Meet Mher Khachatryan
Director/Founder of Cre8sart
MSA: Tell us a little about yourself. How did you land in the world of education and what has your journey entailed?
Mher: I am Mher Khachatryan, also known as “The Smoke Artist, https://www.thesmokeartist.com,” a professional painter whose work blends realism with the delicate, ephemeral nature of smoke to explore themes of life, unity, and the human spirit. Born in Armenia and trained in fine arts, I brought my passion for creative expression to the United States, where I have exhibited in museums, galleries, and international art fairs.
In 2012, I founded Cre8sart School with a mission to make quality art education accessible to all ages and skill levels. What began as a single classroom has grown into a vibrant learning community that nurtures not only artistic skills but also confidence, creativity, and critical thinking. Our programs span from early childhood art exploration to AP Art & Design and college portfolio preparation, providing students with both the technical mastery and the personal voice to thrive.
Art changed my life, and I believe it can transform others. The journey to Middle States Association accreditation reflects our deep commitment to educational excellence, continuous growth, and leaving a lasting impact on our students and community.
MSA: Thanks for sharing that with us. What were important early influences that shaped who you are as a teacher / leader ?
Mher: I am motivated by the transformation I witness in my students, the moment a child’s eyes light up when they realize their potential, the pride a teenager feels when their portfolio earns them acceptance into a dream school, or the joy an adult rediscovers through creating. To me education is more than skill-building; it is empowerment, confidence, and connection. As an artist, I share my craft; as an educator, I share the belief that creativity can change the trajectory of a life.
MSA: Describe a specific change project you have been a part of. What were the main obstacles? How did you overcome them?
Mher: One of the most significant ongoing projects at Cre8sart School has been the continuous development and refinement of our curriculum. From our early childhood art classes to advanced portfolio preparation, we’ve worked to ensure that every program meets high educational standards while remaining engaging, flexible, and true to our creative philosophy.
The main challenge has been balancing structure with individuality, creating lesson plans that provide a strong foundation while allowing each student to explore their own artistic voice. Another challenge has been adapting our curriculum to new trends, technologies, and community needs without losing the hands-on, personal approach that defines us.
We overcame these challenges through ongoing teacher training, regular curriculum reviews, feedback from students and parents, and integration of both traditional and digital art practices. This process has kept Cre8sart dynamic and relevant, ensuring our students receive not just art instruction, but a transformative, future-ready education.
MSA: What author / book / podcast has played an important role in your development? What are 1-2 valuable nuggets of wisdom you have gleaned?
Mher: Wayne Dyer’s teachings and the timeless wisdom of the Stoic philosophers have been instrumental in shaping both my personal life and my work as an artist and educator. Dyer’s focus on self-reliance, kindness, and living with purpose reminds me daily that our influence extends far beyond the classroom or studio. The Stoics, with their emphasis on resilience, perspective, and the value of virtue, help me remain grounded and focused on what truly matters, human values, empathy, and integrity.
These philosophies affirm my belief that art has no nationality, language, or borders. It is a universal form of connection that can bridge differences and speak directly to the human spirit. Whether in my own paintings or in guiding my students, I strive to create and teach in a way that honors this truth: creativity is a shared human language that can unite us all.
I also want add that everything starts in our imagination, everything we see is the result of someone's imagination. "The Imagination is the Brush with which we create our reality"
MSA: What is a critical topic / question in education that everyone will have to attend to in the future?
Mher: A critical topic is preparing students for a world where creativity, adaptability, and cultural understanding are as essential as technical knowledge. As AI and technology reshape industries, the ability to think creatively, communicate visually, and connect across cultures will be vital. Education must evolve to nurture these skills, ensuring students can thrive not only in the careers of today but in those yet to be imagined.
Unfortunately, many still do not see art as equally important as other subjects, and there is a common belief that being an artist means struggling to make a living. I want to challenge that narrative. When you pursue something you are passionate about, whether it’s art or any other field, you gain not only the most important things in life, joy and fulfillment, but also the ability to build prosperity. Passion fuels perseverance, and perseverance creates opportunity.
AI can write quickly and clearly, but in today’s world nothing can replace human creativity, imagination, and the emotions we experience. That is the true power, the uniquely human ability to create meaning, evoke feeling, and inspire connection. Art embodies that power, and it is our responsibility as educators to nurture it. Art has no language and no race; it connects hearts and brings peace.
MSA: Thank you for sharing your change story with us Mher!
Contact: max@cre8sart.com
