People Around Us
After-School Art Classes
Hands Create • Minds Solve • Hearts Grow
Leila Ghasempor
Interdisciplinary Sustainable Artist & Educator
"Teaching is my greatest work of art. Every classroom is a place where imagination grows, confidence blossoms, and creativity comes to life through the hands of every student.."_Leila Ghasempor
About Me
I believe every child is creative. Sometimes all they need is the right materials, a little encouragement, and the freedom to explore.
I believe every child is creative. Sometimes all they need is the right materials, encouragement, and the freedom to explore.
As an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and curator, I design hands-on art experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Whether students are transforming recycled materials into sculptures, exploring textile arts, or experimenting with mixed media, they learn to solve problems, think creatively, and discover the satisfaction of making something with their own hands.
I believe creative practice benefits every child, regardless of their future career. Whether they become scientists, engineers, teachers, or artists, art nurtures imagination, resilience, confidence, and a lifelong outlet for self-expression.
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Community Leadership & Creative Practice
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Founder & Creative Director | People Around Us: I am the founder of People Around Us, a community-driven platform dedicated to spotlighting artists, amplifying underrepresented voices, and making artistic practice visible beyond traditional spaces. Through in-depth interviews, promotional videography, curated exhibitions, and digital features, I help creators share their work with clarity, integrity, and deep emotional resonance.
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Interdisciplinary Art Practice (Our Weapon Is Love): My personal art practice includes sculpture, eco-conscious materials, performance, and video art—exploring themes of collective mind & responsibility, resilience, empathy, and social interconnection.
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Workshop Chair at FabMo: Managing and leading upcycling art workshop in collective committee, and zero-waste creative workshops for diverse audiences.
EDUCATION
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Master of Fine Arts (MFA), School of the Art Institute of Chicago
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Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Sculpture, Minor in Art History
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Early Childhood Education & Management Certificate
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CV and working Experiences
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Contact
"Every student learns differently, and every student has something unique to express..."
_Leila Ghasempor
My Teaching Philosophy & Experience
I create inclusive learning environments where curiosity is celebrated, experimentation is encouraged, and mistakes become opportunities for discovery. Rather than focusing on perfection, students learn to express ideas, solve problems, and build confidence through the creative process.
My workshops combine fine art, craft, sustainability, and cultural exploration while encouraging collaboration, observation, and hands-on learning.
I have worked with students of all ages through schools, K–12 after-school enrichment programs, museums, libraries, community organizations, senior centers, and programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
My art classes introduce students to a wide range of materials and techniques while developing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence.
"In my classes, students don't just learn techniques—they explore their identity and environment ..."
_Leila Ghasempor
My Mission
LEARN • DESIGN • SOLVE PROBLEMS
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Hands Create → making and craftsmanship.
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Hearts Grow → confidence, empathy, and belonging.
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Minds Solve → critical thinking and problem-solving.
Every student learns differently, and every student has something unique to express, sometimes I explain one concept in four different ways to four different students. My classroom is a welcoming space where curiosity is celebrated, mistakes become opportunities to learn, and creativity grows through exploration rather than perfection. I encourage students to experiment, ask questions, solve problems, and discover that art is not about making something perfect—it is about making something meaningful.
Whether exploring the intricate world of fiber arts or discovering new ways to reinvent recycled objects, my goal is to guide students to discover the artist within themselves and connect with the world around them through mindful creativity.
Explore My Art Practice and Community Platforms
Art & Community Platform
Personal Art Practice & Studio Work
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People Around Us Interviews
Artist Interviews, Spotlight Features
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People Around Us Workshops
Socially Engaged Community Arts
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Croknitting by Leila
Crochet and knitting Art Practice
Teaching, Curation & Background
Youth & Art Education
Exhibitions, Gallery & Community Display
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
