Aya Art Co. is a nonprofit art organization based in Southern California that curates empowering spaces for K - 12 youth to freely create and fully embody their unique, authentic expression.
OUR PROGRAM
Creating environments for students to deepen their connection to their individuality, our classrooms are consciously designed to inspire our students to trust their instincts and claim their creative power while bringing extremely detailed and unique mixed media works of art to life.
Emphasizing innovation, creative problem solving, confidence building, mindfulness, environmental stewardship, and cultural diversity, students explore art practices throughout history, natural sciences, art therapy, and expressionism while experimenting with a large variety of artistic processes and sustainably sourced materials.
Our intention behind this is to not only guide children to develop confidence and a profound sense of self, but to simultaneously help them be more motivated and compassionate young adults who are attentive to the colors of life that exists around them.
OUR MISSION
We whole-hearted believe art has a direct impact on the lives of children in our community. By engaging with the transformative process of expressive arts, young people are empowered with the confidence to create, a magical tool which extends beyond the classroom.
After years of serving Southern California through our non-profit art program, we've expanded our reach by providing free art programming to at-risk youth living below the poverty line who otherwise would not have access to creative curriculum.
We are now accepting donations to support this mission.
Help us provide free art classes to at-risk youth!
OUR FOUNDER
I founded Aya Art Co. in 2018 with the intention of creating soul-enhancing, empowering, and safe creative spaces for youth to learn of their power to create infinitely. For my students, art becomes so much more than creating something beautiful to display on a wall. Making art becomes a bridge between our dreams and our ability to manifest those dreams in the world.
Whether you are creating a painting, building a business, redesigning your home, or even transforming the way you naturally think or feel, that ability to dream and visualize something bigger is the medium we use to bring something new into existence.
I believe that by helping my students trust in their ability to create anything, they will naturally develop skills that allow them to lead their lives with confidence and curiosity. My goal through Aya Art Co. is to contribute to building a world where people are empowered to create, innovate, and unapologetically give their magic back to the world to help make it a better place.
OUR TEAM
Aya
Founder & CEO
Aya Chabayta is a Palestinian American artist and creative entrepreneur who moved to San Diego in 2015 with her family. Born in Atlanta and raised in the United Arab Emirates, Aya’s multicultural upbringing shaped her deep appreciation for creativity, connection, and self-expression.
Her journey into art education began at age 16 while volunteering at her younger sister’s elementary school in the Poway Unified School District. Assisting a volunteer art teacher in leading classes of over 150 students, Aya quickly fell in love with the power of art in education. By 17, she was trusted to lead the program herself—an experience that sparked her lifelong passion for teaching art.
Today, Aya channels her creativity through large-scale abstract painting, martial arts, and building Aya Art Co., where she leads a talented team of local artists. She sees the company as a space where both heart and strategy meet—where she is continually inspired to grow, lead, and serve her community through meaningful, expressive art programs.
Jamie
Team Manager & Lead Teacher
Jamie is a multimedia artist and key leader at Aya Art Co., with over seven years of experience in nonprofit management and community outreach. She leads fundraising for our Art For All program and collaborates with our Founder, Aya, to develop innovative curriculum that keeps our classes dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring. Her intuitive, expressive style blends drawing, collage, and vibrant layers of watercolor and acrylic. Inspired by nature, travel, and reflection, Jamie loves helping students build confidence and creative freedom.
Sarah
Hiring Manager & Lead Teacher
Sarah is a mixed media artist, expressive dancer, and one of the original members of Aya Art Co., having been part of the journey since 2018. She’s passionate about helping others find purpose through creativity and brings a natural gift for teaching. Her abstract work, often in acrylic and watercolor, expresses deep emotion and imagination. Outside of the studio, Sarah explores movement, music, writing, and her love of learning. She finds joy in connecting with students and being welcomed into the unique worlds they create through art.
Tracy
Training Manager & Lead Teacher
Tracy is a self-taught painter and core leader at Aya Art Co., with over ten years of experience in art education and creative leadership. Her style blends realism and fantasy, often featuring animals and nature to tell emotional, imaginative stories. Tracy brings a playful, grounded energy to the team and finds inspiration in everyday moments and unexpected materials. She’s passionate about helping kids tap into their creativity and express themselves fully—both through art and in life.
Monica
Website and Outreach Manager
Monica is the Website and Outreach Manager at Aya Art Co., overseeing the website and all graphic design materials. She also leads outreach efforts, building relationships with schools and districts, and is now stepping into grant work to support future growth. As a watercolor artist, she enjoys painting buildings and finds inspiration in backpacking, reading, cooking, and tackling challenging hikes. She’s passionate about her role and proud to contribute to a mission that brings meaningful creative experiences to children and their communities.
Alisa
Assistant Manager and Lead Teacher
Alisa is a mixed media artist, instructor, and Assistant Manager at Aya Art Co., known for her colorful, playful approach to art and her love for creative experimentation. She enjoys working with paint, markers, beads, and anything that brings her ideas to life in fun and unexpected ways. Outside the classroom, you can find her drawing, bodyboarding at the beach, or laughing along with her son. Alisa finds so much joy in watching kids discover new techniques and express themselves through art, and especially loves seeing their empathy and curiosity grow along the way.
Tessa
Assistant Manager and Lead Teacher
Tessa is a visual artist, instructor, and Assistant Manager at Aya Art Co., known for her vibrant, whimsical style and passion for creative exploration. She works mostly with acrylic paint, using bold color and movement to express how she sees, and wishes to shape, the world around her. Tessa finds inspiration in community, nature, and spontaneous moments of creativity. As a teacher, she loves helping students tap into their imagination and find confidence through self-expression, and feels grateful to grow and learn alongside them every day.
Ariela
Assistant Manager and Lead Teacher
Ariela is a multimedia artist, instructor, and Assistant Manager at Aya Art Co., with a passion for painting, printmaking, and ceramics. She brings a joyful, relaxed energy to her teaching, helping students express themselves in ways they may not have thought possible. When she’s not creating or teaching, Ariela loves spending time at the beach and exploring scenic spots around San Diego. Her favorite part of being an art teacher is watching kids light up as they discover their creativity and grow more confident with each new project.
Jessica
Lead Teacher
Jessica is an expressive abstract artist and educator with a master’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy from the European Graduate School and a post-grad certificate from UCSD. Her work is bold, colorful, and textured—often blending abstract and surreal elements using acrylics, pastels, and ink. A lifelong artist, Jessica brings both formal training and self-taught creativity to her role at Aya Art Co. She loves helping kids explore their imagination, build confidence, and connect with their emotions through art. Outside the classroom, she enjoys painting, yoga, and beach walks with her dog, Pepper.
Heather
Lead Teacher
Heather is a fluid and intuitive artist who draws inspiration from nature and deep emotions to create mystical, magical work. She loves making jewelry, painting, drawing, and turning simple materials into meaningful creations. Working with acrylics, alcohol inks, beads, and metal, she embraces every new craft with curiosity and joy. Outside of art, she enjoys traveling, yoga, reading, and spending time with loved ones. In her role at Aya Art Co., she treasures the chance to nurture creativity in kids while reconnecting with her own creative spirit.
Priya
Lead Teacher
Priya is a multidisciplinary artist and instructor at Aya Art Co., with a bold, high-impact style rooted in traditional tattoo art and printmaking. From detailed etchings on copper plates to hand-painted tattoo flash, her work is vibrant, intentional, and crafted with care. Outside of teaching, she loves skateboarding, playing guitar and drums, and staying connected to the music and art that inspire her work. What Priya loves most about her role is witnessing those breakthrough moments when students discover just how capable they truly are.
want to join our team?
We're always on the lookout for passionate, creative individuals to grow with us. If you’re an artist we’d love to hear from you!
Please email your resume, cover letter, and artist portfolio to our hiring manager at sarah@ayaart.co
