Draft:Yael Lichaa
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Yael Lichaa (born in Kyiv, Ukraine) is an artist, educator, and the founder of RAZ Land, a creative arts organization based in Los Angeles. Lichaa is known for her work in the arts education field, helping individuals of all ages unlock their creativity through art, cultural exploration, and storytelling. She is also the creator of the RAZ Method (MATS - Making Art Through Storytelling), a unique approach that combines art with narrative to encourage personal expression and artistic development.
Early Life and Education
[edit]Yael Lichaa was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, on December 21st, 1974. She began exploring art at the age of six, taking an interest in drawing, painting, and music. Raised in a family that encouraged intellectual and creative pursuits, Lichaa developed a passion for artistic expression early on. However, her path toward a career in art was not straightforward.[1]
Lichaa initially pursued a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Temple University in Philadelphia, with an interest in medicine. After spending several years in the sciences, Lichaa recognized her true passion lay in the arts, leading her to pursue a different path.[2]
Transition to the Arts
[edit]In the mid-1990s, Lichaa enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), where she studied painting and sculpture. This marked a pivotal shift in her career, as she fully embraced her artistic instincts. After completing her studies, she moved to New York City, where she worked at a prestigious antique furniture restoration studio. This experience allowed her to refine her craftsmanship skills and deepen her appreciation for artistic process and technique.[3]
Career in Los Angeles
[edit]In 2008, Lichaa relocated to Los Angeles, where she began teaching art classes to children, teens, and adults. Her commitment to hands-on, immersive learning was further solidified when she earned a Master's Degree in Elementary Education in 2008. Over the following years, Lichaa designed and led a variety of courses, including ceramics, figure sculpting, oil painting, mixed media, and historical painting techniques such as Egg Tempera and Milk Painting.[2]
In 2011, Lichaa joined STAR Education, a nonprofit organization, as a woodworking instructor. She taught at elementary schools throughout Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, which led her to develop a deeper understanding of immersive, hands-on learning.[3]
Founding RAZ Land
[edit]In December 2018, Lichaa opened Robertson Art Zone (RAZ), later rebranded as RAZ Land, a creative arts space designed to help children and adults explore and express themselves through art. RAZ Land offers a variety of art programs, including summer camps, after-school classes, and workshops.[4] The organization's unique approach emphasizes art as a means of personal growth and storytelling through creative expression.[5]
At RAZ Land, Lichaa developed the RAZ Method (Making Art Through Storytelling), which combines art and storytelling techniques to encourage self-expression and imagination.[1] The method integrates multicultural and multimedia projects to promote personal development, fostering a deeper understanding of both art and the individual.[6]
Personal Philosophy
[edit]Lichaa's personal philosophy is rooted in the idea that creativity is a powerful tool for personal growth. She believes in the importance of embracing imperfections and using creativity as a way to explore and express one's true self. Her approach to teaching is based on the principle that everyone can be an artist, and her mission is to help students overcome self-doubt and unlock their creative potential.[4]
Impact and Recognition
[edit]Lichaa's work has been recognized for its innovative approach to art education, and she has been featured in various media outlets for her contributions to the field. Her ability to inspire creativity and connect with diverse communities has made her a respected figure in the Los Angeles art scene. She has been highlighted in articles for her unique approach and impact on education, such as being featured in Sawyer's Provider Spotlight and Shoutout LA.[7]
Additionally, Lichaa has been featured on several podcasts discussing her work and personal philosophy, including interviews with Debbie Sugarbaker on platforms like Spotify[8] and YouTube, where she shares insights on creativity, spirituality, and her journey as an educator and artist.[9]
Lichaa has also been recognized in various press outlets for her work and featured in interviews on platforms like Al Arabia Network where she discusses her role in arts education and creative entrepreneurship.[10]
Her efforts in arts education and cultural exploration have led her to be involved in numerous community programs, as well as collaborations with schools and organizations across Los Angeles. Lichaa's work is also aligned with her belief in the unifying power of art and spirituality, and she has often spoken about how art transcends cultural and religious boundaries to bring people together.[2]
Personal Life
[edit]Lichaa's journey has been deeply influenced by her background and spirituality. She credits her study of Kabbalah and spiritual teachings with helping her find purpose and balance in her life. Lichaa is married with three children, and she continues to balance her role as an educator, artist, and mother.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Artpreneurs". icaf.org. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ a b c d Noonan, Ari L. (2022-03-31). "Local Business Owner on Being Jewish in Ukraine and Coming to America". Jewish Journal. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ a b "Meet Yael Lichaa: Founder of RAZ Studio & Films – SHOUTOUT LA". shoutoutla.com. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ a b Cantoni, Angela (2025-07-10). "🌞 BIG List of Summer Camps in Los Angeles 2022 | FUN WITH KIDS IN LA®". FUN WITH KIDS IN LA. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ "RAZ Land Art Classes". Mommy Poppins. 2021-04-23. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ Lichaa, Yael (December 19, 2019). THE HIDDEN LIGHT: Children's coloring book on Chanukah. ISBN 978-1677463725.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ "Provider Spotlight: RAZ Land". www.hisawyer.com. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ From Spectator to Creator, 2025-04-10, retrieved 2025-07-27
- ^ Cosmic Chats with Debbie Sugarbaker (2025-05-09). From Spectator to Creator: Discover Your Potentials and Manifest Your Dreams through Art. Retrieved 2025-07-27 – via YouTube.
- ^ RAZ Land (2024-07-10). Cultural Art with Stories summer art program: AlArabiya TV network interviews RAZ Land Art. Retrieved 2025-07-27 – via YouTube.