The Art Shack Miami — Attraction in Doral

so I don’t really know where to start this nor how to finish it but I guess I’ll see where it goes. I have been going to the art shack for years, and the place is just absolutely incredible. the people are so genuine and kind. and one thing i’ve noticed is that the people there not only do they teach and help but they show you a totally different perspective. the more you think about it the more you notice it. art is all around us, and it’s thanks to the teachers there that I’ve been able to notice it as well as appreciate it. each person is different, and sees things from a different light, and taking time to notice it from someone else’s point of view can really change how you see things, and how you see the world. laura has really been like another mother to me. she’s always cracking jokes as well as teaching you something new. you want the fundamental blueprints for an ideal and most kind, perfect, amazing, kind hearted person? well that’s laura. in my 12 years of existence I’ve never met anyone like her. and I do wish there were more people out there like her. not to devalue her individuality, but because she truly is who, at least I aspire to like when im older. im going to seventh grade next year, and the future is absolutely terrifying, but I can’t wait for what’s to come. because there is always more than one way to look at it, art has already taught me that much. sincerely, a very shy pre teen who found comfort in this place with these people that I can now call a second home....

My twin daughters attend the Art Shack for Portfolio Prep as they were applying to several art high schools. The AS was highly recommended to me by a couple of friends whose children also attended. This was a particularly challenging time to do a long-term prep class for anything given the kids were just emerging from Covid and still dealing with the effects of remote learning, Covid variants, the pressures of isolation and the difficulties of keeping up with school work.

.I have to say, this was a period of tremendous growth for my kids. They were pretty determined to get into a high school art program and they learnt from Ms. Laura and the instructors, that with hard work, dedication and rigor, they could achieve their desired goals. When they started, it was hard as they weren't used to the work load and to learning how to manage their own time and work on multiple projects at once. By the end, the kids were doing the majority of the work on their own and leaning how to communicate with their teachers to get feedback on their chosen portfolio works. I think my kids learnt more at the AS than at their art middle school! My kids got into all of the schools they applied to and that was because of the way the class is taught. Each child is expected to work on ideas for portfolio requirement. Ideation, project development, time managements, working in different mediums, critique-- all of it was so incredibly helpful! This was a five month class and it was worth every...

The Art Shack is a wonderful art studio with excellent teachers. My daughter is a serious art student and has attended art classes at a variety of settings throughout Miami-Dade. The instruction at The Art Shack is unparalleled. We’ve seen her grow by leaps and bounds in short periods because the teachers are able to identify each student’s specific areas that need help and communicate it so the student understands how to master that piece or process and keep moving. Each student there is creating art that is specific and individual — it is not a mass-produced, everyone does the same project type studio. There is a fair amount of planning and coming up with projects that will resonate with the child so she can put her heart into it. The teachers are also very patient with, and respectful of, every single child. As a result of this role-modeling, all the students treat and support each other the same way. The emotional environment is an impressive blend of remarkably relaxed while still laser-focused. They encourage independence by building self-confidence so the students are comfortable taking artistic risks. We also have attended special events for families through the years, and the instructors are just as much fun for adults as for kids. No matter where you live in Miami-Dade, it is...