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Our Story

OUR  STORY
CONNECTING  PEOPLE  THROUGH ART  AND  CREATIVE  EDUCATION

TONGWOOD is a small, independent art center founded by Yajun and Todd. We are blessed to be supported by our dear friend Pannn and our close-knit community of independent artists and educators. We love what we do and it brings us great joy to see people embracing our dream of connecting with others through art education.

TONGWOOD Our Story

Turning Dreams into Action

TONGWOOD traces its origins to Yajun’s childhood, where challenges in a rigid education system left her feeling unseen. However, when she moved to Boston her teachers helped her regain her confidence and dream of becoming an educator. Inspired by Yajun’s passion and commitment to others, Todd brought his management and action-oriented experience to help her found TONGWOOD. Yajun’s years of teaching experience and Todd’s commitment to growing TONGWOOD’s offerings and services has allowed TONGWOOD to become an art center that celebrates creativity, connection, and growth.

TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story

Unveiling Inner Landscapes

At TONGWOOD, we aim to transform art education beyond skills acquisition and instead marry these skills with students’ goals of expressing emotions and exploring creativity. We help every student and patron find joy and confidence in creating art and in discovering the everyday beauty that surrounds us all.

TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story

Independence

We built TONGWOOD entirely from the ground up. From transforming vacant buildings to designing courses and our website, it’s been harder than we ever imagined! Pursuing a passion project requires belief, perseverance, and plain hard work. We’re completely independent, with no corporate backing, and no one telling us what to do. We value this freedom and are proud of how far we’ve come. Our ambition is to become the most spirited art center we can be, with a strong focus on supporting meaningful causes.

TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story

From 2 to a Team

In TONGWOOD’s second year, we transitioned into a full-time business, with our team growing beyond ten members—a milestone that underscored the importance of teamwork in our growth. In the past, we often wished for more voices during disagreements. Today, our new team members bring fresh ideas, energy, and support, propelling TONGWOOD forward.

TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story

Family First

While pursuing their careers, Yajun and Todd have always prioritized balance between work and personal life. We cherish time with our cat, Fufu, while creating art and enjoying our lives together in and beyond the TONGWOOD studio. Working closely as both life and professional partners often feels walking a tightrope, where personal emotions easily spill into work. After a year of adjustments, we have found harmony between family, art, and careers—a balance we share with our community and students, inspiring others to pursue their dreams while appreciating the beauty of life.

TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story

Where Connections Flourish

TONGWOOD is more than just an art center—it’s a meaningful bridge connecting families and the community. Through initiatives like our art program, we create opportunities for families to bond and strengthen their relationships while exploring creativity together. We are proud to collaborate with local businesses and creatives, curating special events and art projects that ignite inspiration and creativity. We envision TONGWOOD not simply as our brand but as a space that belongs to the entire community—a place where families and individuals alike can participate, connect, and grow together.

TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story
TONGWOOD Our Story

Here's To Following Your Dreams

We don’t know where you are on your life journey, but if you’re following your passion while staying true to yourself, keep going. If two people as completely different as Todd and Yajun can work together and make it happen, you can achieve your dreams too. Believe.

TONGWOOD Our Story
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