In a city like Tehran recently filled with constant chaos, unrest, set-backs, and stalemate situations; where you are often conscious about how you act or what you do; where you are told what to wear in public; and where you are constantly facing obstacles in your creative path to reach your ultimate desired artwork; there is a haven — a cool little place where you can be truly yourself and truly creative. There is no prejudice, judgment, religious beliefs, and taboos! Studio “Atolieh”in Tehran.

I can say that this is my favorite art workshop to go to and I stay there all day long. It was founded by a married Persian couple ten years ago (Seroj Barseghian and Mitra Ahmadi). Seroj is a professional, self effacing painter and Mitra is a skilled sculptor and ceramics expert. They hold classes for students at all ages and all levels of experience in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, sculptor, pottery, ceramics, and calligraphy.

Professional artists and advanced students also come to the workshop to learn new techniques. The instructors also help students to exhibit their artworks in various art galleries.

The whole environment including the music, the interactions between the students and the instructors, the art-related chit chat and sometimes not really art-related ones, all of them help you to jump right into a creative mood and grab a pencil and start drawing or even reach out to a piece of clay and start making beautiful things. The art studio is devoted to nourishing creativity and the appreciation of visual arts. It fills everyone with good vibes, and that’s exactly what Persian people seek. They need a place to express themselves!