Susan Pidgeon is an outstanding art teacher. I have had the pleasure of working with her once a…read moreweek for two years as a private art student. Not only is Ms. Pidgeon a consummate professional, she is a genuinely good person who brings light and laughter to the teaching and learning process. Her comments, critiques, and suggestions are invaluable and have helped me to create art I am proud of. Ms. Pidgeon is an endlessly patient instructor who allows individuals of diverse ages and abilities to develop at their own pace and find the style that is best for them. During each lesson, Susan talks out loud about what the student is learning and why. This is a critical component for me. The instruction is seamlessly blended into working on a painting of my choice. Susan listens carefully to my comments, and that is the all important part of excellent communication and teaching. Ms. Pidgeon gives me confidence to experiment and try new approaches. I appreciate that she gives thoughtful answers to my many questions. One of her favorite expressions is, "There are no art police here." I love that attitude and the fact that it is always possible to improve an acrylic painting using Ms. Pidgeon's techniques. I have also mastered some of he basics of working in oil and how to use mixed media. I continue to explore these mediums, knowing that Susan is a veritable fountain of knowledge. Recently, I learned how to use molding paste to create action and depth in one of my more modern paintings. And in the midst of all the learning and experimenting, I have had fun. I look forward to each new week and the joy I feel. I know I am in the hands of a competent, caring professional who delights in the progress I have made and encourages me to move forward in new and exciting ways.

I took a acrylic painting class this summer with the Studio Art Center. It was a great class that…read moreI thoroughly enjoyed. I was pleased that I got to pick my subject matter. Ms. Pidgeon is a great instructor that has a lot of wonderful insights and suggestions based on her skill as an artist. She is also very humorous which lightens the mood of the class. This class was just what I needed to get me out of my creative rut and get the ideas and initiative flowing again.

Can't speak to the actual school experience but after attending the Masters of the Building Arts…read moreFestival, hosted by the ACBA, I have to believe they are doing a great job. The beautiful and functional crafts on display showcased a variety of skills and artistry, accentuated by the haunting and historic atmosphere of Charleston's Old City Jail. During my short visit I watched live brick making, stone carving, woodworking, tile making demonstrations, and learned about a variety of specialized hand tools.

From the owner: American College of the Building Arts: the only private, non-profit 501C3 college in the country,…read moreand the world, that awards a bachelors of applied science in one of six traditional building arts trade majors: architectural stone carving, carpentry, forged architectural ironwork, preservation masonry, plaster working, or timber framing. Unique because it educates and trains artisans in the traditional building arts to foster exceptional craftsmanship and encourage the preservation, enrichment, and understanding of the world's architectural heritage through a liberal arts and sciences education, graduating educated artisans with a foot in the past to be relevant for the present and future built environment.

SOA is an amazing school with amazing kids and surprisingly, great school lunch. If you have a…read morechild that's good at something like singing in the shower or playing a hello kitty piano, this is the place for them!

The Charleston County School of the Arts Middle & High School is a great school for an arts based…read moreand overall well rounded education. I have enjoyed visiting this school many times to speak to students and be a part of different events on campus and I have been impressed every time by the level of quality of the students. I really like the open feel and layout of the campus and all the space the school has to offer. I also like the energy and vibe of the students at this school as you can feel all of the creativity running through the halls when school is in session. Every time I come here I always seem to learn something too and I always leaved inspired. This school is well run and I look forward to being able to return again in the future to help out.

I walked around the College of Charleston's campus recently and was very impressed! The old…read morehistoric buildings were filled with character, and the landscapes of this school were managed with the utmost care and attention to detail. If you're in the area, the school is definitely worth a stop.

I was in town for a conference. My hotel was right next to the college so I ventured to the…read morelibrary. Great library! Loved the exhibits. The staff were courteous and excited to discuss their library and its history. Lots of places to sit and read whilst it enter an enclosed room and study.

Our kids went to a local Charleston charter school, but as soon as we found out they got into…read moreARCAE, we pulled them immediately. ARCAE is one of the very best, and our children have thrived since the first day. We're so glad we took that leap, and never looked back!

I don't know if they were busy or they treated me different because I am hispanic.... I walked to…read moreask about enrollment for next school year since I am moving from another state and the lady treated me like I was wasting her time. She wouldn't even answer my questions completely. I knew right there my daughter is not coming to this school..... sad

Came to have a dress hemmed. My plans for the dress changed before the work had been done (like…read morewithin 30 minutes of being measured and the dress dropped off) and they allowed me to pick it up and refund for all but the fitting, and were very understanding. The (owner I think?) person who helped me was very understanding and helped me make choices with the dress that were going to be best for my situation, which i really appreciated. I would definitely return.

A 1 month wait time for a simple hem on a pair of pants is not acceptable. I wasn't asking for a…read morerush job I literally had 9 days before the event.

The Red Barn Art Studio on Johns Island is a delightful haven for art enthusiasts of all ages…read more Under Pascale's energetic and encouraging guidance, both group and individual classes are offered, fostering creativity in a welcoming environment. Participants can explore various art forms, including pottery, with workshops that require patience and technique (which will take some time for this newbie). I certainly won't be quitting my day job, but am excited to see my completed clay mug project. The studio's vibrant community and beautiful setting make it a highly recommended destination for artistic exploration. I look forward to my next class!