I joined the school this summer and returned back to it this fall. It was one of the best decisions…read moreI have made lately. The teachers are very pleasant, accommodating but at the same time try to push to be a better artist. If you are a returning student you get an approx 30 dollars in discount. Its 150 dollars for a whole semester. The art supplies can be expensive but they will last you a life time and you have to buy them only once. Ample parking in the school parking lot. Plus some of the fellow students are really cool people so all in all it makes up for a very positive experience.

Hey folks! I have been attending the Art Academy for 7 years and have had nothing but good…read moreexperiences there! The instructors are all very helpful and cheerful, and they all have a great passion for art. I have always looked forward to going to class at The Art Acabemy!

This is a very nice campus, converted from the Golden Valley Lutheran university…read more Lots of light all over and nice open spaces. The arts abound all over the school. They feature a public library, on-campus housing for students from outside of the metro area and very caring staff. There is no transportation to or from school but this is a special school. The admission process is multi-stage with academic and art panel review. The school is for kids who really want to focus on art full time. They have limited extra curricular opportunities and partner with Groves academy for some sports. If you know someone who wants to focus on art at a young age this might be the place for them. This is a free public arts school white a private school feel.

We had our two children (a creative 10 year old and an all sports 8 year old) go to art camp for a…read moreweek. They had a GREAT time! I knew my 10 year old would really like it, but I was surprised how much our eight year old liked it. I asked him he would like to go again, he said absolutely. They made soap, made and painted sculptures, worked with clay, water colors, drawings and collages, paper flowers, woven llamas and even had a llama visit and had ice cream at the neighboring parlor. I asked what our son would like others to know, and he said: you may not make what I made, but you'll get to do something awesome. Mrs Ross knows how to run a classroom too. I HIGHLY recommend art camps and sessions with Mrs Ross.

From the owner: Katie is a licensed art teacher with over 10 years of experience. She brings her contagious passion…read morefor all things art with her years of service experience to offer a one of a kind experience. Katie caters to groups just as much as individuals, as they are each considered guests in this warm studio space. Although she specializes in mediums like ceramics, stained glass, and painting, Katie’s experience travels well beyond those mediums. Her “life-long-learner” attitude makes her up for just about any idea, and her creative spin will ensure that extra touch you were hoping to find for your experience. I am Katie, and I love making things, meeting people, and having a great time. 952-210-5192

GREAT TIME to view the immense talented of the students during their exhibits-- left me wishing I…read morehad bottomless pockets!! :)

This school did not adapt to COVID well. Unable to use the facilities, students are still paying up…read moreto 58,000/year. Of course the president was kind enough to give a generous $500 back per semester, as if that's supposed to help over six months of classes. Most of the professors are great, some are only focused on their own tastes when in crit. The classes are long, and there is rarely time to complete any assignments as well as classes. I often found myself dropping classes to offset the workload I was given. Most professors don't care that you have 4 additional 10 hour assignments due as well as writing and research assignments, so it continues to pile on. It feels like a scam. I was so excited to be 19 and applying, but now that I'm older I see the way they take in vulnerable artists for their money promising a distinguished degree. What are they even spending it on? Facilities and amenities (especially housing) are RARELY updated. There are only two buildings, one of which is over 100 years old and has barely been touched. I understand paying faculty, but when you're charging 800+ kids 50,000+ per year... you have to wonder. Printing and parking is not free either, they take every spare penny you have. There is a reason I'm not going back next semester, the stress and pain wasn't worth it, even if I graduated, what could I expect? Assistance getting into the job market after school is non-existent. They kick you in the ass with a good luck out the door. If you're an artist, just begin your own practice. Save yourself some time and money. You don't need a degree to be a real artist. Don't waste your money.

Ten minutes well spent Might not be great most the time…read moreBut it is great now This review is not so much for the Bloomington Center for the Arts (not Bloomington Art Center as Yelp has it listed), but for the current exhibit that they have going on right now featuring the artwork of Thomas Fluharty. I actually probably spent more than ten minutes there. Call it twenty. If you are older than 30, you have probably seen some of his work at one time or another in your life. It has been featured on numerous magazine covers. Usually, caricatures of political figures seen on the front of Time, U.S. News & World Report, etc. He has also had work published in Mad Magazine and other periodicals. Much of his stuff will definitely give you a chuckle. My only complaint about the exhibit is there was not a ton of stuff in it. Just one smallish room with maybe fifty or so pieces and many of those being sketches and not paintings. In addition to the caricatures, there were many pieces featuring dogs, religious work and a few other odds and ends. If you are interested in drawing yourself, he will be teaching a class at the Center in August. Per his Wikipedia page, he currently resides in Minnesota.

Our first visit to this grand theatre marked by grand pillars and a bright facade off Old Shakopee…read moreRoad. The Bloomington Chorale presented the Shining-holiday show. Plenty of parking; grand entry where City Council meets; grand theatre and perfect ambiance. The theatre two levels and helpful guides and greeters. Restrooms main lobby and a sizable venue I could not tell if there were other auditoriums but it was very accommodating. More concerts in the future!

Visited here to participate in one of their special events...I went on a Sunday to an event called…read more"Family Art Sunday" and had so much fun creating 3D art by making tissue paper flowers and painting the flower pots! A very nice cosy space within a beautiful park. Enjoyed a wonderful time. Thank you!

Currently BLCA is closed to the public for in person visits, but exhibits & programs are offered…read moreonline: banfill-locke.org The one-time Banfill Inn is located in Anoka County Manomin Park. The grounds are beautiful and offers a nice overlook of the Rice Creek empties into the Mississippi River. Worth a stop and a place to catch your breath.

I attended Studio seven from 5th grade up to high school graduation, and it was an incredibly…read moreformative experience. The teachers are engaging, encouraging, and warm - they know how to bring the best out of their students, and they care about each and every one of them. I learned techniques for countless art mediums, and there was always more to learn. I had attended many other art classes, before I finally found "the one" at Studio Seven. I treasure the memories of growing up in this place, and I couldn't recommend it more highly.

From the owner: Studio 7 offers a fine arts program for students aged 7 to 17. The program focuses on the…read moredevelopment of technical skills, as well as the creative expansion of individual ideas, through the ardent study of nature and form. Learning in a studio environment, rather than a classroom, is a very old idea. It is a belief that we at Studio 7 share.