Aurora (SW), Colorado

Jason Letman

Jason is an experienced real estate appraiser who teaches at Kaplan Professional Schools. He has authored several classes and is active in advancing professional education in local real estate organizations.

Away from the world of appraisals, Jason enjoys the world of art. While he doesn’t consider himself an artist, he likes visiting the galleries of his favorite artists. Jason dabbles in drawing cartoon animals to entertain his son. He was excited when he learned about Children’s Art Classes and the curriculum that helps people of all ages become artists and express themselves. Not only is this an opportunity to expand his love of education, but to help people learn artistic skills. 

Jason is a Denver native and graduate of Cherry Creek High School, CU Boulder (B.A. in Economics), and the University of Denver (Masters in Real Estate and Construction Management). Over the past three decades, his work in real estate includes serving clients from Fortune 500 companies to service stations (and industries in between) in property tax consultation and commercial appraisals.

Thad McCauley

Thad McCauley is an experienced art educator and working artist with more than 25 years of teaching in Aurora, Colorado. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Curriculum Design from Lesley University and dual Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Education and Fine Art from Colorado State University. Thad’s artwork has been exhibited across Colorado, around the country, and even in outer space, when one of his pieces was featured aboard the International Space Station as part of the International Space Art and Poetry contest.

Recognized as Teacher of the Year twice and honored by the Colorado Art Education Association as Middle School Teacher of the Year, Thad has inspired students through hands-on projects ranging from murals to skateboards. He believes art is a way for students to connect with their community, express their ideas, and learn to see the world in new ways. At Children’s Art Classes Aurora, Thad is excited to share his love of creative exploration and to help every child discover confidence and joy through art.

Karen Vinger

Karen Vinger brings a wide range of experience as both an art teacher and artist. Currently an elementary art teacher in the Douglas County School District, she has taught art classes for almost 30 years in public, private, and Montessori schools, as well as after school classes and workshops for all ages, including those with disabilities. As an artist, she has created and sold hundreds of unique original art pieces throughout the country in museums, galleries, art shows, and retail stores in mediums such as stained glass, jewelry, handmade paper, and mixed media.

Ms. Vinger began taking weekly after school art classes at age eight, progressing from acrylic to oil painting over ten years. During this time, she discovered how much children’s art classes create a sense of well being, purpose, confidence, and peace. From there, she went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in art and has never looked back. It has been her life passion to inspire young artists and help them develop a lifelong confidence in creating art in their own unique style. She can’t wait to nurture students at Children’s Art Classes in expressing themselves through art!