Early Masters5514

My children just took an art history/art studio class at the National Gallery in London. It was great--really terrific. The children analyzed composition, style, etc. of four panels.Then, they created their own drawing/shadow box. While the experience was wonderful, I couldn't help but compare it to Shelley Thomas and her Early Masters Studio in Maple Leaf, Seattle. Shelley has managed to perfect what the National Gallery is trying to do: teaching art history (the understanding of art, culture, and history) through theory and creation. I can't wait to get back to Seattle to enroll my eight year old daughter (son is too young--5 years old) so that she can continue her educational journey into the past, present, and future of world history through her study of artistic masters, as well as through her own artistic paintings/creations that mimic the masters who she learns about. There are few to no people out there doing what Shelley Thomas is doing. If only the National Gallery could have her as their national treasure. Luckily, she is Seattle's treasure.

My 11 year old daughter loves art and has taken many art classes in the city, including Gage and Monart. However, it was with Early Masters she said she learned the most. The confidence she obtained with her new knowledge is priceless and she's excited to take many more classes.

My almost 8 year old son loves to create art any chance he gets, so I was very excited to sign him up for two Early Masters art camps this summer. We've tried a couple art camps in the area, and although my son has liked them all, as a parent I particularly love the philosophy behind this program. Not only did my son get to enjoy painting and sculpting, but he learned all about the lives and techniques of so many amazing artists and cultures - and had a great time doing so! The art history component of this program is really special. We'll be back for sure!

I had been wanting to sign my kids up for an Early Masters class for some time and I am so glad it finally worked out. If only every art program could pay such close attention to detail like this! Shelley has 2 young kids of her own so she know just the amount of encouragement and praise to make each young artist feel confident and able to tap into their own inner Picasso. My children simply loved everything about this class and will certainly be returning soon. My only worry is that everyone will find out how cool Early Masters is and there will be no room in the class!

My son, who is all boy, cannot stop talking about art class. He loves it! My son has some fine motor problems and I approached this art class as one more means for him to work with and strengthen his hands. I have gotten so much more than that. We are talking about art; the art on our own walls, the walls of friends and family, the art in books and at school. He is quick to point out something he knows about an artist or a painting. How amazing it is that I am having conversations with my 7 year old that most people don't have until college...if ever. I am thrilled he is part of this school and I hope it will be a part of our lives for years to come!

My daughter attended the MLK day Early Masters this week. She is a little bit reticent in strange environments and she came home just glowing with her painting (Migration Series # 58) and so proud, and bubbling with information about Jacob Lawrence. I cried when I saw her painting! Shelley is a wonderful teacher, who wrote with a photo & feedback the next day. We'll definitely sign up again.

My granddaughter has attended several Early
Masters classes, much to her delight. It is by far the best art school for children that I have encountered. Shelley's passion for art is incredibly infectious!

My 7 year old daughter just finished this camp (the 1 week Impressionists) and I am thrilled! She loved it, learned a lot, and her paintings surprised even me (her biggest fan and agent!). But the best thing about this camp is the teacher, Shelley. When it comes to teaching and understanding children, either you have it or you don't- and Shelley has some to spare! Basically, she empowered my daughter to see artistic expression as a form of self expression- and that is a lifelong skill she will appreciate forever. I really recommend Early Masters!

My daughter attended two summer camps and loved them. She lived the Impressionists, painting water lilies at the Arboretum and learning how radical they were compared to their predecessors. She met Vincent Van Gogh and learned to mash vibrant color on canvas. Shelley is an engaging and encouraging teacher. You won't be disappointed.

While I think that Shelly's classes are good (my daugter has taken two courses), the prices are just out landish. The current half day camps cost $260 a week - That's more than $17 an hour for a group class!!!! I think that we will instead take a year of classes at Monart for the same price. The classes are not quite as good, but they are half the price.

This was hands down the best camp I have ever sent my child too. In one short week she went from "hating art" to drawing in her room every day. She now truly loves art and can't wait to go back to camp and learn more.

I cannot rave enough about Shelley's classes at Early Masters. While the art the kids produce is nothing short of amazing, she also packs in tons of info on the history of the artist, techniques, stories etc. I always look forward to our dinner conversations Thursday after class becasue my son has so many great things to tell us!

My daughter took a single class on Greece at Early Masters last year and wanted more, so this week-long camp was perfect! She gets so much out of learning and creating in Shelley's one-of-a-kind space!

The combination of information, art and activities bring art and art history alive. My daughter loved the Greek program and retains the information and (most importantly) the inspiration to create, see art and make connections between Greek art and myths and contemporary culture.