Our Instructors
Starting in September 2025, we are launching a wide range of exciting new workshops and courses. We are welcoming a fantastic group of new instructors to our team, each bringing their own creative expertise and passion to the art studio.
We warmly invite you to take a moment to get to know our dedicated instructors and volunteers behind Luna Nguyen Atelier (LNA) – the artists, makers, and educators who will be guiding and inspiring you in the upcoming season.
Luna Nguyen
Meet the founder of Luna Nguyen Atelier (LNA), Luna is a passionate and versatile artist known for her dynamic teaching style and dedication to nurturing creativity in others. With a background spanning fine arts, textile design, culinary arts, and creative writing, she offers students with a deeply engaging and diverse creative experience.
She speaks three languages: native Vietnamese, English and Dutch. Having lived in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, and travelled to many countries, Luna brings a broad cultural perspective to her work.
At LNA, she creates a welcoming and inspiring space where people are encouraged to explore their own artistic voice and to reach their full potential, while developing confidence and practical skills in a supportive and inclusive community across multiple creative disciplines.
Curious to see more of Luna’s work? Visit her Instagram:
Abdallah Ajaj
Meet Abdallah, known to many as a finalist on season 3 of the TV program Project Rembrandt. Originally from Libya, Abdallah is a geologist by profession and has been living in The Hague for the past six years. Painting has always been his passion, but since settling in The Hague, he has embraced it with renewed dedication.
For his art, Abdallah draws inspiration from friendship, Dutch art and culture, and cultural diversity.
Interested in joining a fun workshop with this talent? Email us now!
Curious to see more of Abdallah’s work? Visit his Instagram:
Inês Lopes
With a background in arts and experience across a wide variety of mediums, Inês has found her deepest connection through analogue photography and the tactile world of handmade jewelry.
Originally from Portugal, Inês has been living in the Netherlands for over 14 years, where she became a creative entrepreneur. Through her webshop, Atelier Minus Three, she sells her own bespoke handmade jewelry alongside other handcrafted pieces.
For Inês, art is more than just a practice – it is a way to make sense of the world, connect with oneself, and celebrate what makes each of us unique. Her belief that everyone has creativity within them shines through in her teaching. Experienced guiding both private and group workshops, Inês brings a grounded, intuitive, and nurturing approach to each class, creating a safe space where people can truly express themselves.
Whether guiding beginners or helping experienced creators reconnect with their practice, Inês’ sessions offer room for self-expression, reflection, and mindfulness.
For Inês, self-expression through art is a form of therapy – and sharing that passion with others is at the heart of everything she does.
Curious to see more of Inês’ work? Visit her Instagram:
Madge Charleston
Madge, was drawn into crafting when her daughter started at the Free School Waldorf, where creativity is central to learning. What began as helping with school projects quickly grew into a personal discovery journey – decorating, knitting, painting, and hand-sewing gifts for seasonal celebrations.
Through crafting, Madge found joy and calm, a meaningful outlet that connects her not only with her daughter and the school community but also with her own creative spirit. She is a native Dutch speaker and fluent in English.
With a professional background in HR and over two decades of experience as a Management Assistant, Madge brings both a people-centered approach and a nurturing presence to her work environment.
At LNA, where she initially supported communication tasks, her role naturally shifted toward the studio’s creative side. Today, she is eager to share what she has learned, hoping to inspire others to experience the same joy, mindfulness, and sense of community that crafting has brought into her life.
Solciré Sivira
Solciré, which means the sun in Spanish or Sol, is originally from Venezuela and brings a vibrant, multicultural perspective to her work. A native Spanish speaker, she also speaks English and is actively learning Dutch. She has exceptional interpersonal skill that enrich her ability to connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
Honest, and highly efficient, Solciré combines her natural warmth with great planning and organisational skills. Since becoming a mother, she discovered her deep passion for creating fun, educational experiences that spark curiosity and creativity in children.
Solciré goes beyond traditional arts and crafts, blending creativity with engaging lessons inspired by famous artists or exciting scientific concepts. She finds true joy in watching children explore, discover, and grow through hands-on learning.
At LNA, she is excited to contribute her energy and enthusiasm to build a joyful, inspiring space for young minds to thrive.
Pearl Liu
Pearl, originally from China, moved to the Netherlands 14 years ago and brings a rich background in international trading, team leading, relationship building, project management in various sectors and quality management. She speaks Mandarin, English, and intermediate Dutch, and loves connecting with people from all walks of life.
She is a natural decision-maker and problem solver, known for turning ideas into action. She is passionate about helping others grow through communication and creativity. Her workshops offer more than art – they are a moment of calm and self-expression in a busy world.
To her, art is anything that expresses who you are in a unique and elegant way. Drawing from her heritage, travels, and constant learning, she introduces students to fresh techniques – for example Chinese character calligraphy, aroma scents blending and Chinese tranditional aroma incense making.
Pearl enjoys working with kids for their honesty and fresh perspective, and she hopes her students leave each session with a peaceful mind, a joyful mood, and something they are proud to have made.
Curious to see more of Pearl’s work? Visit her Instagram:
Deborah Raat
Deborah is a retired primary school teacher from the beautiful island of Bermuda, where she spent over 28 years nurturing and educating young minds.
Teaching has always been her lifelong passion, alongside a deep love for art and music. Now living in Almere for the past four years, she continues to share her warmth and creativity with the community.
With decades of teaching experience, Deborah brings a calm, supportive presence to the workshops, creating a safe and enriching environment where children can thrive.
In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, watercolor painting (a new passion sparked by a class at Luna Nguyen Atelier!), and participating in book clubs both locally and abroad.
Deborah’s workshops reflect her dedication to helping children grow through creative exploration, gentle guidance, and joyful learning.
Irina Krutasova
Irina Krutasova is a professional fashion designer with over a decade of experience in couture dressmaking and historical costume design. As the founder of her own designer label, she has showcased her creations on international runways and crafted gowns for red carpets, TV, and film.
With a background in architecture and a deep passion for craftsmanship, Irina brings a refined and structured approach to sewing. Her teaching style blends creativity with technical precision – making complex skills feel approachable and enjoyable for learners at any level.
Beyond her impressive resume, Irina also speaks three languages: English, Dutch and Russian. She is known for her soft personality that allows her to connect easily with children and adults alike. This gentle nature, combined with her expertise, makes her workshops a calm, inspiring space where students feel supported and confident to express themselves through fashion.
Now based in Almere, Irina offers thoughtfully designed sewing workshops for teens (ages 11–17) and also for adults in LNA on weekly Tuesday afternoons & evenings (starting September 9th), inviting everyone to explore the art of garment-making in a warm and welcoming environment.
Curious to see more of Irina’s work? Visit her Instagram:
Patrick Hauwert
Patrick (28) is an illustrator with a strong passion for drawing and painting. He is currently in his third year at the Willem de Kooning Academy (WDKA). Patrick specialises in two traditional yet powerful techniques: pen and ink and watercolor.
While these methods were once commonly taught, reliable information is now harder to find – something Patrick experienced firsthand. Through years of self-study and experimentation, he developed his own deep understanding of these techniques.
Patrick also completed an internship at Luna Nguyen Atelier (LNA), where he demonstrated not only impressive artistic skills but also a thoughtful and enthusiastic approach to teaching. His personal experience with the challenges of learning on his own has made him a patient and engaging instructor.
At LNA, Patrick fits in perfectly – offering students clear guidance, practical knowledge, and the inspiration to grow their creative confidence. Dutch is his first language, and he also communicates fluently in English.
Curious to see more of Patrick’s work? Visit his Instagram: