Our Team
Chalipa the Centre of Art and Culture is pleased to be working with a professional team of Artists and instructors. Our instructors are a great team of Persian Calligraphers, Designers, and Tazhib Artists in Toronto with a strong experience in teaching and great academic background.
Our instructors are deeply dedicated to Chalipa’s unique environment to support their passionate students. For continuous growth, we implement monthly, seasonal, and yearly in-house and outsourcing workshops.
Farhad Vatandoost
With 25 years of teaching experience, Farhad Vatandoost is a Persian Calligraphy artist and instructor. Since graduating from the Persian Calligrapher's Association of Iran, he has participated in and attended several national and international group exhibitions in Iran, Dubai, and Canada. Farhad is also a co-founder of Chalipa the Centre of Art and Culture, a non-profit organization focused on promoting Persian art and culture through calligraphy and other book-making Arts.
Laleh Rasaee
A certified Persian calligrapher, instructor, and Senior Creative Lead, Laleh Rasaee has been teaching for 22 years. She has participated in numerous international solo and group exhibitions in Iran, France, and Canada. She has been conducting the Persian Calligrapher's Association of Toronto since 2011 and is a co-founder of Chalipa the Centre of Art and Culture, a non-profit organization focused on promoting Persian art and culture through Persian calligraphy and other Book-making Arts.
Saeed Dor Mohamadi
A passionate calligrapher, instructor, and creative artist, Saeid Daramohammadi has developed a unique approach to calligraphy, blending freedom, creativity, and emotional expression. He has created his own distinct script style, drawing inspiration from the fluidity of movement and the beauty of unrestrained creativity. Saeid's work is defined by his commitment to breaking traditional boundaries, embracing artistic freedom, and allowing the pen to dance as a reflection of the soul. Through his calligraphy, he transforms letters into compositions that evoke emotion and tranquility, creating a deep, timeless connection between artist and audience.
Mahnaz Pirooz Far
Mahnaz Piroozfar, a Toronto-based master of Persian artistry, blends tradition with innovation through her fantastical imagery and contemporary interpretations of historical symbolism. With over 40 years of experience, Mahnaz has studied under renowned Persian artists such as Mahmoud Farshchian and Madjid Mehregan.
Her work has been recognized in numerous exhibitions, including Persian Painting biennials in Iran, and she has earned accolades such as placing second at the Woman’s Day Festival.
Active in international art communities, Mahnaz continues to exhibit her work in North America and is a member of organizations such as the Iranian/Canadian Visual Artists and the Art Gallery of Ontario.