Drawing Classes & Art Programs 2007—2008
Frequently Asked Questions.
Answers to many of the most common questions can be found on our Policies page.
My child is somewhat tentative about new things. Can they try a class before registering?
We do allow try-outs with certain restrictions. First, there must be an opening in the class day/time you wish to try prior to enrolling. Trying a class on a day other than the one you would actually register in may not provide an accurate experience for your child. Some classes may be closed to try-outs because of the nature of the project. A multiple-week project or one that's very challenging is not an appropriate class to try and would not be allowed. PAYMENT for the class should be made before the class begins by cash or check made out to ActonArt for the amount of $25. At the end of a class it's often hectic and it can be difficult to make a payment. To arrange for a try-out class call the studio at 978-266-1600 or email info@actonart.com and request the day and class time of choice. You can see if a class is FULL or OPEN for try-outs by looking at the schedule tables on our schedule page. There you can see if the class has any openings. If you have further questions please contact us via the phone or email information above.
My child missed a class due to (fill in blank). Can we have a make-up class?
MAKE-UPS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY IN CLASSES WHICH ARE NOT FULLY ENROLLED. THE PROJECT MISSED BY YOUR STUDENT MUST STILL BE THE CURRENT PROJECT. This is a limited, first-come, first-served arrangement and once the class is full it too will be closed for additional make up students. ALL fully enrolled classes are closed for make-ups. We have surveyed a number of local organizations and find that our policy is among the most flexible. Most art and music organizations offering group classes simply state that there are NO make-ups available.
Missed classes and make-ups are the single biggest challenge for any organization that provides instructional classes. ActonArt is no exception. Our classes are size-limited for a specific reason; it helps the teacher provide a manageable environment for EVERY student in the room and it ensures that each student will receive the support they need. From experience we know that placing additional students (even one) in the studio compromises that objective. In addition, each project is taught Monday through Saturday. Once the project series has been completed we move on to the next project and there are no further opportunities to make up the class. We also know that special "Make-Up Classes" DO NOT WORK, since very few students can attend any class outside of their normal class time. The last time we offered such a class it was attended by one student.
We want your child to have the best experience we can offer without forcing other students to accept compromises. If you cannot avoid missing a class please understand that we offer what we can as long as it does not impact other students.
My child has taken classes at ActonArt before. Does this mean that we don't have to pay a registration fee
Registration at ActonArt requires a one-time per-year, per family, registration fee of $25. All students, both new and former students must pay the fee each year. Contact information including cell phone numbers, email addresses emergency contacts and even mailing addresses change very often for a majority of people. Yearly registration helps to keep our database current. The fee, aside from the expense of program management also pays for student portfolios which are given to each student as they enroll in classes. The portfolios are maintained in the studio as a safe place to store artwork, both finished and incomplete.
What if my student starts class and doesn't like it after 2 or 3 classes? Can I have a refund?
ActonArt does not provide refunds for withdrawals or missed classes. Parents and students are welcome to visit the studio, meet teachers, look at samples of typical projects and learn as much as possible before registering for a class. If a student withdraws due to a long-term illness or injury parents are welcome to inquire if a credit can be arranged for future use.
It's very hard for me to get my child to class on time because of a schedule conflict. Is it o.k. to arrive 10 minutes late?
Simply put no. ActonArt classes begin on time. In 4+ years we have started less than 5 classes late. The first 5 to 10 minutes of class is used to provide background information and develop interest, to talk about the project drawing, to give students an understanding of the drawing plan and have them "warm up" prior to drawing. For many students this is an extremely important part of the process that not only helps them prepare to draw, but for some kids actually makes if possible for them to focus and participate with positive results. Slipping children into the studio after the drawing has begun is not only stressful for children but it can turn a pleasant experience into a really bad day. In addition, latecomers are disruptive to EVERY student in the class, are likely to break everyone's concentration and cause everyone to wait while the late student receives materials and instructions necessary to proceed. It will also force everyone in the class to "rush" the drawing in order to complete the project before the class ends.
Please make every attempt to arrive on time. Do not schedule a class that follows another activity so closely that you cannot avoid being late. It is never an issue for a student to have to leave a class early, but IT IS ALWAYS A PROBLEM WHEN A STUDENT ARRIVES LATE.
Can a parent sign up to take a class with their child?
Yes. We have had many parent/child students in classes over the years. It can be a rewarding shared-experience since drawing is a very personal means of expression. One observation that's worth passing on is that young children may be over-sensitive to their parents "unknown" skills. Adults usually draw with more control than they might expect since they may think of themselves as novices. Nevertheless adults have a lifetime of visual experience and physical control that children do not. The adult will almost always create much more sophisticated drawings which kids sometimes perceive as "better" than their own. Watch for signs of self-criticism from your child about their artwork.
If you have questions that are not answered here please email us at info@actonart.com We will respond as quickly as possible.
