Meet Ms. Yauheniya Kakhno, a new KDP member, art educator, designer, and founder of the creative design school ConceptART in Batumi, Georgia. Through her work as both a teacher and artist, Ms. Kakhno helps students discover their creativity and develop confidence through art and design.
Ms. Kakhno earned her higher artistic education from the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts, where she built a strong foundation in classical art, composition, and cultural management. Over the years, she has combined traditional art education with modern digital tools to create engaging learning experiences for students of all ages.
Today, at ConceptART, Ms. Kakhno teaches drawing, illustration, digital design, and 3D art to children, teenagers, and adults. Her goal is to help students develop both technical skills and their own creative voice.
Building Creative Communities Through Art
Ms. Kakhno began her career at the Uzda House of Culture in Belarus, where she worked as Head of the Department of Artistic Creativity. In that role, she created and led creative groups for both children and senior citizens. Her work focused on making art education accessible and meaningful for the entire community.
This experience shaped how she views the role of creativity in education.
“It helped me understand the deep emotional and social impact of creative education,” Ms. Kakhno said.
Blending Traditional Art with Digital Design
As creative industries evolved, Ms. Kakhno expanded her skills by studying digital design tools. She completed professional development courses in programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender, and 3D modeling. Learning these tools allowed her to combine classical artistic techniques with modern design technology.
For several years, she also worked as an interior and furniture designer. That experience strengthened her understanding of applied design and aesthetics and gave her a broader perspective on how creativity shapes the spaces people live in.
Teaching as a Calling
Even while working in design, education remained Ms. Kakhno’s true passion. She later joined Redesign School as a lead teacher, where she developed curricula and taught both children and adults about design, visual thinking, and creativity.
Teaching, she says, gives her a strong sense of purpose. “Helping others unlock their imagination and turn artistic potential into real projects gives me a deep sense of meaning,” she said.
Creating ConceptART
After moving with her family to Batumi, Georgia, Ms. Kakhno founded her own design school called ConceptART. The studio has become a creative learning space where students explore drawing, illustration, digital design, and 3D art.
Her teaching approach combines artistic practice, emotional intelligence, and digital innovation. She works to help students find their own creative style and direction.
“My mission is to inspire people to think creatively, develop individuality, and use art as a tool for self-expression and personal growth,” she said.
Finding Community Through KDP
Joining KDP has also been meaningful for Ms. Kakhno. She says the organization reflects many of the values she has always believed in as an educator.
“The American approach to teaching, with its strong focus on creativity, student centered learning, and professional support, has always felt very close to my own philosophy,” she said.
Connecting with other educators has been both motivating and inspiring. “Being surrounded by educators who are passionate and dedicated to their students gives me energy and a strong sense of belonging.”
The Spark That Keeps Her Teaching
For Ms. Kakhno, teaching is driven by the creative energy she shares with her students. “When I start developing a new idea, I light up first. Then my students catch that spark instantly,” she said. “When I see their excitement and curiosity, it fills me with joy.”
She believes the most meaningful moments happen during the creative process. "Watching my students come alive through art and seeing their minds grow and dream is what motivates me every single day.”
Creativity Beyond the Classroom
Outside of teaching, Ms. Kakhno continues to develop her own creative and professional work. She is currently preparing her portfolio for a U.S. extraordinary ability visa while writing academic articles, creating educational materials, and developing new artistic projects.
She also continues to practice her own art through painting and experimentation. Creative work, she says, is one of her main sources of energy.
At home, Ms. Kakhno enjoys spending time with her husband and seven-year-old son. She encourages his imagination and creativity just as she does with her students.
For balance, she loves dancing and spending time with musician friends singing together. These moments, she says, bring joy, connection, and inspiration.
Member Spotlights celebrate KDP members who are making an impact both in and out of the classroom, whether they are currently teaching or preparing to enter the field. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, fill out the form for a chance to be highlighted.