Biography
Shogher Baghdoud-Tilkian was born in the traditional Armenian community of Kessab, Syria. As a young girl, she was always drawing pencil sketches of her hometown. Her happiest moment was when her father gave her an easel and paint for her junior high graduation. Her parents, both teachers, were amazed by her natural artistic talent. They often argued with each other about whose artistic genes Shogher had inherited. She was very creative with the limited resources that were available to her. Charcoal drawings, flower collages, mixed media arrangements… “Where did she get these ideas?” they wondered. All they knew was she could make art out of anything. Shogher’s love of art led to her interest in architecture which she, at age 17, left home to study in Armenia. At the Architectural Institute of Yerevan, Shogher studied Armenian architecture, modern art, and design. In the summers, she worked in the design workshop of the Yerevan Design Institute focusing on Urban Planning. After graduating from the Master’s program with magna cum laude honors in City Planning, Shogher stayed on at the Yerevan Design Institute working both as an instructor and designer of private residences and public buildings.
In the United States, Shogher has been involved in many activities. Besides learning English and computer graphics, Shogher taught Armenian art and architecture in several Armenian schools around Los Angeles. She has developed a unique art form using flower petals to create highly detailed collages of her artistic impressions. Shogher also mastered other art forms like pottery, knitting, and mosaics made from recycled elements which allows her to apply architectural concepts in her creation of three-dimensional expressions. She has also done set and costume design for two Armenian operas for a music society in Glendale, California.
Shogher has participated in numerous art exhibitions organized by both American and Armenian associations and has received many awards and articles published for her artwork such as the Orange County Register, Asbarez, Massis, and The Courier.
Shogher opened ThingsUnique Art Gallery in 2017 where she teaches and sells art, furnishings, jewelry, and accessories. ThingsUnique also hosts art exhibitions, music nights, wine and paint experiences, and more!
Resume / CV
SHOGHER BAGHDOUD-TILKIAN
📧 baghdoud@yahoo.com |
📸 Instagram: @shoghart
@mythingsunique
Dedicated and passionate artist and educator with over 20 years of experience teaching fine arts and architecture across elementary to high school levels.
Qualifications
Formal education in architecture and fine arts with extensive teaching and studio experience.
Proven success as an independent artist, gallery owner, and art educator in diverse school settings.
Skilled in mural design, set design, costume creation, and community art engagement.
Strong background in organizing student exhibitions, fundraisers, and collaborative art events.
Experience working with students of all learning styles, including those with special needs.
Education
Master’s Degree in Architecture
Architectural Institute of Yerevan, Armenia – 1985–1990
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Yerevan Art Institute, Armenia – 1984–1988
General Education & Architecture Foundations
Architectural Institute of Yerevan – 1984–1985
English Language Program
Cal State University, Fullerton – 1993–1994
Computer Science Coursework
Cal State University, Fullerton – 1995–1996
Teaching & Professional Experience
Owner/Manager | ThingsUnique Art Gallery, Burbank, CA
2017–Present
Manage gallery operations, exhibitions, and art classes for youth and adults.
Host events focused on sustainability, community arts, and cultural heritage.
Art Instructor | St. Paul’s First Lutheran School, North Hollywood, CA
2015–2019
Taught art classes across grade levels; led student exhibitions and collaborative murals.
Set & Costume Designer | St. Paul’s “Wizard of Oz” & Armenian Operas
2005, 2015
Designed sets and costumes for stage productions at local schools and civic venues.
Owner/Director | Shoghart Gallery, Burbank, CA
2009–2014
Curated rotating exhibits, organized public workshops, and mentored emerging artists.
Art & Architecture Instructor | Multiple Armenian Schools, Los Angeles Area
1997–2012
Meridian Armenian Evangelical School, Sahag Mesrob Armenian Jr. High School, Alex Pilibos Armenian High School, Ferrahian Armenian School
Developed curricula blending technical drawing with creative exploration.
Led student-led public art installations and architectural modeling projects.
Art Instructor | Ari Guiragos Elementary School, Santa Ana, CA.
1994–1997
Designer & Instructor | Yerevan Design Institute & Number 8 Design Workshop, Armenia
1990–1992
Commissioned Work
2011: 75’ x 25’ Mural, United Armenian Congregational Church, University City, CA
2008–2011: 65’ x 6’ Mosaic, Private Residence, Sherman Oaks, CA
2002: 50’ x 8’ Mural, Merdinian School, Sherman Oaks, CA
