I signed up for a beginner metalsmithing class here and was extremely disappointed. The instructor spent the first 1/2 hour showing us the studio and some of the equipment. Then he told us to spend the next 3 hours designing a box on paper and then creating a prototype out of card stock. This is a BEGINNER class and I hadn't done anything like this before. During those 3 hours, he sat around and chatted and then showed off the artwork he has made. He didn't spend any time teaching. I did not learn anything during that first class.
He did say to the class "yeah, lots of people hate this first class." He mentioned this at least 3 times during the evening. I have taken art classes similar to this before and each one had a specific project that incorporated all the elements on the syllabus so each student could learn thoroughly. When I told him that the class wasn't what I expected, he said that all the classes at the NWTC Artisan center are like this. Really? Instructors that are too lazy to put together lesson plans are par for the course here?
And their refund policy is horrible. You can only be refunded if you cancel up to the day before the class. After that first class I contacted them for a refund, as I didn't want to continue to go to a class where the instructor wasn't all that interested in teaching. They wouldn't honor even a partial refund. So if you have a bad experience like did it doesn't matter to them. When I inquired about a partial refund, they said they couldn't do it due to "budgetary issues." I had signed up for another class after this one but did cancel that as I don't want to experience this again.
I don't recommend the metalsmithing class and I will never go back there again. It is too bad, as I was really excited to learn...
Read moreMy son took a homeschool drawing class here, and I was extremely impressed with the quality of instruction and the overall experience. The teacher was incredibly talented and knowledgeable while being patient, encouraging, and taking the time to work with each student individually to help them develop their skills. My son improved greatly in his drawing abilities during the class and has gone on to develop a real passion for drawing. The class was well-structured, engaging, and fun, and it provided a great opportunity for homeschooled students to...
Read moreClasses are great. Just don't do open studio with a job that requires alot of travel as they will just take back the items you purchased and give your space to others and no refund. Not...
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