Aliza Cohen, Art Mentor

As a high school art teacher for 7 years, Aliza brings a deep understanding of how to build a strong art portfolio to the Blue Stars team. She also brings an intimate knowledge of the contemporary art world as a practicing artist.

Aliza grew up in the Bay Area and earned her BA in Painting from UC Santa Cruz. She went on to pursue an MFA in Painting at Boston University where she studied with British painter John Walker. She began her career as an artist and educator in the Boston Area.

Aliza has taught AP Studio Art for several years and has developed a strong understanding of the qualities of a successful portfolio. She has coached many students through building cohesive portfolios in preparation for admission to top art college and pre-college programs.

In her own career as a visual artist and painter, Aliza has exhibited her work across the US, and is currently represented by Uprise Art in New York City and the SFMOMA Artists Gallery. She has been invited as an artist in residence to the Vermont Studio Center, Jentel Foundation, Kala Art Institute and Object Limited. She lives in the East Bay with her partner, two children, and dog Juno.