Mission: Renaissance Fine Art Classes

I took classes here as a child for nearly nine years — from 7 to 16 years old. Obviously, if I was in these classes for so long, I loved them. I still remember my first day when I walked in. The studio felt electric to me.
In public school, art is treated like «just a fun time.» I was never actually instructed on how to do anything or how to observe the natural world. Mission: Renaissance teaches you those things. The only aspect of art which cannot be taught (not even by a stupendous teacher) is creativity. Creativity comes from within. But drawing/​painting are skills. Skills can be taught and learned. I have taken classes in middle school, high school, and three universities (one of which was UCLA). I am not exaggerating when I say that Missions: Renaissance was the only school where I learned a significant amount of information about how to draw/​paint.
Although in a group setting, instruction is actually one-​on-​one. Instruction is tailored to each student to make sure that everyone understands and can go at their own pace. The opposite is true in a regular school setting where it is group instruction and if you can’t keep up, that’s the student’s problem.
Growing up, I would not say that I was a popular child. And in the public/​private school system, if you’re not a «mathelete,» you’re labeled as dumb, unproductive, and not going anywhere in life. My unpopularity coupled with my sub-​average academic performance did not work wonders for my self-​esteem. When I entered M: R, that changed. Not to brag, but I was one of the more talented kids in the room. When I entered into the teen program, I had a group of really great friends who I KIT with to this day (nearly ten years later). M: R was the first time in my life where I felt respected, talented, and accepted.
The skills I learned from M: R even allowed me to receive college scholarships. And these skills also applied to my chosen profession of Visual Effects (computer science).
I love Mission: Renaissance and I am extremely grateful my parents provided this experience for me. Art is not for everyone, but it is for me.
*side note: Mission Renaissance accepts children as young as 4.5. Honestly, 85% of children six and under can’t handle this type of art class. It’s not «cut-​n-​paste.» It’s real instruction that requires a length of time for serious concentration. It’s fun, but challenging.

I can’t say enough good things about Mission Renaissance art classes and especially the adult classes in Pasadena. Juan is an amazing and patient teacher and I have met many new friends there. My two daughters attended the children classes next door for years off and on and now I take classes with one of them. They are a tremendous self-​esteem builder and creative outlet. The best part of Mission Renaissance is that everyone works at their own pace and we are always challenged but successful. Anyone can be proud of their work!

My daughter has been taking art lessons at a local art studio for a year. When a Groupon for Mission: Renaissance came up, we thought we’d give it a try! The experience has far exceeded my expectations! The instructor, Jacqueline, makes each lesson fun, but also meaningful with an art show at the end of each class. Now that her Groupon lessons are over, we have decided to continue our lessons with Jacqueline. The art work from the students in the class are also quite impressive. The reason I am holding out a star is that the lessons are very expensive relative to what we were paying for art classes…

My daughter has attended the studio for 12 years. The teachers work with her individually and help to develop skills of perspective not only with drawing, but with life. They guide her through the process of having a goal, sometimes struggling to learn something new, and then celebrating success. Our daughter’s favorite time of the week is to go to the studio and enter into the zone of joy that she feels as the drawings and paintings unfold. The teachers are available to coach and at the same time they know when to allow a student to remain undisturbed when they arrive at that great place of creativity and imagination.