Thrive Art School454

My 6 year old son has attended two camps (summer and fall break), one weekend session, and and a parents night out at Thrive. Primarily our experiences are at the Madison Park location but one camp was at the Ravenna location. I cannot tell you how many compliments we get from the Cat in the Hat picture he drew on his very first day at a Thrive camp! The teachers are warm and low-key, the atmosphere at both locations is pleasant (nice music, bright furniture, lots of light) and he has looked forward to every session. The pieces he's brought home are amazingly technical, bright, and varied (the sculpey bird and mobile balloon house from the movie "Up" are special highlights.) I recommend Thrive for any parents who, like me, don't have an artistic bent (so don't do much at home) but would like to encourage their child's interest. My child came up with work I didn't think he was capable of--really brought out the artist in him. A great experience!

My daughter has been at several classes at Thrive. She really enjoyed the classes. The calm peaceful setting allowed her to tap into her creative side. She was excited to see her energetic teacher each class. This made it easy taking her to class. I didn't have to drag her out of the house which sometimes I find myself doing with some activities. Before the class my daughter was drawing flowers and stick figures and would often complain when she didn't know how to draw something. Now she is drawing all sorts of things and comments about the different shapes that are in varias objects as she draws. She has more confidance and complains less when she is drawing and doing other creative things. I can't say enough about the Thrive program. I hightly recommend it. It has truly allowed my daughter to tap into her creative side and to be more confidant in art.

I have placed both my daughter and son in classes at Thrive over the past 5 months. My 11 year old son has autism and attends each class with a professionally trained autism aide. Last week he had a challenging day. At one point during the class, he reportedly "stomped and yelled" and possibly broke a paint brush. At this time, his aide took him out of the class and brought him home early. I received a phone call from Thrive telling me that he was not welcome back. And they felt he was "probably not getting anything out of it anyway." Which is so insulting, since work is beautiful and has been requested to sell at auction. I have not experienced this type of exclusion and segregation ever in my 11 years of parenting a disabled child. The destructively negative lessons they are teaching children about diversity, tolerance and inclusion far outweigh any benefit an art class can make in a child's development. I am truly saddened, disappointed and shocked that these prejudicial and exclusionary practices are still active in 2010.

Not only a fantastic art school, but a GREAT homeschool resource. The have two multiage homeschool classes ( ages 5-8, and 9+), that run weekdays during "school hours". As someone pursuing a BFA, I'm picky, and this school is the tops. Classical & fun.