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March 2023 by Felicia Cannon
I have taken Sandy Dawson’s (Sam) art classes for adults for a few years and participated in several workshops.Sam is a wonderful teacher and has worked with all ages, from preschool through adult. She naturally cultivates a warm, supportive learning environment. The students who have specific interests build upon their skills and learn new techniques as they improve. Other students experiment with different media. They begin to develop their strengths and preferences. No one is ever discouraged from trying something “new.”Sam’s comments are never criticisms. They are suggestions, instructional tools and explorations of strategies meant to inspire.
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March 2023 by Judy Meza
I hadn't thought of myself as artistic or talented in art, but I have been an adult painting class with Sam for over a year, and it's one of my favorite activities in the week, and I surprise myself with the paintings I've done during this time. Sam is a highly experienced and knowledgeable artist and teacher and has a very welcoming, friendly, relaxed, and fun approach to teaching. In our class, each person works on their own piece, using a variety of mediums, and her class becomes a community, where we converse comfortably while working on our art. There is no feeling of competitiveness, but of mutual support and encouragement.Sam provides suggestions and instruction on techniques to help guide us whenever needed, and the atmosphere in the class is very relaxed and friendly. I highly recommend her art classes for people of all ages.
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March 2023 by Regina Daughter
I've taken adult classes on and off for several years, returning whenever the artistic juices are flowing. Sandy is so supportive of my efforts and shares her artistic expertise so generously that I am pleased with my painting and collage accomplishments. The class members are always a pleasure to spend time and share ideas with.
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March 2023 by Hayley N.
I've been taking this class for a few years and immediately felt extremely welcome. Everyone works on their own project at their own pace and Sam is there for guidance and feedback. More than that, it's a very safe little community where I am free to express myself. I'm extremely grateful for this space.
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March 2023 by Judy M.
I hadn't thought of myself as artistic or talented in art, but I have been an adult painting class with Sam for over a year, and it's one of my favorite activities in the week, and I surprise myself with the paintings I've done during this time. Sam is a highly experienced and knowledgeable artist and teacher and has a very welcoming, friendly, relaxed, and fun approach to teaching. In our class, each person works on their own piece, using a variety of mediums, and her class becomes a community, where we converse comfortably while working on our art. There is no feeling of competitiveness, but of mutual support and encouragement. Sam provides suggestions and instruction on techniques to help guide us whenever needed, and the atmosphere in the class is very relaxed and friendly. I highly recommend her art classes for people of all ages.
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March 2022 by Sue K.
Our daughter loves art and wanted to get time painting with a group. Sam's teen Saturday class was the perfect way to incorporate this, along with instruction and inspiration. Loved being able to do in-person and Zoom, based on COVID issues of the moment. Her space is lovely and welcoming and a great fit for experienced or budding artists.
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March 2022 by Hila Ratzabi
Amazing art teacher! My 6-year-old has loved her classes.
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February 2022 by J Cunningham
Sandy is a wonderful art instructor. My teenage children really enjoy her classes, have learned so much and bloomed as artists! She embraces all styles from anime to traditional landscapes and all mediums from pencil to watercolors. Can't recommend Sandy and SD Studios enough!
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February 2022 by Claudia Flores
My daughter is 17 and has been taking art class for a couple of years. She loves this class. She enjoys it and looks forward to going to her class every Saturday morning. Sandy is great with the kids.
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January 2022 by Morgen A.
My son loves the teen class at SD Studios. Sam has helped him develop the confidence that he needs to keep growing and exploring. The class gives him the structure he needs to stick with a project from start to finish. And we now have some beautiful paintings to decorate our home!
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January 2022 by Claudia F.
My daughter has been going to art class for a couple of years. She really enjoys class and looks forward to her working on her projects. She loves working with Sandy.
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April 2018 by Susan Elster-Jones
My Sunday morning adult mixed media class is the highlight of my week. I am super excited about the work I have done and love the environment. My fellow students and Sandra are truly wonderful people and inspiring artists.
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August 2017 by Happy M.
Sandy Dawson is that super cool, bohemian artist that you meet and just want to be more like. Whenever you encounter her, she is so warm and deep and open. Fortunately, for we parents, she channels these spiritual gifts towards our young artists. They need not be good artists to become great expressors across many mediums at her studio. Sandy really sees her young students, and through her, my own daughter has been able to see more of herself. Yes my student is thrilled with the variety and quality of materials available. She gets so much from Sandy's and fellow classmates suggestions and input onto her art projects. But the environment created, and the nurturing received, goes far beyond perspectives, shading and colors-all of which have expanded through a year of classes. It's a lovely cocoon to expand ones art, by expanding one's confidence, supporting one's introspection and sharing a truly special process of personal and artistic growth. Cannot recommend her more highly, and suggest you give a trial class a go, perhaps your child-or yourself-will find what mine has there!
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May 2017 by Jen F.
Sandra's encaustic workshop is very interesting and highly addictive. You feel the passion she has for teaching in every workshop. Seasoned artists and newbies can both benefit from a course at SD Studios.
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April 2017 by Betsy Grimm
“I can't recommend classes with Sandy enough! Her Encaustic class has easily made Wednesdays my favorite day of the week. It's funny that I was worried I'd be intimidated by her tremendous talent, but I wound up finding the exact opposite. Sandy is so supportive and encouraging (no matter what the level of her students), and she creates a great environment of playfulness and experimentation. I encourage anyone looking to rekindle that creative spark to try one of her classes.â€
