Larissa Marantz received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California State University, Fullerton. She continued her animation education at the Animation Academy in Burbank and at the Animation Guild in North Hollywood. After working as an animation artist on the Nickelodeon television show, "The Rugrats" and "Rocket Power", she illustrated a dozen books for Simon & Schuster and Random House. Her portraits and murals can be found on the walls of many homes and businesses across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Larissa began teaching at the Animation Academy and continued to teach at California State University, Fullerton. She currently teaches figure drawing for animators at Laguna College of Art + Design. Her paintings have been exhibited in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Orange County and New York. Her latest illustrated book, "Clyde Likes To Hide," is the first in a series of three, which she collaborated with her husband and author, Keith Marantz, and her very creative daughter, Kela Marantz.
A California native, Jessica graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree of Art with an emphasis as a metal smith in May 2011. Jessica has always integrated art into her daily life since an early age and has explored all manner of media: fiber art, painting, sculpture, wood sculpture/ carving, and metalwork. She now runs the day-to-day operations of OC Art Studios, as well as instructing her own share of classes. As a means to meaningfully interact with her community, she volunteers her time to the Reflections Art Program and as a Lab Assistant at a metals studio. Jessica’s mission in life has always been to help guide young minds to reach their potential through unlocking their creativity; as well as passing along what knowledge she has gained in the arts and education. In her words, “Spreading the love of art around is what makes it all worthwhile.”
Adolph Soliz comes from a small Indian reservation in Scottsdale Arizona where he grew up with a great interest in art, more specifically, animation. By the age of seven he knew that he wanted to someday be an animator. And since that time he has been pursuing that dream and many others. Adolph graduated with a BFA in character animation from the Laguna College of Art and Design where he was taught by some of the animation industries best. Adolph has also done freelance work such as, creating logos, character designs, and even received the opportunity to create new art work for Disney. Over the years, along with pursuing a career in animation, Adolph has shared his knowledge with those younger at community events, the Laguna Beach Sawdust Art Festival and now with OC Art studios. Adolph hopes to inspire and encourage others, like his teachers did for him.
Salem Cade grew up in Utah and Texas where she was inspired by the mountainous landscapes and wildlife. She took private art lessons during her younger years and developed a passion for oil painting. In 2003 she moved to California to attend Laguna College of Art & Design where she was awarded her BFA and MFA. At LCAD Salem was classically trained and studied Renaissance painting in Florence and Rome. Her current series of figurative and still-life drawings and paintings are inspired by childhood memories and old photographs. While earning her MFA, Salem began teaching children and adults. She has been teaching at OC Art studios, Mt. San Jacinto College, and privately for the last 4 years and loves inspiring and challenging her students. Her love of animals led her to create Salem Pet Portraits where she paints commissioned oil portraits of pets.