Galina Shishkin earned degrees in Theatre from Orenburg Region State College and Moscow State Academy of Culture. Her work experience as educator includes positions with the Department of Culture and Academy of Sciences of Russia, where she was engaged in the formation and coordination of professional development programs. Since 1996, Gala has worked as a teaching artist with Marquis Studios. Her puppetry residencies in New York City schools end with a students’ puppet show, which is exciting for the children, their parents, and teachers. Gala also teaches book and mask-making. Every school year she teaches art residencies in all five

boroughs and mantains very strong relationships with a number of public schools. With Marquis Studios, Gala created and successfully implemented Shadow Puppetry and Pop-Up Book art programs for Accelerated Schools in Staten Island. She has received critical recognition and awards for her artistic works. Gala loves working with students and strongly believes that art builds children’s self confidence and can do miracles.