Born in Moscow, Russia in 1974, Alexei Butirskiy entered Moscow Art College in 1992.  In 1996 he completed his studies at the Art College and graduated with an Excellence Diploma.  In 1998 he graduated from the Russian Academy of the Arts where he studied under respected professor, L.S. Hasyanova.  He graduated from the Academy with the highest honors attainable.  Alexei currently serves as Professor of Drawing at the same academy.