Cordovan Art School — Attraction in Round Rock

I used to teach at Cordovan.

The manager generally gives nonspecific guidelines and confusing demands, which if are not met incur much displeasure, and is passive aggressive.

When I asked for time off, the manager threatened my removal. I mentioned I knew it was a bit short notice (9 days in advance,) and I was willing to make things work if this was not adequate time to find a substitute. The manager did have a substitute available but said she would prefer I teach that day instead. I offered some solutions, such as starting a two-part project with the students which they could finish with the substitute. The manager reiterated that though she had a substitute available, she would prefer I teach that day instead. I agreed to come in but requested that she just let me know next time if my time-off request was denied. The manager said she would happily replace me.

Cordovan Art School does not provide its teachers with classroom management training, tools, or aid/assistance. They hired me knowing my experience was in teaching private lessons. When I arrived at Cordovan, students would be screaming and constantly making poop jokes (audible outside the door.) I initially tried to address this by providing tasks for students to help them feel useful and productive like passing out supplies, reminding them to keep their conversations appropriate, and letting them know the studio is an art-making space and they are free to sit in the lobby if they do not want to participate. This did not work. The manager took notice and offered to make the classes smaller but mentioned they were already pretty small and she would prefer not to. Unsure of how to respond (based on my last encounter where she brought up her preferences,) I said I think I just needed someone to help me with classroom management. This did not happen, either, and I have never seen any assistants at Cordovan Round Rock. I had to directly ask on my last day of teaching for someone to stand in the classroom with me and catch/manage behavioral issues.

It was expected that I create/use unpaid lesson plans, not give students visual guides, and not repeat subject matter/materials between classes. I spent hours working on lesson plans only to be told

Highly, highly recommend Cordovan. You won’t regret it. Plus there’s a trial class to see if it’s for you. Im an adult and started off at the beginner oil painting class and then the advanced oil painting class. Now Im starting my own art business selling my artwork.

Cordovan is welcoming to beginners and caters to all levels including intermediate and expert artists. Artist Dotti taught me the traditional way how to start (middle, and to finish) an oil painting, and techniques I use every time I paint to this day. In class, you bring a reference of the painting (picture or painting reference) you want to recreate. If you have special needs or requests they will cater to you. Dotti is extremely kind and patient. I loved that Dotti, John, and Terre never made me feel like I “wasn’t good enough” or didn’t have enough education etc. what I mean is, they respected me for the artist I am.

After every class I learned many things and was able to express myself better. The school and teachers were flexible with me and my needs. I loved how the teachers took time one on one with me to teach me invaluable skills. Dotti Berry is an outstanding mentor and teacher through my journey.

John is an incredibly successful talented artist, and was open and receptive to me being a beginner while still respecting my personal autonomy and art journey. Respect is really important to me and he was very respectful of me as an artist.

The cost of classes are highly worth it.

They let me shine while supporting and teaching me where I needed mentorship along the way. If you’re a serious artist or just want a new hobby go ahead and hit up Cordovan. :)

Thank you John, Dotti, Terre, and Nancy for your support on my...

I've been a teacher here for years. We have a variety of great students from diverse backgrounds. No matter what your age or skill level, there is a teacher and class for you. I love my work here, our mission, the environment and staff.

The owner is an extremely talented, kind and giving artist who is committed to providing a wonderful community-oriented studio space.

Depending on whether students sign up for drawing, painting, anime or ceramic classes, they have access to a wide variety of media such as acrylics, watercolor, oil pastel, soft (chalk) pastel, ink, charcoal, various types of markers, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, clay, glazes, etc. The school provides a range of stretched canvas sizes, canvas boards, several types, sizes and colors of drawing papers, and a spectrum of very nice colored pastel papers. It's very inspiring for the students to walk in and have access to this variety, and instruction from a local artist.

If you're looking for a group art class, definitely check the online schedule of classes and...