Over
the years we’ve received numerous letters from parents commenting
on our classes. We’ve reproduced some of them below.
Dear Jim,
This “Thank You” is long overdue. Over the past few years I’ve
watched Michelle’s artistic abilities blossom. She loves art class,
looks forward to going every week, and always comes home in a marvelous
mood. It
was her dream when she first started your class that one of her works would
be in your brochure - but to be on the cover was an incredible high for
her.
What you may not be aware of is the impact you’ve had on other aspects
of her life. Her self-esteem has improved dramatically. She feels very
comfortable in expressing her individuality and creativity. Thank you for
encouraging
this and for making her feel accepted for who she is.
I truly appreciate the positive role you play in my daughter’s life
and will always be grateful.
Hope you and your family have a wonderful Holiday Season.
Sincerely,
Patrice Martin
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Dear Jim,
I
wanted to take a moment to thank you for being Michelle’s teacher and
friend for the last many years. You’ll never know how grateful I am that
she’s had you as a positive male role model, especially during these
teen years. You’ve watched her grow up and have been a big part of who
she is becoming. You’ve seen her at her worst and at her best and
have always been a wonderful support to her. There have been times when
going
to your art class has been the only thing she has looked forward to.
I will be forever grateful!
Patrice
___________________________________________________
Dear
Jim,
Thanks so much for keeping in touch with Michelle. It has meant a lot to
her.
My appreciation for your relationship with her will be never ending.
May you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
Patrice
__________________________________________________
You have recreated my world of art this year. The picture I began previous
to my accident in June 1997 shared a characteristic of many other activities
in my life: I did not have full confidence as I returned to it. Thank you
for helping me get faith in myself as I faced the challenge of this project,
and overcame it.
Caileen Kromhout
__________________________________________________
Dear Jim and Sarah,
While other interests come and go, our children have remained steadfast
and joyful in their study at The Art Academy. Both my son and daughter
began
lessons at age five: three years later, not only are they confident
drawers and painters, they demonstrate a real appreciation for art. As
a parent,
it’s gratifying to see children enjoying something that’s
also so clearly beneficial for their development as well-rounded people.
On
a practical level, it’s lovely to see the investment in classes
and supplies pay off, as the children use their art materials daily
- and always
have an interesting project at their fingertips. Finally, the staff
at The Art Academy may be the best part of the picture: the talented
teachers
genuinely care about children and art, and their care is reflected
in all their interactions and the work produced. We’re counting
the days untill child #3 can join his siblings at The Art Academy.
Mary Petrie
__________________________________________________
Dear Jim,
I know it’s been a while but I just wanted to write you and thank you
for all you have done for me. I enjoyed your classes so much and they helped
me so much artistically. Next year I will be attending the Ringling School
of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. I’m planning on majoring
in animation and hopefully working for Disney afterwards.
Thanks again. It’s been great.
Nick Pitera
__________________________________________________
Dear Jim,
I’d like to take a moment and thank you and all the staff at The Art
Academy for the valuable learning experiences we’ve had over the
past seven years. During that time, our three sons (the youngest is just
two -
not quite old enough to attend classes yet) and I have all taken classes
at The Art Academy.
Your vision and love for both art and kids is really evident. While we
began with different challenges and levels of skill, each of us has made
huge progress
in our abilities to draw and paint and have gained qualities of self
confidence and perseverance as well. In contrast to so much of art instruction,
which
emphasizes creativity but not the development of skills, The Art Academy’s
instructors clearly communicate the techniques of the masters in ways that
have progressively challenged us to push the boundaries of what we thought
we could create, and those self expectations were always exceeded. That’s
not to say that progress always came quickly and easily. I can recall times
when each of us had come to obstacles in our pieces when we thought, “I
just can’t get this part right.” The temptation to give up
was pretty strong. Happily, we received instruction in those moments
that was
specific, practical, and encouraging - exactly what was needed to navigate
the obstacle and gain the needed skills. I personally found the time
I spent drawing and painting to be a really satisfying contrast to the
routine
of
my work week.
We are always happily amazed by what we see when artwork is brought home.
And this year there was a special bonus - each of our sons had entered pen
and ink drawings and watercolors in the Minnesota State Fair competition
and each was recognized with at least one ribbon!
Thank you for adding this really enriching dimension of creativity to our
lives.
Sincerely,
Bill Carr
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Dear Sarah and Jim,
My daughter Chelsea has taken classes at The Art Academy since she was 9
or 10 years old. Through the process of these classes she found a strength
which has become a foundation for a positive belief in herself. This has
sustained her through hard times and good times through the years. She
has chosen a career in art therapy thanks to the nurturing of her talents
and her spirit at The Art Academy.
Sharon Fries
__________________________________________________
My 10 and 13 year olds have attended The Art Academy part time for several
years. They love it. Despite many competing interests, they decided it was
time to go year round.
The curriculum is rigorous, employing strict foundational studies. Even
so, the teachers have caught the kids’ enthusiasm. Quite a feat,
I think, considering all the candy being dangled in front of our kids these
days.
Tim Lundgren
__________________________________________________
We
appreciate the great basic art instruction, but are particularly pleased
with your willingness
to adapt to our daughter’s interests
and desire for greater challenges in her watercolors. The results are
outstanding and
have kept her motivated to continue!
Raina Eberly
__________________________________________________
Dear Jim
We are very grateful for the encouragement and support that you have
given Andrea over the last couple of years. You have not only nurtured
Andrea’s
artistic technical skills but also her self-confidence and self esteem.
Sincerely,
Vicki and Tom Fields
__________________________________________________
Jim,
Thank you so much for the work you do with Ben. Your encouragement, humor,
and belief in Ben has added so much to his life.
Thank You,
Barb King
__________________________________________________
Jim,
Emily is very excited about starting her oil painting. She is very committed
to continuing her studies with you.
Thanks to you for being such a good mentor for her and for all the encouragement
she gets from all the staff.
Kathy Tutelman
__________________________________________________
Dear Mr. Robinson,
Elizabeth is thoroughly enjoying her art class with you. She looks forward
to each class and hates to miss a session. Thank you for teaching and inspiring
her.
Sincerely,
Ann Derr
__________________________________________________
Dear James and Art Staff,
I just realized today that our summer is going to wreck havoc with Zach’s
art classes. I have looked through the calendar weeks and have come up
with a plan. Please look over my proposal for this summer session and let
us know
if this could work. My hope of course is that Zach might get a creation
ready for the State Fair, but I see he is a chip off the old block and
has to have
every touch of the pen just right. We are so pleased with your program
and the opportunity to attend The Art Academy. Thank you for your dedication.
Sincerely,
Corine Goodrich
__________________________________________________
We have been very happy with the art instruction our children have received
at The Art Academy. The staff has been very helpful and encouraging for the
kids. We feel they help them reach their full potential.
Joyce Chelstrom
__________________________________________________
Hello Jim-
Just wanted to let you know that Nick’s schedule is too full this spring,
but he has really enjoyed your class and we’re planning on starting
again with you this summer. Thanks for the great job you do - take care.
Pam Kurtz
__________________________________________________
Dear Jim,
Meaghan started taking classes at The Art Academy at age 9. Through the years
she was involved in numerous activities, yet only art remained constant
in her life. She is now graduating from high school and planning to pursue
a degree in Art Education at the University of Wisconsin, Stout in the
fall. The Art Academy has given her a sound solid foundation in art. She
has grown up with it, and will carry that passion into her future career.
Mary Ann O’Shaughnessy
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