Imagine a haven for children to create and express themselves without boundaries. The River Gallery School of Art is just that, and I wish we had something similar in our town. I have never seen an art school that truly lets the kids lead. Upon arrival, children are encouraged to draw or color, to start the creativity. After “warming up” they are then set loose in the studio, with the option to pick a room and project. Kudos to River Gallery School of Art – I wish more places embraced children’s creative processes!

-Dominique Parrish (@WellTraveledChild)

"I see my girls' RGS experience as essential. Not only is this a time when the world needs art more than ever to maintain civility, creative and critical thinking, political and personal expression, and simple appreciation of beauty, RGS teaches art in a way that nurtures and challenges my kids' minds, hands and hearts. Their weekly studio time at River Gallery both grounds them and inspires them at a time in their lives when they have had to adapt to some very difficult changes. It remains a wonderful anchor for them."

Amy

"My girls always look forward to art school and get totally immersed in their work. All the daily worries melt away and they just create freely. Thank you for the wonderful experience that will enrich their lives."

Christine

"I like art class because Mondays are always the most stressful day for me and when I come to River Gallery after school it makes me feel less stressed & relaxed. And I think River Gallery is a really great school."

Cassie, student

"RGS is such a special place where my daughter can get away from the pressure of performance and come here, do art and just be."

Kirsten Beske

"As a grandmother coming in a little early to pick up my (5yr) granddaughter, I overheard a 7 yr old little girl ask another as they both worked on their paintings, “Do you like Monet? I like Monet. Most of his paintings are very happy.” And then I was blessed to have a few minutes to paint with my granddaughter. We all left the studio smiling ear to ear."

"Our son has really thrived at RGS over the last three years. He has taken part in after-school art studio and summer camps. It is wonderful to see his determination and sense of accomplishment when he's working on art projects at RGS. His connection to the teachers really stands out. He is inspired by their creativity and wants to make his own creativity shine for their benefit. He's a boy who is not always getting the message that he's succeeding at school or at home, so it is really important to his self-confidence to feel successful at art studio.”

“I died waiting for the X-mas vacation to be over so I could go back to my art class. It's the only place I can let my imagination out.”

Ketevan, student

"It's different from art class at school because you start with your own idea and then you can learn to use any material to make what you have imagined."

Julia, student

"It's what I look forward to most during the week. I love to paint and draw and be surrounded by other people's artwork. We have the freedom to be creative in our own way and work independently, but the teachers also treat us like real artists."

Elizabeth, student

“Thank you for your loving, generous, and skillful presence and for this very special offering. I truly appreciate how RGS is expanding its offerings to address so many of this community's needs.”

Vangie

“I wouldn't be where I am now without Ric and everyone at the RGS. I feel very lucky to have intersected with the school and I often wonder what I would have done with my life if my interest in art hadn't been encouraged at a young age."

Ethan, artist and former student