Parent & Student comments about ActonArt
"I DO BELIEVE the (ActonArt) class changed Kiran… the whole week was amazing for him and his sister, Sonia. Through your methods of teaching drawing, Kiran felt like he could produce meaningful art. Prior to the class he was not sure he could be artistic, but you and Roxanne gave him the techniques and confidence he needed. I feel so grateful for my friend recommending us to you. Since our experience was so positive I have raved about your class to at least 5 other friends. Thank you so much, and I know we will see you again. The kids are already looking forward to the next time they can take another art class."
AN 11 YEAR OLD student, when asked if he was happy with his painting, replied, “Oh yeah. This class has changed my life!”
"EVERY TIME WE leave a class I want to shout from the roof tops how wonderful ActonArt is!"
"THERE ARE PLENTY OF CLASSES and programs out there for kids. Among them all, ActonArt stands out. Nothing is dummied down. The instructors treat the students with respect while nurturing their drawing skills. Tracy truly cares about the well-being of my sons. She is in every respect, what I value in a great teacher."
"I want to thank you for the wonderful homeschool drawing class that Dave attended this summer. He learned a lot, and his confidence in drawing increased--even his handwriting has improved! I love the fact that your instruction extended beyond line, shape and texture and that you had so much more to say about the subjects of the drawings. On the way home after class, Dave was brimming with his new knowledge about meercats, chameleons and such, and was happy to tell us even more about them at dinner. I know that he enjoyed his classes!"
"Both Fall classes have been great! Quinn is thrilled that you are teaching and I can see huge improvement in Mason already."
"By the time my daughter was 10 years old, she was avoiding or struggling with any school assignments that involved art, never drew for pleasure, and told me “I stink at drawing”. I convinced her to try one of your classes and she immediately felt safe and optimistic enough to keep going. Now, week after week, she produces pieces of art that continue to impress me, and her new confidence has completely transformed how she approaches her academics."
"I just had the pleasure of making Andrew’s day. He’s very excited to do the drawing class again! …. You should see the stuff he’s been drawing, really fun. He really developed a true ability to draw what he sees at Acton Art. I tell EVERYONE about your program!"
"ActonArt’s program is one that can help students keep developing for years and years, whether they attend continuously, or just one or two trimesters a year."
"The art show was wonderful. My husband and I always look forward to the exhibit. It is very impressive to see how much Liviya and the rest of your students have progressed. Congratulations!"
"Nora is really enjoying the class. You really have a nice way with all the kids. I am looking at our schedules for the Fall to try and get all three of the kids in classes. Thank you very much."
"Sophia went from avoiding drawing to carrying a sketch pad at all times. It is amazing! I am so grateful to you for ActonArt, and to Miss Constance for her incredibly responsive and wise guidance."
"My boys absolutely love your classes!"
"I think what I like most about your program is the way you pull together and use all kinds of resource materials to support whatever subjects the students are drawing. I’m amazed by how much of this information my kids retain."
"I really like what you have created at ActonArt. I love the feel of your place and loved drawing in your studios while I waited for my kids. I have long wanted a place for my kids that was more than crafty-crafts."
"Have you heard the Irish saying 'When I count my blessings, I count you twice.'? I am so grateful that you and Ms. Constance and ActonArt are part of our lives."
"Alexandra is really enjoying her classes and I think your studio is wonderful."
"ActonArt has grown so much since my son first started attending two years ago, but I am always impressed by the personal touches and the sense that you and all of the teachers really know your students. I love how the teachers open the studio door close to the end of each class and invite the parents in to view the artwork in progress and learn a little bit about the project’s goals and subject matter so they can talk to their kids about it."
"We want to thank you for being such a wonderful instructor! Julia so enjoys your class and we hope she'll continue to pursue art at ActonArt."
For those of you that have read this far take a look at what Julia has been working on these days!
Rani T., North Billerica parent 2010
AN 11 YEAR OLD student, when asked if he was happy with his painting, replied, “Oh yeah. This class has changed my life!”
Kiran T., North Billerica student 2010
"EVERY TIME WE leave a class I want to shout from the roof tops how wonderful ActonArt is!"
Amy Scully, Bedford parent 2010
"THERE ARE PLENTY OF CLASSES and programs out there for kids. Among them all, ActonArt stands out. Nothing is dummied down. The instructors treat the students with respect while nurturing their drawing skills. Tracy truly cares about the well-being of my sons. She is in every respect, what I value in a great teacher."
Noelle K., Groton parent 2010
"I want to thank you for the wonderful homeschool drawing class that Dave attended this summer. He learned a lot, and his confidence in drawing increased--even his handwriting has improved! I love the fact that your instruction extended beyond line, shape and texture and that you had so much more to say about the subjects of the drawings. On the way home after class, Dave was brimming with his new knowledge about meercats, chameleons and such, and was happy to tell us even more about them at dinner. I know that he enjoyed his classes!"
Taina Kong, Leominster parent
"Both Fall classes have been great! Quinn is thrilled that you are teaching and I can see huge improvement in Mason already."
Caren Connell, Arlington parent 2010
"By the time my daughter was 10 years old, she was avoiding or struggling with any school assignments that involved art, never drew for pleasure, and told me “I stink at drawing”. I convinced her to try one of your classes and she immediately felt safe and optimistic enough to keep going. Now, week after week, she produces pieces of art that continue to impress me, and her new confidence has completely transformed how she approaches her academics."
Anonymous via email
"I just had the pleasure of making Andrew’s day. He’s very excited to do the drawing class again! …. You should see the stuff he’s been drawing, really fun. He really developed a true ability to draw what he sees at Acton Art. I tell EVERYONE about your program!"
Cecilia Stone, Dover parent
"ActonArt’s program is one that can help students keep developing for years and years, whether they attend continuously, or just one or two trimesters a year."
Anonymous via email
"The art show was wonderful. My husband and I always look forward to the exhibit. It is very impressive to see how much Liviya and the rest of your students have progressed. Congratulations!"
Marjorie White, Acton grandparent
"Nora is really enjoying the class. You really have a nice way with all the kids. I am looking at our schedules for the Fall to try and get all three of the kids in classes. Thank you very much."
Anonymous via email
"Sophia went from avoiding drawing to carrying a sketch pad at all times. It is amazing! I am so grateful to you for ActonArt, and to Miss Constance for her incredibly responsive and wise guidance."
Maia Stuart, Weston parent
"My boys absolutely love your classes!"
Sean C., parent
"I think what I like most about your program is the way you pull together and use all kinds of resource materials to support whatever subjects the students are drawing. I’m amazed by how much of this information my kids retain."
Anonymous via email
"I really like what you have created at ActonArt. I love the feel of your place and loved drawing in your studios while I waited for my kids. I have long wanted a place for my kids that was more than crafty-crafts."
The Caviness Family, Stowe
"Have you heard the Irish saying 'When I count my blessings, I count you twice.'? I am so grateful that you and Ms. Constance and ActonArt are part of our lives."
The Stuarts, Weston parent
"Alexandra is really enjoying her classes and I think your studio is wonderful."
Debbie Macrides, Boxborough parent
"ActonArt has grown so much since my son first started attending two years ago, but I am always impressed by the personal touches and the sense that you and all of the teachers really know your students. I love how the teachers open the studio door close to the end of each class and invite the parents in to view the artwork in progress and learn a little bit about the project’s goals and subject matter so they can talk to their kids about it."
Anonymous via email
"We want to thank you for being such a wonderful instructor! Julia so enjoys your class and we hope she'll continue to pursue art at ActonArt."
The Donahoe's, Concord family
For those of you that have read this far take a look at what Julia has been working on these days!
"THE COMMITEE AND I would like to thank you for your part in the Wednesday Enrichment program. We sent out student surveys and the response to your class was fantastic - "It surprised me how art is used in everyday life and how much detail is on one object. Also how people's hand eye coordination was improved. Plus how many art tools to make a picture". This student also asked for more time to draw!! Thank you again for your part in the WE program. You were a valuable asset!"
"HI! MY TWIN DAUGHTERS took one of your classes last summer and LOVED it!!! I know it's only February, but many camps are already releasing their schedules for the summer. When do you think you'll have your schedule available/be opening summer course registration? Thanks!"
"THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL DRAWING INSTRUCTION that you have given to Ella. I really hope that she can continue in your program."
"HI JOHN. FIRST OF ALL THANK YOU for a great year of drawing classes! Maya really has enjoyed them. I have to say, in addition to the drawing I think its great how you give a very interesting and age appropriate background of what you are presenting to draw for each class. Today on the way home from class I heard all about the octopus and so did Maya’s dad once we got home."
"James really enjoyed the class on Wed. He has been drawing a lot in the last couple of days. I think he was really impressed with what he was able to do in the class."
"We hope that we can get Elizabeth and Alexander into a class soon, maybe over the summer. They absolutely loved their class last summer. We were hoping to get into the winter semester. By the way, Alexander recently entered his drawings into an art show at our church. Everyone was very impressed and I told them all that they should check out your studio."
"Thank you for your continued fine program - it is the highlight of the week for both Gates and Alec!"
"We moved to Chicago in July and settled down in Hyde Park in South of Chicago where University of Chicago is located. We miss ActonArt very much. The philosophy, the teachers (especially you!), the environment of Acton Art are truly unique and special. I really wish [my daughter] could continue in a similar environment. But the only studio in Chicago is too far away from us so I have been exploring other opportunities, but none has been satisfying yet. The good news is that [my daughter] still enjoys drawing and making art whenever she has spare time. Many Thanks for your help! You are a great teacher! The kids at Acton Art are truly blessed having you as their mentor for art.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!"
"YOU KNOW I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH about [my son's] experience in your art classes. He has grown enormously in his confidence to express himself through his art. He has particularly enjoyed all the different mediums you have exposed them to and uses all of them in his own work now. Your classes are extremely informative and creative; all the students seem to experience success and pleasure every week. Your classes are not just an art and craft class- they are true drawing instruction classes. Your classes have opened up a whole new world of art for [my son]- he scares us sometimes with how it has taken off!!"
"OUR 7 YEAR-OLD SON LOOKS FORWARD TO ACTONART CLASSES ALL WEEK. No surprise. The understanding and encouraging instructors make everyone feel successful. My son's overall confidence has been immensely improved!"
"WHEN ANYONE ASKS ME ABOUT ACTONART, I TELL THEM "IT'S AWESOME." I love the fact that it is all positive and is instructed drawing. [My daughter] wowed us all with her projects and was always proud to show us her creations. She would often take what she learned at ActonArt and do her own projects at home...A child will gain confidence in themselves at ActonArt and will show that they can shine. We love your program!"
"EVEN STARTERS CAN HAVE FUN AT ACTONART. Here any child can draw their own way and can also try out different drawing materials at each class. The teachers and students at ActonArt provide a welcome and comfortable environment for children to learn and draw confidently along with having fun."
"Just a quick note to let you know that MY SON ENJOYS VERY MUCH THE ART CLASSES AT ACTONART. His drawing skills have improved a lot since he started with ActonArt. Weekly art classes are one of few things [he] is looking forward to going to. We are so pleased with the [his] progress under your guidance that we are sending his younger sister to ActonArt!"
"MY DAUGHTER, WHO STARTED AT ACTONART THE DAY IT OPENED, has thoroughly enjoyed every minute she has spent there. She is a very shy little girl, and will often refuse to participate in group classes, but the low key tone of her ActonArt classes, along with their clear expectations and supportive teaching has been a perfect fit for her. Her understanding of shape, color, and design has progressed remarkably in a very short time period, and we have seen how easily the classes mesh with what she is learning in kindergarten about how to form letters and numbers. She has gained confidence in her own abilities and is always proud to show her amazing artwork to friends and relatives. We appreciate everything she has learned at ActonArt and recommend the program very highly!"
Johanna Rioux & WE Committee
"HI! MY TWIN DAUGHTERS took one of your classes last summer and LOVED it!!! I know it's only February, but many camps are already releasing their schedules for the summer. When do you think you'll have your schedule available/be opening summer course registration? Thanks!"
Lisa McElroy Blackshaw, Boxborough parent
"THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL DRAWING INSTRUCTION that you have given to Ella. I really hope that she can continue in your program."
Carrie Harrington, Arlington parent
"HI JOHN. FIRST OF ALL THANK YOU for a great year of drawing classes! Maya really has enjoyed them. I have to say, in addition to the drawing I think its great how you give a very interesting and age appropriate background of what you are presenting to draw for each class. Today on the way home from class I heard all about the octopus and so did Maya’s dad once we got home."
The Giardinas, North Chelmsford family
"James really enjoyed the class on Wed. He has been drawing a lot in the last couple of days. I think he was really impressed with what he was able to do in the class."
The Sibleys, Carlisle family
"We hope that we can get Elizabeth and Alexander into a class soon, maybe over the summer. They absolutely loved their class last summer. We were hoping to get into the winter semester. By the way, Alexander recently entered his drawings into an art show at our church. Everyone was very impressed and I told them all that they should check out your studio."
Anonymous via email
"Thank you for your continued fine program - it is the highlight of the week for both Gates and Alec!"
Brenda, Concord parent
"We moved to Chicago in July and settled down in Hyde Park in South of Chicago where University of Chicago is located. We miss ActonArt very much. The philosophy, the teachers (especially you!), the environment of Acton Art are truly unique and special. I really wish [my daughter] could continue in a similar environment. But the only studio in Chicago is too far away from us so I have been exploring other opportunities, but none has been satisfying yet. The good news is that [my daughter] still enjoys drawing and making art whenever she has spare time. Many Thanks for your help! You are a great teacher! The kids at Acton Art are truly blessed having you as their mentor for art.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!"
Siquan C., Former student's parent
"YOU KNOW I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH about [my son's] experience in your art classes. He has grown enormously in his confidence to express himself through his art. He has particularly enjoyed all the different mediums you have exposed them to and uses all of them in his own work now. Your classes are extremely informative and creative; all the students seem to experience success and pleasure every week. Your classes are not just an art and craft class- they are true drawing instruction classes. Your classes have opened up a whole new world of art for [my son]- he scares us sometimes with how it has taken off!!"
Terry R., Concord parent
"OUR 7 YEAR-OLD SON LOOKS FORWARD TO ACTONART CLASSES ALL WEEK. No surprise. The understanding and encouraging instructors make everyone feel successful. My son's overall confidence has been immensely improved!"
Brenda D., Concord parent
"WHEN ANYONE ASKS ME ABOUT ACTONART, I TELL THEM "IT'S AWESOME." I love the fact that it is all positive and is instructed drawing. [My daughter] wowed us all with her projects and was always proud to show us her creations. She would often take what she learned at ActonArt and do her own projects at home...A child will gain confidence in themselves at ActonArt and will show that they can shine. We love your program!"
Kelly V., Acton parent
"EVEN STARTERS CAN HAVE FUN AT ACTONART. Here any child can draw their own way and can also try out different drawing materials at each class. The teachers and students at ActonArt provide a welcome and comfortable environment for children to learn and draw confidently along with having fun."
Alex D. age 11, ActonArt student
"Just a quick note to let you know that MY SON ENJOYS VERY MUCH THE ART CLASSES AT ACTONART. His drawing skills have improved a lot since he started with ActonArt. Weekly art classes are one of few things [he] is looking forward to going to. We are so pleased with the [his] progress under your guidance that we are sending his younger sister to ActonArt!"
Ning Z., Acton parent
"MY DAUGHTER, WHO STARTED AT ACTONART THE DAY IT OPENED, has thoroughly enjoyed every minute she has spent there. She is a very shy little girl, and will often refuse to participate in group classes, but the low key tone of her ActonArt classes, along with their clear expectations and supportive teaching has been a perfect fit for her. Her understanding of shape, color, and design has progressed remarkably in a very short time period, and we have seen how easily the classes mesh with what she is learning in kindergarten about how to form letters and numbers. She has gained confidence in her own abilities and is always proud to show her amazing artwork to friends and relatives. We appreciate everything she has learned at ActonArt and recommend the program very highly!"