The Art Academy - St Paul, Minnesota

Megan R.

I've really enjoyed taking classes here over the years. I started many years ago, as a kid, and then started back up during Covid. I was so happy to find something to do remotely and I've continued classes ever since. Jim is a fantastic teacher! He's patient and has a great eye. These classes can teach anyone to draw. I've had people in my classes just learning the basics, up to master oil painters. It's a diverse bunch of people all learning and having fun together. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in art!

Gracie B.

Personally speaking, the Art Academy has brought a lot of growth and meaning to my life. I have seen my art grow with the encouragement from the instructors who truly care about each and every one of their students. They remember students from over 20 years ago and have nothing but kind, inspirational memories of them which is truly remarkable. The teaching style incorporates traditional methods of learning art with the philosophy that art is learnable and anyone who wants to do it can.
The school has many connections and often brings in working artists who have made careers for themselves. The Art Academy breaks down the commonly held belief that art is not a viable career. Students at every level have the opportunity to meet peers who will push them in a positive way. I would recommend the art academy to parents curious art student alike, it will really improve your art in all ways possible.

Lacey

My 7 year old has not missed a session with The Art Academy since he turned age 5. He loves the format and gets so excited about his projects! It is a wonderful experience to have found instruction with a focus on quality over quantity, even with kids starting as young as Kindergarten.

Barbara M.

The Art Academy has taught me so much about art and myself. Their tenet is that making good art is not about talent, but about patience and persistence. I completely trust the instructors and the process. I wish I had discovered the Art Academy sooner! I absolutely love being there.

Heather C.

The art academy is an amazing place! I feel so lucky to have found this home away from home. The owners are wonderful and they have taught me so much about art. I love going there and the welcoming environment feels like home!

Mary T.

Myself and three of my children take classes at The Art Academy. The quality of the instruction is phenomenal. The program itself is the result of years of careful research into the history and technique of painting and drawing. The classes will give you a profound respect for the great masters, and the tools to imitate them.
The teachers are warm and encouraging in helping you reach your artistic goals. I have highly recommend this school to my friends and family.

Ann K.

I love the philosophy at The Art Academy: anyone can draw or paint, it just takes teaching the proper skills and practice, which is exactly what we found at their classes. My 6YO and 8YO get excited every week to come to class and have taken away some great best practices in just a few short weeks. They are learning skills that will forever build their artistic confidence. Everyone at The Art Academy is extremely kind and welcoming. We can’t wait to sign up for more classes!

soupHERMANN

I remember being 9 years old and rushing home from school with a brochure in hand, going through a brief persuasive speech in my head, so as to be sure that my parents would not turn me down when I begged them to let me take my first class at the Art Academy.

On my first visit, I learned very quickly that these classes were completely worth every ounce of excitement I had running home from school that day and more.

For 8 and a half more years (basically until I had graduated from high school and headed out of town for college) I spent lots of time at the Art Academy-From drawing and painting courses, to oil painting, and even cartooning and superhero classes... I was never disappointed with any class I had taken through the Academy.

The format of instruction helped you learn to see space differently, it helped you learn great layout techniques, and all the basic fundamentals of how to make beautiful art. Teachers were very hands-on with each student and took careful note of everyone's progress. The style of classroom made it possible for everyone to go their own pace.

I had an incredible amount of fun and I made great friends... Not only with the other students, but the wonderful owners and the well chosen staff they had hired. I've carried my experiences from the Art Academy every where I have gone and will continue to do so. This is an EXCELLENT program to put children of any age (5+) through. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone considering.