​what we do...
We offer a variety of weekly art classes (ranging from age 5 - 19) both in person at our Issaquah, WA studios and online via Zoom. From painting to pottery, all lessons are designed to exceed the National Standards for Arts Education, teaching the elements and principles of art and design along with art movements and the work of master artists. In addition to weekly classes, we also offer camps during school breaks and private parties on the weekends.
​We utilize a mix of teaching methods through which each student is encouraged to express their unique style. Each lesson focuses heavily on the CREATIVE PROCESS with an emphasis on developing skills.
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It is our goal to cultivate creative confidence and individual expression in every student. Our experienced and well-qualified instructors provide knowledgeable, respectful, and friendly guidance and support in a safe and comfortable environment as students explore a variety of concepts, media, and techniques.
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...and why we do it
Arts education helps students build 21st Century Skills, skills that are needed for success in school, work, and community. While teaching skills educators call the Four "C"s; Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking, arts education also provides students with opportunities to take risks, solve problems, experience failure and success, and understand themselves as creative beings.
According to the Harvard Business School's Business Insights, creativity is among the top "in-demand" skills in business. This is largely because every industry has complex challenges that require creative solutions. Creativity is an essential precursor to innovation and by providing high-quality arts education for our students, we’re better preparing our communities for the future.
Not only does arts education prepare children to be creative leaders in their chosen fields as adults, but studies suggest it also encourages a greater understanding of others, as well as tolerance, empathy, and openness to collaboration, skills that go much further than any test could measure!
our philosophy...
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Art is subjective and extremely personal. There is no “right way” to create it or experience it, but rather an endless opportunity for discovery.
Art moves us. It can be incredibly beautiful and quite disturbing. Most importantly of all, it can make us open our eyes to the world as it relates to others. One does not need to decide whether they “like” it or not; simply consider it.
I believe growth in art appreciation and artistic ability comes from a never-ending process of building experiences. How we interpret or react to something is personal and unique and is a product of our own, individual journey. Hours of formal training, trial and error, admiration and imitation of observed techniques, tons of practice, spontaneous results–they all help to create the artist of the future. I hope that you’ll come join us to pursue your journey of discovery.
Marci Knutsen, Founder & President