Each of our staff members is a highly qualified instructor and a caring, creative individual for whom art has played a pivotal role in life. At Monart we each come from diverse backgrounds and with different experiences, but we all have been trained and strongly believe in the Monart Method and philosophy and in the importance of the arts in the quality of one's life and in the community.
Diann Hammer, owner
Diann Hammer graduated magnum cum laude from the Washington College of Law at the American University. Following graduation, she practiced in Washington D.C. for over ten years as an attorney serving the needs of clients and children involved in the foster care system in all aspects of family law including abuse and neglect cases and special education litigation. She is a trained mediator and conflict resolution specialist. Her desire to continue to work closely with children in a positive learning environment led her to open the Monart Drawing & Art Studio as a family business.
Neil Hammer, owner/director
Neil Hammer graduated from McDaniel College with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Studio Art and Art History. In 2007, he received his certification from Mona Brooks (founder of the Monart drawing method) as a Master Art Instructor. Since graduation he has worked in the sales and human resources staffing arena while continuing his own development in the arts including drawing, painting and photography. His drive to pursue a career in art and education led him to open the Monart Drawing & Art Studio as a family business.
Mitch Hammer, owner
Mitchell Hammer, Ph.D. is a life-long educator and professor emeritus of International Peace and Conflict Resolution in the School of International Service at the American University in Washington D.C. He is founder of several organizations that focus on intercultural competence development, conflict resolution, and critical incident management and crisis negotiation. His interest in education and art created a unique opportunity to open the Monart Drawing & Art Studio as a family business.