Real Art‍ ‍

Real Skills

Real Growth

Traditional Art Education for Ages 3-17 and Adults

“Drawing, otherwise known as the art of sketching, is the highest achievement of painting, sculpture, and architecture. Drawing is the source and soul of all the visual arts and the root of every science.”

-Michelangelo

Here at Tondo, you’ll learn real artistic skills and grow from a complete beginner into a confident artist. We teach Fine Art classes using a proven academic curriculum. Our program has been tested over many years and refined through generations of accomplished artists. It is a time-tested approach that truly works.

Classes 2026-2027

TONDO offers a structured academic Art and Fine Art program focused on progressive skill development, from foundational drawing and color theory to portfolio preparation for art college. We emphasize systematic growth rather than one-off craft projects.

We use classical art teaching methods the way art is taught in the leading art schools of the world. Our young students often win in local art contests!

Note: you can choose to come once, twice or even trice a week (See schedule and prices). We provide a sibling’s discount - 10%.

Registration fee for new students is $50. For returning students - $25.

To register for classes, press the register button on the right, then fill out and sign the registration form and email it to us at tondoartstudio@gmail.com

Once we receive your form and the tuition payment, we will confirm your registration by email.

Thank you!

Our Team

A woman with long dark hair and green eyes smiling while holding a wooden easel.

Yana Krakinovsky

Founder & Art Educator

Yana Krakinovsky is the founder and lead art instructor at TONDO, a traditional art school in Rockaway, New Jersey.

With a strong belief that artistic ability can be developed through proper instruction and consistent practice, Yana has built TONDO around a classical structured, skill-based approach to art education.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in traditional art training, with an emphasis on drawing fundamentals, observation, proportion, form, perspective, composition, color, and technique. Rather than focusing on short-term crafts or project-based activities, she guides students toward building a strong artistic foundation and developing skills that will last a lifetime.

Her goal is simple: Real art education, real skills, and real progress.

Woman with long dark brown hair, wearing earrings and a green dress, smiling at the camera with a blurred blue background.

Lindsay Piasio

Lindsay is a passionate and creative instructor with a deep love for working with children. As an instructor at Tondo, she brings her unique “alternative approach” to art, guiding children to explore their creativity using unconventional materials and techniques. Lindsay’s focus is on the process, not the perfect outcome - she encourages kids to be the "Captain of their Creation," helping them develop problem-solving skills, confidence, and a love for self-expression.

Lindsay has a natural ability to connect with kids and make them feel heard and understood. Growing up in a large family, Lindsay learned early on how to balance fun and structure, creating an environment where kids feel both safe and inspired. Her classes are all about embracing imagination, thinking outside the box, and having fun along the way.

A young woman with shoulder-length black hair and a side part, wearing a gray top, standing against a purple wall background.

Alexandra Demina

Miss Alex currently studying Visual Arts while working here at Tondo. She believes that every child is capable of far more than they realize. Having often heard phrases like “I can’t do this” or “I don’t know how to do this,” she is committed not only to teaching, but also to encouraging, supporting, and inspiring children to see that they can accomplish anything.

She is fascinated by the imagination of children and their unique way of seeing the world. Working with them not only allows her to nurture their growth, but also inspires her in return, offering fresh perspectives and new discoveries every day.


An art school is best judged by the achievements of its students!

Take a look at some examples of artwork created by our students, ages 3-17, as well as adults.

Amazing, right? You and your children can achieve the same! 🎨