ARTandSEEK was created in 2015 to offer educational programs in English for the communities of Rome and to support vulnerable children. The founders, Viviana and Isadora, are art specialists with academic background and working experience in 'young persons' education. With the precious support of a team of professionals, they drew inspiration from their own children's creativity and passion, to create an 'ideas lab' that would allow young people to develop their artistic expression, appreciate Modern and Contemporary art and discuss important themes through the eyes of great artists.
OUR TEAM
Viviana Bagnato was born in Napoli and studied Architecture for her BA. She worked as a freelancer in Italy before going abroad. She spent more than 20 years in 5 different countries where she combined her knowledge in Architecture with her passion for Art. She studied painting and drawing at Westminster College in London and completed a 'Gallery Teaching for Elementary School Groups' course at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. She worked with children in New York City for the 'Learning Through Art' program at the Guggenheim Museum and as a teaching artist for the 'Center for Arts Education'.
Viviana is one of the founders of ARTandSEEK. She coordinates all aspects of the association's activities. She also deals with schools and with special projects.
Viviana is one of the founders of ARTandSEEK. She coordinates all aspects of the association's activities. She also deals with schools and with special projects.
Joanna Groves was born in Geneva but grew up mainly in the UK. She majored in film and video at Rhode Island School of Design USA, qualified as an Art Therapist in Bologna at Art Therapy Italiana, she trained as Atelierista Reggiana with One to Three & Coopselios in Milan. Joanna works as an artist in her studio where she hosts art therapy sessions and prepares the many creative workshops she designs and executes for NGOs, book shops and schools. Her approach to teaching art is child centred and she has developed
training programs and support groups for teachers.
For ARTandSEEK Joanna coordinates, creates and delivers museum programmes and art workshops.
training programs and support groups for teachers.
For ARTandSEEK Joanna coordinates, creates and delivers museum programmes and art workshops.
Isadora Papadrakakis was born in Athens and studied Ancient History at Cambridge University, History of Art at the Courtauld Insitute of Art, and Theatre Design at the Slade School of Art, London. She has worked as a cultural journalist for "Vima" newspaper in Athens, as an Arts Manager for the British Council in Greece and India and as an Art Advisor for the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. She has a special interest in education ‘outside of the curriculum box,’ as well as in mentoring young people to connect with their imagination, critical skills and self-confidence. She is also a yoga and meditation instructor for kids and adults.
Isadora is one of the founders of ARTandSEEK. She deals with special projects. She also handles Public Relations with partners and new contacts.
Isadora is one of the founders of ARTandSEEK. She deals with special projects. She also handles Public Relations with partners and new contacts.
Katie Amanda Smith was born in Leicester, UK. She studied Contemporary Theatre at Lancaster University and spent the next few years teaching English in Brazil, Spain and Italy. On returning to the UK she has been involved in acting for theatre and film as well as running youth theatre and arts workshops. She moved to Italy in 2018 where works with children in International Schools. Katie loves being with children and young people and has worked in summer camps for kids teaching through songs, games and theatre. She loves stories and her interests include theatre , cinema, art- especially street art, and literature.
For ARTandSEEK Katie creates and delivers museum programmes and art workshops.
For ARTandSEEK Katie creates and delivers museum programmes and art workshops.
Lillian R.Barbano was born in New York and raised in Colombia and Florida where she majored in Advertising and Marketing at Florida International University. Led by her passion for art and technology, she has experimented with many different art mediums. Over the past 15 years, she has been a creative director, graphic designer and editor being involved in the USUN quilt "Exhibition for Geneva chapter”. She is now focussing on curation and creative management for artists. Lillian's interests include writing children's stories and teaching youths art, Spanish and English.
For ARTandSEEK Lillian serves as Secretary of Board and art teacher.
For ARTandSEEK Lillian serves as Secretary of Board and art teacher.
Ece Kaplan was born in London, UK. She received her Master's Degree in History and Philosophy of Art from Kent University and the American University of Rome in 2018. She also holds a Cambridge CELTA certificate for teaching English. Ece has had several experiences in the art world and as an English teacher. She has a great passion for art and working with children, and she is fortunate that her experience so far has allowed her to work in fields that incorporate both. Currently, she leads guided educational tours for families travelling in Rome, with a focus on children.
For ARTandSEEK Ece assists for museum programmes and art workshops
For ARTandSEEK Ece assists for museum programmes and art workshops
Valentina Alberti was born in Palermo and studied Art History for her BA in Pisa and received an MA in Museum Education at Bank Street College of Education in New York City. She worked for and collaborated with, among others, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, as well as the GAM of Turin, leading tours and art workshops for children. She spent ten years in Africa, working in Educational and Humanitarian Sectors.
For ARTandSEEK Valentina has delivered numerous museum programmes. She now lives abroad with her family, but still is a valuable contributor to our projects.
For ARTandSEEK Valentina has delivered numerous museum programmes. She now lives abroad with her family, but still is a valuable contributor to our projects.
