Marika Robak, Lead Teaching ArtistMarika Robak was born in Harris, N.Y., and received her M.F.A. from Pratt Institute, and her B.A. from Fordham University.  Her photographic practice investigates the “man-altered landscape” and candid imagery characteristic of street and documentary photography.  She enjoys exploring the possibilities offered by photographic formats ranging from digital to film to historical processes, such as wet plate, cyanotypes, and Risography.  Marika has enjoyed teaching aspiring artists of all ages for over a decade, and hopes to never stop. She has taught digital photography for over a decade at PhotoUno Photography School in Manhattan, and taught studio and digital art at One River School of Art and Design for many years. Marika joined the teaching artist cohort at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in 2023—working with Museum Education and Creative Programs in many capacities—before taking on a full-time role as lead educator in visual arts at the Academy at Bethel Woods in 2025.

Kandace Gittleman, Assistant Teaching ArtistKandace Gittleman is an experienced designer and photographer possessing both the creative and technical skills to create beautiful landscape and portrait photography. She began early on with film, developing 35mm negatives and dark room printing and progressed into digital artistry staying current on the latest equipment, software and trends. Kandace is Proficient in Adobe Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop and Apple iPhoto. She is also the founder of successful interior design firm and  currently residing in Sullivan County. Kandace has co-led photography programs for both teens and adults at Bethel Woods and is looking forward to meeting a new class of adult learners this spring. 

This is a 6-week course, meeting on Mondays from April 27 to June 22 (no class on 5/25). Classes are 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

No, digital cameras are available to use, or bring your own. All you need is curiosity and a sense of adventure!