About Us
What We Do
After teaching art, theater, and Spanish to K-8 graders and adults for more than 20 years, Joana Pratt López opened Art for Life in Buford in 2017-- only a mile from the Mall of Georgia. We’re happy to have a place to help you bring art into your life.
Our art studio is designed to help teach beginners in painting, drawing, or sculpture, as well as budding artists. No previous artistic experience is required to participate in our parties or classes!
Children love our after school program, which offer opportunities to unleash their inner artist and, in certain classes, to learn Spanish, as well.
Our camps--which we offer during Winter, Spring and Summer breaks--are a blast! Adults can also learn with us in our workshops, where you can work with paint and canvas or work with cardboard, and our corporate and team building events are a great opportunity for business owners to bring their employees together to work on something creative and fun.
Every weekend we offer Artsy Parties, or "Paint 'n' Sip" events, and once a month we also offer a chance to Paint Your Pet! Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, and we provide all art materials as well as plates, cups, ice and bottle openers. If you're interested in throwing your own Private Artsy Party, whether in the studio or offsite, we would be happy to help you celebrate a birthday, a new job, an anniversary or new engagement with a group of your friends and loved ones. You can find an array of possible projects in our online gallery or come to us with an idea from your own imagination.
We can guarantee that if you walk through the doors of Art for Life, you will have fun while creating — and enrich your life with art!
Who We Are
Joana Pratt-Lopez
Owner & Artist/Teacher
Joana's art career began in Colombia, her birthplace, which led to her starting various companies – including one that used puppets for telling folktales in schools, and another that made Mardi Gras-style floats for the annual feria – a Mardi Gras-style event in her home city of Cali – and furniture, with a technique she developed using recycled cardboard.
Since arriving in the US in 2001, Joana has continued her love for teaching and art, working in many Montessori schools, directing a nonprofit program for youth at risk, and using Lango, a curriculum teaching foreign languages to children through stories, music, and theater. The adventure continues today at Art for Life in Buford, a family-owned studio which she operates with the support of her family!.
In addition to Artsy Party "paint n' sip" events and after-school programs, Joana also teaches a wide array of multimedia art courses, including papier-mache workshops, wine glass painting, and prop-making. Art for Life is also the only bilingual (Spanish-English) art studio in Gwinnett County, as well as offers art programs for children with behavioral and learning disabilities.
Virginia Lago
Virginia is a professional oil painter/ teacher who specializes in creating Pet Portraits and Still-Life paintings.
Virginia, Lago is an experienced industrial designer and artist with over 30 years of teaching experience. Virginia specializes in animal art and her work can be found on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube under Virginia Lago Art.
With Virginia, "you will learn to make artistic decisions and add your style and handwriting!".
Jae Montano
Certified Bob Ross oil Instructor®
With a serious passion for painting, Jae specializes in landscape and floral oil paintings, utilizing Bob Ross's painting techniques.
Jae believes painting has the power to make you happy and she loves sharing that experience with others. What Jae loves the most about teaching is showing people that anyone can paint while having a fun and enjoyable experience! Her technique is all about making you feel at ease and confident with your brushstrokes. Remember, there are no mistakes, only happy accidents!
This wet-on-wet oil painting is for all beginners. There is no need for drawing. You just need a canvas then you’re ready to create your world. Every time you paint will find success!
Jae is now the only certified instructor through Bob Ross Inc. in this area of Gwinnett Co. and Art for Life in Buford is excited to have her join us!
Delanie Mason
Ilustrator and a Mixed Media Artist/Teacher
Delanie Mason is an artist based in Atlanta, GA, who holds a BFA in Illustration from Kennesaw State University, graduating in 2022. Her artistic practice encompasses various media, including painting, drawing, comics, and ceramics. Since graduating, Delanie has focused on creating her line of intricate and visually stimulating coloring books.
Delanie's passion for the arts also drives her to inspire the next generation of creators. With experience teaching a diverse range of subjects and age groups, she has worked with organizations such as the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning. Her enthusiasm for teaching stems from her belief that art is a powerful tool for transforming individuals and uniting communities.
Ashton Brajdic
Fashion Design/Cosplay Teacher
Ashton Brajdic is a SCAD graduate with a BFA in Fashion Design and has five years experience working with the brand BCBGMaxAzria. With a lifelong passion for sewing since the age of 8, Ashton combines her fashion expertise with a love for cosplay, which she has been doing since she was 16. She also offers unique insights and skills to aspiring sewers and cosplayers on her youtube channel. Join Ashton in class to learn different sewing techniques and how to bring your favorite characters to life!
In the News
GWINNETT DAILY POST | Holley Calmes | MAY 24, 2024
Buford's 'Art For Life' brings international students together through creativity.
GWINNETT DAILY POST | CHAMIAN CRUZ | NOVEMBER 01, 2020
Sole Latina art studio owner in Gwinnett gets creative after losing 80% of business during pandemic.
GWINNETT DAILY POST | ISABEL HUGHES | OCTOBER 28, 2018