Smith
Luna is our Studio Art + Painting & Drawing Teacher. A Mexican-American who grew up in Singapore, she focuses mainly on acrylic and oil painting while exploring a variety of mediums. Luna brings her multicultural background and creative passion into the classroom, making her lessons both inspiring and engaging for students.
Sayako Hiroi
Sayako is our Studio Art + Painting & Drawing Teacher, as well as an artist and kintsugi practitioner who loves working with paint, materials, and the quiet stories they hold. Her practice is grounded in hands-on making, curiosity, and care for process.
Cora Lutes
Cora is our Studio Art + Painting & Drawing Teacher. Growing up in a household of abstract painters, she learned how to hold a paintbrush before she learned how to walk. Now as a teacher, her greatest joy is to watch creativity unfold in the classroom, with each student bringing their own unique perspective to art making.
Kaia Brulane
Kaia is our Studio Art + Painting & Drawing Teacher. A San Francisco born artist with a bold and free-spirited personality, she brings vibrant energy into the classroom. She blends strong technical foundations with a playful and creative approach, helping students grow their skills while keeping art joyful and expressive.
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Gladys Leung Burns
Gladys is our Studio Art + Painting & Drawing Teacher. She is also a freelance character artist and anime enthusiast, bringing a passion for visual storytelling. With experience in early childhood education, she connects naturally with children—and she’s a proud dog mom.
Allen Wang
Allen is our Portfolio Prep + Adult Program Teacher. A winner of many national art competitions, he brings both deep artistic expertise and a background in computer science. He helps students build strong, competitive portfolios, and his classes are loved by all.
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Cynthia Cao
Cynthia is our Portfolio Prep and Adult Program Teacher + Curriculum Developer. A national art competition award-winner, she now helps students thrive in their artistic journey.