Art Academics
About
At Art Academics we teach all drawing and painting media and subject matter. As our student you can totally be in control of what you want to learn--we've got you!
We will teach you the skills to get the job done while also encouraging your creative spirit.
We teach adults, teens and little ones in a gallery setting. As partners with The Josephine Joan Gallery, our students can be immersed in art and inspired by professional artists on display.
Students learn patience, gain self-esteem and develop faith in themselves through creative problem solving. They also learn to trust in their unique ideas. Young students get to explore, develop neatness and learn how good it feels to make amazing art. Teen students get to express themselves, build portfolios and learn to master art techniques. Adults get time to relax, make friends and become masterful in any medium.
Our teachers all have a degree in drawing and painting and all are professional artists that excel in their field. The owner has been teaching art for 15 years at schools and privately. She has won several awards for her art including the OCWeekly's Best Visual Artist in Orange County in 2014.
For more visit: artacademics.com
All of us teachers leave class a little happier than when came in because we get a lot of reward out of sharing our knowledge and watching people succeed!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
New students schedule a free introductory class. At their first class they will work on a project simple enough that they can finish it in one lesson. They will then have art to take home that day!
Students are welcome to sign up at the end of their introductory lesson or think it over at home.
Always ask if we have any new-student specials!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
On top of their own education and work experience, each of our instructors is trained on how to teach all ages and personalities in such a way that each student will feel as if they are having a private lesson.
All of our Adult & Teen class teachers have completed their BFA or higher. Children's class teachers must have at least 50% of their undergrad completed.
Further, all teachers have completed a background check upon hiring.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Tuition is $160 monthly paid at the beginning of each month. For students 13 and older, some classes offer the option for an extra 30 minutes for free for more advanced study.
Students are allowed to sign up on a pay-per-class basis for $40 a lesson limited to availability. We don't recommend this as the best way to learn but understand that busy schedules require this flexibility. Pay-per-class students must contact us no earlier than the day before to see if there is room.
We also work with homeschool groups such as iLead and Inspire.
How did you get started teaching?
The owner, Valerie Lewis, has been teaching art full-time since 2002. She always knew she wanted to teach and as a high schooler was part of Future Teachers of America. Later in college she worked as a writing tutor and volunteered to teach art projects at museums and local schools.
When she got her first real job teaching art, she knew that she had found a career that would fill her with joy. She looks for that same spark when hiring new teachers. Art Academics' instructors know that teaching is more than a job - it is a gift that goes both ways!
What types of students have you worked with?
We teach everyone from complete beginners to professional artists needing a boost.
We are open to students with special needs on a case-by-case basis. All that is required is the ability to quietly work
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Always ask to see the work of other students they have taught. It is one thing to be a great artist, and another to have a passion for teaching.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
All questions are great! When your teacher knows where you are coming from they can better design their lesson for you.
Because we teach one-on-one we have the flexibility to teach in a way that suits you best.