WHAT WE TEACH
drawing, painting + creativity:
Art Academics' boutique classes are offered over Zoom and in-person. Smaller class sizes allow us to teach each student uniquely and meet them where they're at. We are art coaches, personal trainers, support staff---whatever a student may need.
We provide instruction in all drawing and painting media, any subject matter and in any style. As our student you can totally be in control of what you want to learn---we've got you!
We support those that already see themselves as artists as well as those who are just trying something new.
Orchids in oil pastel by Joseph age 8
yes you can!
Students learn patience, gain self-esteem and develop faith in themselves through creative problem solving. They 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.
how classes work:
During Zoom class, your teacher works on whatever you are working on at home, showing you all the techniques you need. Rather than one lecture that everyone watches and follows along with, we teach more like personal trainers -- but for art! Students will be looking at their own projects the majority of class and will only need to watch their screen when the teacher wants to show them what's next. We will demo live and answer all the questions you have about your project, as well as those questions you didn't yet know you wanted to ask.
Your first class is always free to try!
Our in-person group classes will begin again when everyone can feel safe.
safety:
We stay on top of all Zoom updates and every session that we host has security to keep strangers out: Specific class-time Registration and the Waiting Room.
As for in-person lessons, temperatures will be taken, masks will be worn and all materials will be sanitized.
our vision:
We hope to share the joy of art with as many people as possible. We are committed to providing high-end experiences to students of all levels and backgrounds.
instructor:
Valerie Lewis started Art Academics to provide small classes with lots of one-on-one attention - for everyone. With over 17 years of teaching under her belt, she found herself frustrated by the gap between the level of care her private students received versus what she was able to provide teaching larger groups at other art schools. There had to be a better way -- and Art Academics was born.
Valerie's passion for teaching is rivaled only by her own creative work. In 2014 she was named Best Visual Artist by the OC Weekly and later was profiled in Orange Coast Magazine. She received her BFA in Painting at CSUF but is a constant learner. Valerie was a recipient of the Florence Millner Arnold Grant and the Joanne Blankenship Memorial Art Award.
monthly pricing plans
$160/month for regular group Zoom & hybrid classes
$140/month for Children's Zoom class
$300/month for private lessons, in-person or online.
3 members of the same household can share this spot.
scholarships:
Scholarships are available to all students based on financial need and commitment to art.
To apply, please email to tell us your story. Share about why money is tight and also tell us about why you want yourself or your child to take art classes.
Proof of benefits makes the process go faster!