Support the Art, Inspire the Heart.
A charity recognising and advancing expressive talents of EAFA students.
Help Us Give Every Artist the Chance to Flourish
Founded in 2017, Friends of Edinburgh Atelier is a charity dedicated to supporting the students of Edinburgh Atelier of Fine Art and helping to preserve and promote the tradition of classical atelier art.
We believe that talent should never be limited by circumstance. No aspiring artist should be prevented from developing their skills because of financial, social, or geographical disadvantage.
With your support, we can help make high-quality artistic education accessible to more people and give talented students the opportunity to learn, grow, and fulfil their potential.
Your Support Makes a Difference
Provide essential resources
Your donation helps provide excellent facilities, equipment, educational materials, and learning opportunities that might otherwise be beyond students' reach.
Open doors through financial assistance
We raise funds for scholarships and financial support, enabling students who might otherwise be excluded to take part in the Atelier's programmes and develop their artistic abilities.
Champion classical art and culture
We work to raise awareness of classical atelier art, encourage the highest standards of artistic training, nurture emerging talent, and contribute to Scotland's wider cultural life.
Help Us Keep Art Education Open to All
By supporting Friends of Edinburgh Atelier, you are investing in artists and in the future of classical art. Every contribution, large or small, can help remove barriers and give a talented student the chance to develop their skills and find their artistic voice.Please support our work today and help us ensure that talent—not circumstance—determines who gets the opportunity to become an artist.
Friends of Edinburgh Atelier is a registered Scottish charity (charity number SC047547).
Meet Our Trustees
Snezhana Ionova
Treasurer
Snez is a practising artist and illustrator with an art school background in Russia. She has exhibited her work, illustrated children’s books, and brings extensive non-profit experience, including organising competitions for secondary school students. She joined Edinburgh Atelier of Fine Art as a student in 2024 and now manages Friends of Edinburgh Atelier. Having experienced atelier education firsthand, she is passionate about preserving the knowledge and craftsmanship of the Old Masters and making traditional art education accessible to all.
Amanda Khachaturian
President
Amanda has worked in both the private and public sectors, including as a graphic designer at Linklaters in London and later in the public sector in Edinburgh.
A former student of Edinburgh Atelier of Fine Art, she became a Trustee of Friends of Edinburgh Atelier because she strongly believes in preserving the tradition of classical drawing and painting. She brings her experience in graphic design and communications to raise the profile of the atelier, support its fundraising and reach new audiences.
"I hope to play a part in preserving this tradition for future generations"
Lea Vaughn
Secretary
Originally from the Washington DC area, Lea has lived in Scotland for 20 years, always maintaining a keen interest in art. Involved with EAFA from the early days, Lea has watched it grow from strength to strength. She now wears two hats as the Atelier Manager and Senior Instructor. Lea passionately believes that anyone with a desire to learn should be able to have access to atelier standard training.
“I love coming to work and being privileged enough to work with such talented individuals”.
