About
Sofia Art Academy of Miami offers kids art classes that include classical drawing, classical painting, colorful stylized composition, cast drawing and cast painting, as well as drawing and painting from still lifes and live models. The program also offers anime and manga classes, an art portfolio program, art camps in Miami, and adult art, drawing, and painting classes at the Sofia Art Academy of Miami studio.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Friday in the late afternoon and on Sundays midday
Sofia Art Academy was founded in 1993 by Dr. Sofia Khunteyev and her son Igor Khunteyev, MFA, in Dallas, Texas, with a branch in Miami, Florida, since 2012. Teachers at Sofia Art Academy of Miami hold the highest art degree. The academy describes its mission as using the tradition of the old European art atelier, with classically trained master-artists applying the academy’s own version of this historical methodology, aiming for a soul-satisfying level of classical performance and supporting students in achieving their individual potential in artistic expression. The school notes that it has been teaching classical art since 1993 and describes itself as the first traditional classical private art school in the USA with a program that provides a strong foundation for art students. Its main program follows a four-level structure with systematic progression, where students must complete each task to the instructor’s satisfaction before moving on, with a strong emphasis on accurate observation and construction of proportion, shape, tonal value, and color, and a system referred to as “academic training with systematic progression” or “systematic teaching and learning.” Instruction is tailored based on age, skill level, and personal ability, with each student viewed as a unique individual, and the approach is based on the framework of European art ateliers where students work side by side with accomplished masters. The Art Portfolio Program guides aspiring artists in creating portfolios for magnet schools and art colleges, and Sofia Art Academy is described as well recognized within best college circles as a provider of students highly trained in classical style. The academy also notes flexible scheduling options for both kids and adults and describes its community as vibrant, supportive, and encouraging.
One parent, Anetta Odessa, describes starting at Sofia Art Academy of Miami to realize a long-held dream on canvas and notes the atmosphere of creativity and inspiration in the studio, the opportunity to work with acrylic paints, pencils, and watercolors, and what she saw as tremendous progress in her skills after a few months of training under director and teacher Igor. Another parent, Ksenia Kogan, states that the studio gives kids fundamental knowledge of art, teaches classic approaches and numerous drawing techniques, and emphasizes that teachers hold the highest art degree and educate kids to draw rather than copy drawings. Other parents, including Marina Kunina, Juan Serna, Elina Rogers, and Claudia, describe it as a great place for kids and adults with a warm atmosphere and caring teachers, and note that their children enjoy classes and that their artwork improves week after week. A parent posting as 8125 Crespi reports that their daughter worked with Mr. Igor on an accelerated schedule in the Art Portfolio Program and was accepted to both DASH and NWSA after completing her portfolio.
Last updated July 17, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Friday in the late afternoon and on Sundays midday
Sofia Art Academy was founded in 1993 by Dr. Sofia Khunteyev and her son Igor Khunteyev, MFA, in Dallas, Texas, with a branch in Miami, Florida, since 2012. Teachers at Sofia Art Academy of Miami hold the highest art degree. The academy describes its mission as using the tradition of the old European art atelier, with classically trained master-artists applying the academy’s own version of this historical methodology, aiming for a soul-satisfying level of classical performance and supporting students in achieving their individual potential in artistic expression. The school notes that it has been teaching classical art since 1993 and describes itself as the first traditional classical private art school in the USA with a program that provides a strong foundation for art students. Its main program follows a four-level structure with systematic progression, where students must complete each task to the instructor’s satisfaction before moving on, with a strong emphasis on accurate observation and construction of proportion, shape, tonal value, and color, and a system referred to as “academic training with systematic progression” or “systematic teaching and learning.” Instruction is tailored based on age, skill level, and personal ability, with each student viewed as a unique individual, and the approach is based on the framework of European art ateliers where students work side by side with accomplished masters. The Art Portfolio Program guides aspiring artists in creating portfolios for magnet schools and art colleges, and Sofia Art Academy is described as well recognized within best college circles as a provider of students highly trained in classical style. The academy also notes flexible scheduling options for both kids and adults and describes its community as vibrant, supportive, and encouraging.
One parent, Anetta Odessa, describes starting at Sofia Art Academy of Miami to realize a long-held dream on canvas and notes the atmosphere of creativity and inspiration in the studio, the opportunity to work with acrylic paints, pencils, and watercolors, and what she saw as tremendous progress in her skills after a few months of training under director and teacher Igor. Another parent, Ksenia Kogan, states that the studio gives kids fundamental knowledge of art, teaches classic approaches and numerous drawing techniques, and emphasizes that teachers hold the highest art degree and educate kids to draw rather than copy drawings. Other parents, including Marina Kunina, Juan Serna, Elina Rogers, and Claudia, describe it as a great place for kids and adults with a warm atmosphere and caring teachers, and note that their children enjoy classes and that their artwork improves week after week. A parent posting as 8125 Crespi reports that their daughter worked with Mr. Igor on an accelerated schedule in the Art Portfolio Program and was accepted to both DASH and NWSA after completing her portfolio.
Last updated July 17, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.