Meet Annie Peters: Artist, Educator, Lifelong Learner

Annie Peters always knew art would be part of her life. As a child, she was constantly drawing, and her parents made sure there were always materials on hand—paper, crayons, markers, paints. But it wasn’t until high school that she realized just how vital art was to her identity.

"I moved to the area when I was about to turn sixteen," she recalls. "There wasn’t time in my schedule for an art class at school, and I was really disappointed." A guidance counselor suggested she look into classes with a local instructor known simply as "Mrs. B."

That instructor was Pat Bereskin.

Through weekly after-school classes with Pat—now known as the Art Academy—Annie found not just an outlet, but a passion. "That’s when I really started investing in it in a serious way," she says. "It gave me a focus I didn’t know I needed."

Now, Annie works alongside her former mentor, teaching in the Art Academy and helping students develop their technical skills and creative voice. But her work at the Figge goes far beyond the Art Academy.

Annie teaches a wide variety of classes through the Figge's Studio School, reaching both children and adults with her enthusiastic, confidence-building approach. From figure drawing and watercolor to pastels and portraiture, her class schedule is as diverse as her interests.

"I have a lot of freedom to explore different media and age groups, which is really a dream for a teacher," she says. "I get to pursue what excites me and try things out based on what students respond to."

A Philosophy Rooted in Confidence and Curiosity

Annie approaches teaching as both a creative practice and a relationship-building tool. "When you teach something, it makes you more aware of your own process," she explains. "Students will ask a question or point something out, and I realize I had just done it automatically. It forces me to slow down and reflect."

She brings that same intentionality to her students, whether they’re seasoned sketchers or first-time painters.

"One of the biggest things I try to do is build confidence. I want students to know they can try something and it doesn’t have to be perfect," she says. "We’re not here for a grade. We’re here to learn."

This philosophy has shaped her teaching across age groups. In summer camps and weekly classes at the Figge, Annie creates space for experimentation and joy.

"With kids, they come in excited, ready to try new things. They surprise me all the time with their ideas. With adults, there’s often a bit of nervousness at first—a lack of confidence that usually started somewhere around middle school. But with just a little support, they realize they can do this. That spark comes back."

She sees that spark as vital. "Art is valuable no matter your age or your goals. Whether you want to go into a creative career or just need a break from your screen, the act of making something with your hands can be meditative, joyful, and really satisfying."

A Space for Everyone

Annie is quick to emphasize that the Figge’s programs aren’t just for the experienced or the elite.

"The Figge is a place for everyone," she says. "Whether you're five or seventy-five, whether you’ve never taken a class or have been making art for decades, there’s something here for you."

Her goal is to keep growing the sense of community that makes art accessible and welcoming. She believes the best learning happens when students feel seen and supported.

"We offer a lot of options because we want people to find what speaks to them. Some students love structure. Others thrive with more freedom. I try to give everyone a framework to start with, and then let them run with it."

Whether she’s helping a child paint their first self-portrait or guiding an adult through a new technique, Annie believes in the value of showing up for creativity.

"Watching someone surprise themselves, seeing that moment of 'I didn’t know I could do this'—that never gets old. It’s why I do what I do."

To learn more about upcoming classes with Annie Peters and other Figge instructors, visit our Classes page.