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Mosig Dermovsesian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to Hilda and John Dermovsesian—a homemaker and a sculptor, respectively. During the Lebanese Civil War, his family fled to the United States in 1976 to escape persecution.

As a child in Lebanon, Mosig vividly recalls watching his father at work, chiseling away at marble to create stunning sculptures. The rhythmic strike of the hammer against the chisel, gradually revealing form from stone, left a lasting impression on him. This early exposure to art and craftsmanship sparked a deep and lasting passion.

After relocating to the United States, Mosig immersed himself in music and art. Though his father hoped he would pursue a more traditional profession—such as medicine or architecture—Mosig chose to follow his creative calling, inspired by his father’s artistic legacy.

He began his formal art education at several fine art institutions in Southern California, including Woodbury University, Platt College of Design, and Pasadena City College. He also studied privately for several years with the prominent Armenian artist Hovhaness Zomian.

With over 28 years of experience teaching art to students from Pre-K through college—as well as to adults and seniors—Mosig has become a dedicated educator and mentor. His contributions to the community include:

• Painting murals for Don Benito Fundamental School in Pasadena, California

• Volunteering at the Wellness Center in Pasadena, working with cancer survivors

• Creating murals throughout Pasadena, including a notable 8-by-60-foot mural for Douglas Auto Body that depicts life in Pasadena during the 1920s and '30s, featuring iconic local landmarks

• Teaching after-school fine art enrichment programs across Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley

• Serving as Art Director at St. Gregory Hovsepian School

• Teaching at the C.S. Club

• Conducting free community art classes at the Hastings Ranch Library

• Donating original paintings to support the Wounded Warriors charity through the Pomona Rotary Club

• Collaborating with producer and director Dan Perri to create a film poster for Sharkskin

• Hosting the television show Artist’s Life with Mosig, where he shares stories and insights from the world of art

In addition to his educational and community work, Mosig has created portraits for numerous celebrities, including: 

Kobe Bryant, Brad Garrett, Jesse Ferguson, Corbin Bleu, Janet Jackson, Chauncey Billups, Nathan Kress, Jerry Buss, Rebecca Romijn, Angus T. Jones, Richard Kind, Lizette Salas, Beverly D’Angelo, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Kristen Bell, Hunter Parrish, John Capodice, Joshua Bell, Andrea Bocelli, and Tristan Thompson.

All of these portraits have been personally autographed by the celebrities themselves.

Talitha Dermovsesian is an artist and art instructor with a strong foundation in both studio practice and art education. She completed high school and earned her A.A. Degree from Pasadena City College concurrently, graduating in 2020 at the age of 18 with academic honors, including placement on the Honors Roll, Dean’s List, and President’s List. She later received her Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Arts from Cal State Los Angeles, graduating Summa Cum Laude at the age of 20.

Talitha’s connection to The Art Studio began at the age of three, when she first started taking classes there. Over time, she became an understudy to Mosig Dermovsesian, the studio’s founder, learning not only artistic technique but also how to teach and support students of all ages. Her experience as both a student and an assistant helped shape her thoughtful and student-centered approach to teaching.

As an instructor, Talitha focuses on building trust with her students and creating a space where they feel comfortable to explore and express themselves. She often shares simple stories or examples from her own experience to make lessons more relatable and engaging. Through these small moments of connection, she aims to help students feel more confident in their creative process. Having experienced firsthand how art can positively impact a person’s life, Talitha is committed to offering that same encouragement and opportunity to others.

In addition to her work at The Art Studio, Talitha taught after-school art enrichment classes at Don Benito Fundamental School in Pasadena, California, where she has also painted several murals on campus. She is known for her commissioned pet portraits and landscape paintings, many of which have been created for residents in the Pasadena and Sierra Madre communities. Talitha also designed the official tote bag for the Upper Hastings Ranch Association (UHRA), contributing her artistic skills to support local community events and outreach.