Discover how artist, educator, and TEDx speaker Diana Stelin transformed a personal search for belonging into a mission to help children, adults, and organizations build confidence, resilience, and connection through creativity. / Founder Story / Diana Stelin: Why Creativity? From Moldova to Cornell I was thirteen when we left Moldova. I didn't speak the language yet, and kids at school had a way of letting me know I didn't belong—the usual cruelty reserved for the new girl. I found a dilapidated factory building in Newark that had been converted into artist studios, and I went there to disappear. It wasn't ambition. It wasn't a career plan. It was simply the one place where nobody needed me to explain myself. That's the thing I've been trying to build ever since. A third space. Not home. Not school. A place where people can be unfinished out loud. Years later, at Cornell, I studied painting and became fascinated not only by art, but by the way creativity changes how we pay attention. We spent hours drawing from observation, yet I found myself increasingly drawn to the landscapes around us—the gorges, waterfalls, and changing seasons that seemed to hold stories of their own. A semester in Rome deepened that curiosity. Learning the ancient encaustic painting technique and walking through a city layered with centuries of history taught me that places, like people, reveal themselves slowly if we're willing to look closely. Building the Academy After my second child was born, I went searching for an art program for my oldest son. What I found were plenty of crafts and activities, but very little that treated art, history, culture, and creativity as something meaningful and transformative. So I built the program I wished existed. What started as a small teaching studio grew into the Plein-Air Art Academy, later a gallery, a community, and eventually a body of work that has taken me from local exhibitions to the Venice Biennale. Why It Works for Kids and Executives Alike Along the way, I discovered something unexpected: the same transformation I witnessed in children happened in adults. A child struggling to draw a rose learns patience, observation, and resilience. An executive who hasn't made anything with their hands in fifteen years experiences something remarkably similar. Different ages. Same process. That realization led me to explore the neuroscience of creativity and eventually to develop the ideas behind my TEDx talk, Creativity as an Antidote to Burnout. The research gave language to something I had already witnessed thousands of times: when people create, they become more present. More curious. More willing to take risks. More connected to themselves and to one another. Today, that belief shapes everything we do. The gallery showcases artists whose work invites reflection and connection. The academy helps children build confidence through creativity. Our workshops help teams navigate change with greater adaptability and imagination. They may look like different businesses from the outside, but to me they are all expressions of the same idea. I don't believe art is a luxury or a nice extra. I believe creativity is one of the few places left where a person—whether eight years old or fifty—gets to try something difficult, make mistakes safely, and discover something new about themselves in the process. That's the whole project. Everything else is simply the form it takes. What I believe: Creativity is a life skill, not a talent. Confidence grows through practice, not praise. Mastery requires discomfort. Community accelerates growth. The future belongs to adaptable thinkers. Explore the Work: Gallery Commissions TedXTalk Plein-Air Art Academy Corporate Workshops

Diana Stelin Gallery is a contemporary art venue serving Brookline and Greater Boston. Host networking events, leadership gatherings, corporate retreats, wellness workshops, fundraisers, book launches, and private parties in an inspiring creative environment. Rent the space for your creative needs A unique gallery in Coolidge Corner, Brookline Host your event somewhere people will actually remember. Located in the heart of Coolidge Corner, Diana Stelin Gallery combines the atmosphere of a contemporary art gallery with the flexibility of a private event venue. From networking mixers and client events to milestone celebrations and wellness experiences, the space offers a creative alternative to restaurants, hotel meeting rooms, and generic event venues. Book Recent Reviews: We've hosted more than 100 events including gallery openings, corporate workshops, networking events, wellness retreats, celebrations, and community gatherings. "What a wonderful experience from start to finish! Diana was great to work with and the gallery is lovely. Held a small graduation cocktail party and everyone raved about the space. I would highly recommend as an event location." Jane "Space was way bigger than expected. Really clean, host is very helpful and nice." Nydiva "Beautiful clean space filled with gorgeous art work. Diana and Paige were so kind and made us feel so welcomed. They went over and beyond with help setting up and cleaning up. Also there were activities for the kids which was a plus. I would recommend this venue to everyone!!!" Nerissa "Diana was so accommodating/kind. I was able to lead a holiday yoga class with all my friends and fit 10 mats in the room. She helped us set up/cleanup and let us in once we arrived. Her space was clean, filled with natural light and beautifully decorated. We will definitely be booking the space again and would love to work with her soon. If you haven’t already, please check out this space you won’t regret it!" Sophia Frequently Asked Questions How many guests can you accommodate? Up to 60 standing, 30 seated. Can I bring my own food and beverages? Yes. Do you provide tables and chairs? Yes. Two standing tables, two banquet tables, limited seating. How far in advance should I book? Most events book 2–8 weeks ahead. How do I reserve the space? Submit an inquiry below and we'll respond within one business day. Corporate Retreats 8 minimum/ 30 maximum Inquire about Pricing All Materials Included Battle workplace burnout by bringing your office team to an art-centered event. This also stimulates innovation, brainstorming ideas, community. We offer painting and sculpture classes geared towards professionals seeking the meditative and therapeutic advantages of art-making. We can accommodate up to 20 people, and art materials are provided. Rent the space for an evening and invite your office to explore a new kind of creative outlet. Networking, innovating, & brainstorming $185 per hour | 3 hour minimum This is your art gathering space: your innovation room, your opportunity to think outside the box. Rent the venue for your networking event; to promote your next book, project, or idea; to host a discussion panel or group mixer. We'll provide tables, on street parking, cutlery and table cloths. Either do a working session in our two co-working spaces, or host a cocktail party. See Also Kids Birthday Party Learn More Private Event for Adults Learn More Corporate Installs See Also End of Year Exhibit Sun, Jun 21 Brookline +1 more Details Paint, Petals, and Pours Thu, Jun 04 Brookline Details The Art of Emerging Sat, May 02 Brookline +13 more Details

Browse current and past art exhibitions featuring local and international artists. View highlighted collections and upcoming shows. Exhibitions The Art of Emerging Reut Akerman, Paige DeMarino, Christina Goodman, Sasha Knittel April 28th - June 22 As spring awakens, the Diana Stelin Gallery invites you to explore the beauty, fragility, and resilience of our ever changing planet. This vibrant exhibition celebrates bold expression across all media, bringing together diverse voices and radiant visions of rebirth. Shop Artwork Current Exhibit The Art of Emerging April 28th-June 22nd As spring awakens, the Diana Stelin Gallery invites female artists to explore the beauty, fragility, and resilience of our ever changing planet. This vibrant exhibition celebrates bold expression across all media, bringing together diverse voices and radiant visions of rebirth. Featuring works by Reut Akerman, Paige DeMarino, Christina Goodwin, and Sasha Knittel. Join us in welcoming our newest artists and celebrating the spirit of spring on Saturday May 2nd, from 6-8pm. Shop Artwork Upcoming Exhibition Holiday Small Works Show Featuring: Sophia Singer, Eiko Tabata, Sharon Whitham, Erin Starr, Michaela Lyons, Liliana Marquez, and Lisa Goren October 31st-February 2nd Happy to host a Small Works Holidays Show from October 31st 2025 through February 2nd 2026. We are pleased to announce 7 artists in our new roster for this exhibit. As always, we are committed to featuring works by female artists whose practice engages with themes of sustainability and the fragility of our planet. This exhibition will highlight a range of artistic media, including painting, printmaking, photography, and mixed media. We aim to bring together different voices united together by a shared commitment to exploring the delicate balance, care, and responsibility required to sustain our environment. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF IMAGINARY TRAVELS by Marina Korenfeld March 12th - April 18th “Though I consider myself primarily a Symbolist, my art draws on a wide variety of mythologies, worldviews, religions, and literary traditions, both ancient and modern, ranging from Buddhism to Eastern-European folklore. Marina Korendeld is an artist print maker specializing in etchings. The theme of self-introspection is crucial to her art, since she believes that only by delving into the enigmas of the self can an individual truly engage with the world and bring about change in a profound, meaningful way. Shop Artwork Past Exhibitions Blossoming Narratives: Abstract Florals Meet Figurative Forms by Amalia Tagaris September 23rd-October 30th Amalia returns with a new body of work where collages of acrylic and vintage posters meet her signature figurative play. These pieces pulse with texture, history, and bloom, offering fresh depth alongside a selection of her well-loved encaustics. Join us for the opening Thursday, September 25 to wander through her world of layered stories. Shop Artwork Holiday Small Works Show Featuring: Sophia Singer, Eiko Tabata, Sharon Whitham, Erin Starr, Michaela Lyons, Liliana Marquez, and Lisa Goren October 31st-February 2nd Happy to host a Small Works Holidays Show from October 31st 2025 through February 2nd 2026. We are pleased to announce 7 artists in our new roster for this exhibit. As always, we are committed to featuring works by female artists whose practice engages with themes of sustainability and the fragility of our planet. This exhibition will highlight a range of artistic media, including painting, printmaking, photography, and mixed media. We aim to bring together different voices united together by a shared commitment to exploring the delicate balance, care, and responsibility required to sustain our environment. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF IMAGINARY TRAVELS by Marina Korenfeld March 12th - April 18th “Though I consider myself primarily a Symbolist, my art draws on a wide variety of mythologies, worldviews, religions, and literary traditions, both ancient and modern, ranging from Buddhism to Eastern-European folklore. Marina Korendeld is an artist print maker specializing in etchings. The theme of self-introspection is crucial to her art, since she believes that only by delving into the enigmas of the self can an individual truly engage with the world and bring about change in a profound, meaningful way. Shop Artwork Past Exhibitions Blossoming Narratives: Abstract Florals Meet Figurative Forms by Amalia Tagaris September 23rd-October 30th Amalia returns with a new body of work where collages of acrylic and vintage posters meet her signature figurative play. These pieces pulse with texture, history, and bloom, offering fresh depth alongside a selection of her well-loved encaustics. Join us for the opening Thursday, September 25 to wander through her world of layered stories. Shop Artwork First Friday Open-Door Events Friday evenings are marked with an event in the space from 5-7pm with light refreshments, unless we are opening a new show. Monthly Speaker Series In keeping with the community-oriented culture within Coolidge Corner, the gallery frequently hosts open-door events. On Friday nights, members of the community and passersby are encouraged to come engage with the current exhibiting artist. Sign up for the mailing list! Recurring Events Mythical Dreams by Marina Korenfeld May 15 - June 30 “The theme of self-introspection is crucial to my art, since I believe that only by delving into the enigmas of the self can an individual truly engage with the world and bring about change in a profound, meaningful way.” Marina Korenfeld's fantastical and surreal etchings plunge the viewer into a dreamworld filled with creatures and wonder. Shop Artwork Winter Getaway by CJ Lori January 10th - March 10th "The desire to have another see through my eyes is a compelling motivation". C. J. Lori is an oil painter living in Brookline, Massachusetts. Her work reflects her interest in literature, anthropology and psychology, as well as an abiding fascination with the natural world. Often called “Neo-surrealism” or “magic realism,” Ms. Lori’s paintings explore the complex relationship between humanity and the environment. She exaggerates or distorts color, form and composition to emphasize sensations that are often contradictory: clarity and mystery, excitement and sorrow, beauty and decay. Shop Artwork Seascapes in Encaustic by Amalia Tagaris October 15 - November 22 “The unexpected often leads to extraordinary results” With deep New England roots and European traditions, Amalia Tagaris works reflects a unique perspective shaped by both worlds. She first encountered encaustic in 2009, blending beeswax, damar resin, and colored pigments with her photograph to create works that are luminous and rich in texture. Over time, her practice evolved to incoportateoil paints, inks, carbon prints and wide range of mixed media Shop Artwork Un bel dí vedremo by Jennifer Jean Okumara Ebruary 16th - April 1st “Nothing is permanent except change” Jennifer Jean Okumura presents her new paintings in an exhibition highlighting how change brings perspective, clarity, and true unconditional love like the Sun. We live in an ocean of energy in constant motion, and our life, 'everything' around us is temporary. Shop Artwork Venice Fragile Beauty by Diana Stelin January 15th - february 16th “ExamineVenice's delicate balance” Karen Lee Sobol explores the influx of marine life during COVID's cruise ship hiatus. A city's charm, fading and evolving. Diana Stelin laments its decay, akin to a mistreated Disney world, revealing peeling walls and alarming sinking. Shop Artwork Venice Fragile Beauty by Diana Stelin January 15th - february 16th “ExamineVenice's delicate balance” Karen Lee Sobol explores the influx of marine life during COVID's cruise ship hiatus. A city's charm, fading and evolving. Diana Stelin laments its decay, akin to a mistreated Disney world, revealing peeling walls and alarming sinking. Shop Artwork Venice and its Fragility by Diana Stelin september 1st - october 15th “To what extent can we dissolve into our surroundings and co-exist with the natural world?” Diana Stelin's technique dances between realistic and abstract landscapes. Utilizing oil paint, wax, and gold leaf, she creates a uniquely three-dimensional and sculptural aspect to her canvases. Through them, you are pulled into a colorfully charged world that welcomes contemplation and exploration. Shop Artwork Delicate Relevations by Linda Perlman APRIL 1st - MAY 14th “The play of light is always a catalyst for my portraits, landscapes, and still lifes and I am engaged by the enigmatic, lyrical, profound, and magical I find lurking below these surfaces” Linda Pearlman Karlsberg presents her recent paintings in a new exhibition highlighting the beauty of our world throughout the year. Shop Artwork Blossoming with Daphne: a Springtime Journey by Diana Stelin March 16th - April 20th The myth of Daphne has always fascinated Diana as it speaks to our innate desire to dissolve into the world, to become a voyeur, to be part of something much larger than us. This series focuses on highlighting Daphne's myth and the modern translation of her transformation. Shop Artwork

You're welcome to simply enjoy the welcoming feel of our art-filled space, or to opt in to add an artmaking workshop as part of your event. Our flat rate includes the rental of our space for three hours (half hour on each end for setup and cleanup plus the two hour event

Then each week students get introduced to a new material, be it clay, watercolor, tempera paints or collage.

Summer Theme: Art Eras Week Theme: Early Modernism Experience Creativity, Fun, and Adventure All Week Long! Join us for an exciting blend of art, games, outdoor fun, treasure hunts, quests, board games, and dance! Each week is packed with unforgettable moments and hands-on creativity as we dive deep into art history, exploring different styles and techniques using a variety of materials every day. Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Welcome & card games 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Outdoor fun at the park or playground 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM: Snack break 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Art class for younger kids 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Lunch 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM: Art class for older kids 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Collaborative activity (dance, puppet-making, yoga, or martial arts) 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Free drawing time Throughout the week, guest teachers will join us, and we’ll partner with local businesses to offer unique programs. Enjoy free ice cream on Thursdays and Pizza Fridays to wrap up the fun! We end each week with a professional art exhibit and critique, where participants showcase their creations in a gallery-style setting, celebrating their hard work and creativity. Ready for a creative adventure your child will never forget? Sign up today and secure your spot!

A recent visit to the Harvard Art Museums left me thinking about how artists gradually peeled away layers of representation to get closer to something essential. Our students moved through the galleries with sketchbooks in hand, studying everything from representational paintings to contemporary abstract works. Along the way, we received an unexpected stream of compliments. A museum guard remarked on how thoughtfully even our youngest students were engaging with the artwork. A visitor commented on how wonderful it was to see children being introduced to modern and contemporary art at such an early age. A tourist from Japan spoke passionately about the importance of helping young people develop a different way of looking at the world in an age increasingly dominated by screens and digital distractions. What struck me most wasn't the praise itself, but the reminder that children often approach art with an openness many adults have forgotten. They aren't worried about whether they're "getting it right." They don't need an explanation before allowing themselves to respond. They simply look, notice, wonder, and engage. The experience echoed something I've been thinking about in the studio. Lately, I've been teaching children, teens, and adults to paint the base layers first—to fill in the air before all the objects that initially catch our attention begin to occupy the space. It's a much harder task than it sounds: stripping things down to their essence, establishing the main values, and letting go of the details we love in the hope that they will return later with even greater prominence. Looking at the work of Helen Frankenthaler and learning about the artists who followed her lead into Color Field painting has been eye-opening. At the museum, I was particularly fascinated by Amy Sillman, who would sketch people in their surroundings and then return to the studio to paint the scenes from memory. In the process, she would abstract away the particulars, distilling what she had seen into its essential forms. A person might eventually become a shape as simple as the letter "L." What remained wasn't a faithful record of reality, but the memory of an experience—the feeling of having been there. Kandinsky began that shift by reducing the world to shapes, color, and emotion. Color Field painters took it a step further. They stripped away the embroidery and exposed the raw walls beneath. What's left is presence itself: large expanses of color meeting one another, creating a response that bypasses logic and speaks directly to emotion. The more I learn about abstraction, the more I wonder whether children understand it better than adults. Adults often stand in front of an abstract painting searching for answers. What is it supposed to be? What does it mean? Why did the artist leave so much out? Children tend to accept things more readily. A shape can simply be a shape. A color can evoke a feeling. A memory can be more important than a perfectly rendered object. Perhaps that's why Picasso said, "It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child." The quote used to puzzle me. The older I get, the more I understand it. Children have a remarkable ability to see what matters without feeling compelled to explain it. They trust their intuition. They respond before they analyze. And maybe that's exactly what so many abstract artists were trying to return to—not less sophistication, but a more direct way of seeing. At the Plein-Air Art Academy, our art classes, museum visits, and summer art camps in Brookline combine art history, creative thinking, and hands-on studio practice to help children build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong relationship with creativity.

The other day an adult student shared she got to a point in the session where she didn't need to copy what was in front of her, but rather she could trust her gut to complete the painting in the way it needed to develop. She saw that she intuitively wanted a different mood, a set of imagined details, a version that differed from outer reality but felt more aligned with her inner world. That's where my struggle lies every single time. Fighting my adherence to rules and perfection versus giving myself permission to imagine and trust my instincts. It's the discomfort in between that is so painful—the space where I see my mistakes, and instead of letting shame take over, I climb over the fence and arrive at freedom to go in a different direction. What does it take to trust your instincts? Sometimes it requires erasing a number of completed steps that went awry. Stepping away to let things settle. Coming back another day with renewed energy and a fresh perspective. Releasing the end result and trusting your intuition are perhaps the most important and most difficult lessons in artmaking because they ask you to relinquish the crutches of certainty. The expected rules of engagement. The comfort of reproducing what already exists. And yet, this is where the real work begins. At our studio, we often talk about creativity as more than learning techniques or producing beautiful artwork. Creativity is a way of paying attention to yourself. A way of building trust in your own voice. A way of staying present with uncertainty long enough to discover something unexpected. The painting becomes a mirror. The willingness to alter course, make mistakes, and imagine a different possibility on the canvas is often the same skill we need in life. Whether we're navigating change, recovering from burnout, or simply trying to understand ourselves better, growth rarely happens by following a perfectly prescribed path. It happens when we're willing to listen to what is emerging. Perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts of the creative process: not the finished painting, but the confidence that comes from realizing we can trust ourselves to find the next step. Interested in experiencing this process yourself? Join us for an upcoming class, workshop, or retreat, and discover how creativity can help you reconnect with your intuition, build resilience, and find freedom beyond perfection.

I have a friend who takes four showers a day just to get a different perspective on whatever challenge he’s facing. I’ve always loved that idea because painting creates a very similar effect for me. When I paint, the brain becomes so occupied with color, composition, movement, and problem-solving that something else begins to loosen in the background. Thoughts shift. Problems reorganize themselves. Solutions appear from angles I couldn’t access before. I was reminded of this at a conference for women in law last week, where one of the main themes discussed was how difficult it can be to think outside the box. But honestly, I think this challenge exists in every industry. We become so conditioned to follow systems, routines, and predictable ways of solving problems that we forget how important it is to leave room for uncertainty and discovery. That’s one of the greatest lessons artmaking offers. Whether through painting classes, creative workshops, or simply spending time around art, the process teaches us to trust the unknown long enough for new ideas to emerge. Even while working on a painting, I’ll often focus intensely on one section only to suddenly realize the solution to an entirely different part of the canvas. The eye wanders. The mind connects things unexpectedly. And somewhere in that process, new insights begin to surface. Many of the reflections I later share in newsletters, social media, corporate art workshops, and keynote talks begin exactly this way: while painting in the studio, allowing the mind enough freedom to wander beyond its usual patterns. If you’re looking for art classes in Brookline, painting classes in Boston, or creative workshops that encourage curiosity and fresh thinking, come visit our gallery and studio space. We have a wide range of summer camps, adult art classes, youth programs, and fall workshops designed to help people reconnect with creativity and step outside their daily routines. Come see the stunning artwork currently on the walls, explore upcoming programming, and experience firsthand how artmaking can shift perspective in unexpected ways.