School Administration + Instructors

CAROL CANNON

  • Lead Instructor
  • Interim Licensed School Director #162-2231
  • Licensed Private School Agent #162-3317
  • Licensed Decorative Painting Instructor #6249-7863

Carol is a professional fine artist and writer with over 25 years of international contract work in decorative painting and restoration. She holds a Masters in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, as well as a degree in Illustration from The School of Visual Arts and a degree in Creative Arts Therapy from The New School. Carol spent six years as the Interior Renovator for The Frick Collection, where she completed comprehensive restoration work throughout the Collection and Library buildings. In her fine art practice, Carol combines big ­brush painting with an awareness of The Five Elements. She is also an active legacy builder for an artist’s estate.

 

EDWARD FARRELL

  • Executive Director
  • Licensed Private School Agent #162-4347
  • Licensed Decorative Painting Instructor #15419-9847 

A degree in studio art from Brown University launched Ed’s 30­ year career in the decorative arts, including an artistic & architectural assistantship to renowned artist Richard Haas and 20 years as a master artisan at The Alpha Workshops. His distinguished designs and decorative work grace cultural institutions, restaurants, residences, hotels, educational facilities, and licensed products. After two decades at Alpha as a decorative instructor and master artisan, Ed now guides The Alpha Workshops as its senior executive. A talented singer, musician, and culinary enthusiast, Ed also studies opera and cooking.

RICHARD MONTOYA

  • Instructor, Introduction to the Decorative Arts
  • Licensed Decorative Painting Instructor #14539-10884 

ERIK SAVAGE

  • Wallpaper Production Manager | Adjunct Instructor
  • Licensed Decorative Painting Instructor #9791-10540

 

RUSSELL VAN PETERSON

  • Creative Team Director | Adjunct Instructor
  • Licensed Decorative Painting Instructor #10129-9919

A distinguished member of Alpha’s management team since 1996, Russell oversees site-­specific installations, custom art commissions, and surface finish development in the Alpha Studios. His AWSS class offerings include mural composition & execution, historic faux finishes, and advanced Venetian plasterwork. During his tenure at Fiorucci as Assistant Art and Display Director, Russell created original murals, silk­screened displays, and hand painted store windows. Three decades’ experience as a freelance decorative artist for residential and commercial clients also included professional work for General Patina and Morningstar Studios, a custom wallpaper studio. Russell holds degrees in Fine Art from both Westminster College and The University of Utah and explores conceptual tensions surrounding lifecycle processes through mixed ­media pieces.