Lauren Mandal is an eccentric and quirky artist with whimsical charm who captivates children's wonder and heightens their imagination by creating colorful environments and process based art experiences.

I believe art education is not the end product, but the habit of mind formed in the art environment. Problem solving and process of abstract intelligent exploration learned through art is tangible to every student.

A public and private school art teacher with over 20 years of experience, I have witnessed children as young as three years old have fears and insecurities in creating art. It drove me to create a space for people of all ages to be able to enjoy the process of art making without any judgements. That’s why Yellow Door Art Studio was created.

Ray Mandal is a classically trained painter, air brush artist, and the true definition of an artist! He is our go-to artist for realism murals. His most valuable role at Yellow Door is being Lauren’s partner in business & life.

Ray is constantly pushing the boundaries in his personal artwork and experimenting with new mediums. His realism work can also been seen in his tattoo work.

Ray is the owner of Light House Tattoo Parlor in Tenafly, NJ. https://www.lighthousetattoonj.com/

Kristina is our top playground painter. She is meticulous, creative and a free spirit. Having used art to overcome many of life’s obstacles, she is passionate about the positive effects that art and expression have on people, especially young growing minds. She is looking forward to transforming playgrounds to empower children and to spark imagination and wonder for all. Lauren and Kristina met painting signs together at Trader Joe’s many moons ago and never lost touch. We love having Kristina around to bring to life Lauren’s spontaneous ideas.

We are so excited for the very talented, award-winning Washington 'Tonton' Young to join the Yellow Door team! Washington is the most patient, kind human and perfect to teach young cartoonists who want to develop their craft. Washington has been a working cartoonist since 1983. He has compiled 11 comic books entitled "Pugung" exhibited in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. He currently teaches in the Dwight Englewood School Art program and is looking forward to creating with your artists!