Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Flack.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a classically trained artist, and I’ve been teaching painting and drawing for about seventeen years now. I graduated with my BFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. After graduation, in addition to creating my own work, I immediately embarked on a career as an art instructor. I have continued teaching since earning an MFA from the American Academy of Art in Chicago.
I’ve taught children, adults, and artists of all levels, from beginning to advanced. I have taught at the college level, in high schools around Chicago with After School Matters, and local park districts, just to name a few places! What I’ve learned over the years is that everyone works at their own level. As a teacher, the most rewarding thing is to know that you’ve met someone where they are, and have helped them advance their skill and confidence.
Although my students have different styles and interests, my classes are based in learning solid skills in representational painting and drawing. This gives students the ability to confidently and accurately represent what they see, whether they are working from life, or from a photo reference. My primary goal has always been to create a supportive and encouraging environment for my students, no matter what their level of experience or skill. I believe that being creative and making artwork, is necessary and life enriching! I give students the tools they need to realize their own creative potential, by giving students step by step guidance and individual feedback on their work.
I consider myself incredibly lucky and I am so grateful that I found this path, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with such talented and amazing students. Not only do I have the pleasure of seeing my students grow and develop as artists, art classes become a place for community and friendship, things we desperately need more of these days.
A few years ago, I made the decision to open my own studio. I wanted to create a place where students from different backgrounds and different levels of experience could come together to paint and draw. I now offer weekly classes for both adults and kids in my beautiful, north facing studio in Skokie. The response has been tremendous. Since opening, enrollment has more than doubled. Some classes have a wait list and I’m planning on adding additional classes soon.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are so many things to learn and such a steep learning curve when opening a business! But to be honest, the hardest part was just making the decision to turn my dream into a reality. Once I made the commitment to move forward, everything became more manageable. Opening my own business was one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made, but it has already proven to be one of the best. I certainly could not have done this without the support of my wonderful husband, illustrator Eugene Smith, and our kids, Audrey and Vivienne, not to mention my fantastic family and friends!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Insight Fine Art Studio – what should we know?
There’s always something going on at the studio! I accept select portrait commissions and I also host birthday parties, events and fundraisers. I offer weekly drawing and painting classes for both kids ages 7 to 18, and adults. The program is ongoing and students can start anytime. Class sizes are small, and I work individually with each student. New students are guided through a program of study beginning with drawing in pastel and charcoal. My focus is on representational artwork, and students begin working with still life, landscape, portraiture, etc. After learning the basics of drawing, students’ progress to painting, at first using watercolors, and then acrylic and oil. Adult students with previous drawing and painting experience, or with specific goals, develop their own program of study and work on projects of their choosing with instructor support and feedback. Students get feedback based on their skill and ability, ranging from step by step instruction and demonstration to feedback on more thematic or broad concepts.
I’m so proud that my studio is most known for the supportive and encouraging environment students will find here. It all comes back to my belief that drawing and painting are life enriching. My classes are open to all, non-competitive, and enjoyable for artists of all levels. Everyone gets support and encouragement here! I’ve taught people that have told me that they can’t “draw a straight line” and they leave their first class with a fully rendered, beautifully shaded still life drawing in pastel! People are often surprised that the ability to draw isn’t something you are born with. You can learn how to draw, and how to accurately represent what you see!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In a word, enthusiasm! I absolutely love drawing and painting, and I think that comes through in my teaching. It is incredibly rewarding for me to see students enjoying themselves as they learn new skills in class, and the pride that they have when they complete a new piece. For me, it doesn’t get any better!
Pricing:
- All classes are $25 per week. Kids classes are two hours long and include all supplies, while adult classes are three hours long, and do not include supplies.
- Students receive a ten percent discount for quarterly payment.
Contact Info:
- Address: Insight Fine Art Studio
3905 Howard St.
Skokie, IL 60076 - Website: https://www.insightfineartstudio.com
- Phone: (847) 213-0383
- Email: contact@insightfineartstudio.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightfineartstudio/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/insight-fine-art-studio-skokie
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