My experience at the Terry Knickerbocker Studio was nothing short of life changing. I feel truly…read moreblessed, and honored that I was selected to attend, and complete the 2 year conservatory program. The Terry Knickerbocker Studio provided me with a wonderfully warm, and generous artistic home when I wasn't sure I would ever be able to find one. They made me feel welcomed from the first moment when I reached out in 2019, to attended their Fall Meisner Intensive, till the day I graduated the 2 year program in 2022. I learned so much about acting during my time at the studio but I also learned so much more about myself and the kind of artist I wanted to be. Terry, along with the other incredible faculty members, really care about the collective as well as the individual. They take time to provide individual feedback and also create space for people to share a thought, a discovery, or a question. They continually, and gently invite you to give a little more, dig a little deeper, reveal a little more, encouraging you to find the deeper meaning within relationships and circumstances. The work you do here is an ongoing conversation of artistry that Terry and the other faculty members help facilitate while guiding you through the journey that is the training. The training was everything I hoped it would be, and everything I wanted for myself. I wanted to be a part of a high quality, rigorous training program surrounded by others who we're committed and focused as well; I found that at the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, while also finding an artist home and friends that will last me a lifetime.

I would like to start by saying everyone who assisted me in the studio was helpful and polite. The…read morevoice and movement professors, John and especially Onye, were encouraging and friendly. However, as the name on the door is Terry Knickerbocker, my rating is one because I can't give zero. Numerous extremely uncomfortable episodes happened during the time I was there. In some of these episodes, Terry made extremely disrespectful comments about a specific young black student. In my case, because I'm big and muscular, all the criticism was focused on my appearance and how bad my acting was, comparing me to Vin Diesel. I know the intention was to offend me, but thinking about it, Vin Diesel is at least actually acting and not coaching actors. I can't speak for other people or other classes, but as I read on the website that people from minorities have had problems in the studio in the past, there's a good chance this isn't an isolated case. Terry often demands reverential treatment but treats it rudely and impersonally. He demands punctuality but finishes class 40 minutes later. He demands that you answer his comments ( because he doesn't like feeling like an ATM) but interrupts you when you try to express yourself, and especially, like every narcissist, he will shut you down if you disagree with anything or point out any contradictions in the feedback he has given, which happens constantly because In one class he will tell you to be sweeter. On the other, he will complain that you are being too sweet. An art environment, especially for beginners, should be more encouraging, inclusive, and, why not, fun! But Terry seems to have a personal interest in making everything extremely uncomfortable, oppressive, and frightening. Terry has interests other than making the beginning student grow, as he says, "I don't like teaching, but my name is on the door." What he forgets and should be a priority is that the name on the card that keeps his studio open is that of the student. I'm still shocked at how despicable some interactions were, but deep down, I understand that all this sadism comes from a deep resentment for not having been able to have a career as an actor. But even understanding the source, I don't think it's fair that because of his inability to be an actor, he tries to kill the spirit of those starting out and still having a chance to realy make art. I understand that some people will say something different and even publicly defend Terry, most artists, especially actors and actresses, have deep insecurity and seek recognition from this type of sadistic figure or are just afraid of losing opportunities by criticizing a figure who, for them, is a gatekeeper, but, If you want to know what people there really think, ask someone personally. For me, being a veteran, having been born in the projects, the son of a black man, and an immigrant, especially as an artist who creates his own opportunities and directs his own films in his own country I don't need to kiss anyone's ring and I don't need to lie about how disrespectful, uncomfortable and counterproductive my time in Terry's class was. In short, I have never dealt with a more toxic and narcissistic person in my life.

My pre-teen has been attending after-school and summer programs here for the past 2 years. It's a…read morewonderful mix of coaching/talent development, fun and giving back to the local community (Danny organizes many goodwill projects throughout the year - singing at a Brooklyn infusion center with a live band for patients last Christmas was definitely a highlight of the year!) I love that this program has not only helped shape my daughter's skills as a singer and overall awareness of movement/physical expression but Danny and his team are so generous, encouraging and supportive - I see my daughter has grown so much more confident since joining PSC. I've also been so impressed by the improvement in her vocal skills thanks to Danny's tips and training. My daughter really looks forward to class every week, and it provides a great creative outlet for her, even in a virtual format during this Covid shelter in place!

Danny is an incredible teacher! We're thrilled by the progress our daughter has made and the joy…read moreshe has for singing - he's given her confidence and builds on her skills in a natural way that she finds fun and engaging. The recitals with all of his students are a highlight for us as a family. It's obvious he has a keen sense of each of his students. We're so happy he was recommended to us by another local family.

Barking Cat is exactly what you want in an art studio for children. Karen has boundless energy and…read moreenthusiasm and an endless list of engaging projects, and she has an amazing rapport with young kids. My younger son has been going to Barking Cat since he was three, and it really is the high point of his week. He'll talk about the projects he did there all week, carry them around, take them to bed within. And I can see that she has a similar effect on other kids there. Barking Cat is an undiscovered gem. There are classes for a range of ages and the prices are quite reasonable. If you live in Windsor Terrace or Kensington and have a small child with any interest in art (or even one who doesn't seem to) you should look into it. It seems like attendance has dropped off a bit after the pandemic, which is a shame. Kids are missing out on the best art experience of their childhoods.

My son went to Barking Cat last summer for just two classes and still asks to go back. Karen (the…read moreowner) is very imaginative with creative learning. I'm sure we'll be back!

My daughter has been taking art lessons with Garri Matnadze for two years. He is very kind and…read moremakes the classes fun. He is a great artist and teacher. Through his mentorship, my daughter recently got into I.S. 239 Mark Twain Art Talent.

From the owner: Audition & Portfolio Prep: NYC Visual Art Middle School, High School & Art & Design Colleges…read more FREE Art Portfolio Review: Schedule your portfolio evaluation by contacting us. Art Classes for Kids (10+) & Adults at Brooklyn Art Studio or at Your Home.

This place is overcrowded. Instructors, high turnover rate, inexperience, teach kids to trace,…read morethen color, lacks creativity, innovation. Their instructions in art can be done at home. Not worth the money. Incentive, combines art with Mandarin dialect classes. Otherwise, avoid.

This is a wonderful art center! All teachers are so nice and creative in teaching. I suggest that…read moreeveryone can come here and you will like this are center!

I took the Ring Making from Wax to Metal class and really enjoyed it! I learned a lot and ended up…read moremaking a few really cool things! Kerrie and Melissa really know their stuff and can answer any question you have with way more information than you thought you'd get in response. They also had good advice whenever I was at a crossroads in my design/plan. They're laid back and they make the class relaxing, which is just what I wanted. The only thing I didn't love was that since they're not really teacher-y, the beginning of the class is kind of just like 'here's some wax, you can carve it!' which technically is how you start, but coming at it from a complete novice point of view, I was kind of like ...... do I just start now? what am I doing? what? But overall, I would highly recommend the class! I've taken what I learned there and gotten a few tools of my own and am picking up some new pieces from the caster (that they recommended) tonight!

I took their "Stacking Rings" class and absolutely loved it! We learned how to create our own rings…read morefrom wax to silver. Both Kerrie and Melissa were very helpful during the process. They also provided the entire class with a packet containing information on supplies needed, and where to buy, to get started in wax-metal jewelry making. It is very detailed and invaluable. I am now setting up my own wax jewelry studio just from the one class I took! I recommend their guidance and teaching, they have a wealth of information to share; its only a matter of what you choose to do with it!

Brooklyn Players describes itself as "After-School Performing Arts Classes for 4 year olds through…read moreteens and adults, as well as 4-week musical theater program for 8-13 year olds during the summer. Classes in Singing, Theater, Guitar, Musical Theater and Film and Movie-Making. Small classes with individualized attention in a cozy, professional and nurturing environment. " I am a parent of three children who have studied musical theater through Brooklyn Players, in both the summer and school year (after school) programs. Brooklyn Players is fantastic, and my kids have gained tremendously from attending. I am impressed with the way they have developed my children's skills to such a high level in a program which is truly fun and nurturing, and where teamwork aspects of theater are strongly emphasized. I have never before seen a performing program (for music or theater) where there is such a relaxed feeling but such amazingly professional results. I have one child who just started college but attended Brooklyn Summer Players every year from age 9 to 13, and I have one much younger child who recently completed his first year in the 4 week summer program. I find the staff very talented, and it has been fun to watch the kids grow and develop in the program. When my now college-age son applied to high school, he was admitted to some very selective programs (like the very small, highly esteemed theater program at Edward Murrow high school). It has been fun and impressive to see the Brooklyn Players graduates continue their successful efforts to perform in school and outside of school as well. Many students from Brooklyn Players end up with leading roles in high school productions, whether or not they choose to attend selective arts programs for high school. I am glad my sons learned so much from Brooklyn Players, but I think it is equally valuable that the program was really fun for them too. I am delighted my youngest is still in Brooklyn Players and continuing to enjoy and learn from it as his older brothers did. I highly recommend the summer program as well as the school year classes. We are fortunate to have such a great program in Park Slope.

My daughter has participated in both the summer and after-school programs. Her summer experience…read moretwo years ago ignited a love for musical theatre that she has been pursuing ever since through voice and acting classes with Brooklyn Players. The after-school classes are the perfect size; each student gets a lot of individual attention. The caliber of students is very high, yet there is an atmosphere of mutual support instead of competitiveness. When my daughter began voice classes with Corinne, she was not so confident in her abilities. I am almost more pleased with her increased confidence than I am with her technical skill, but she has Brooklyn Players to thank for both at this point. Sadly, we are leaving the area, so she can't do the summer show this year, but she has been accepted into a very selective summer theatre program in the area we are moving to. We have been so fortunate to have this amazing resource right here in the neighborhood; Brooklyn Players is a great choice for any kid with an interest in performing.

I don't really post reviews, but we had such a positive experience with Hootenanny that I felt…read morecompelled to share. We hosted my son's 3rd birthday party here, choosing the Music Party with Pete. Pete was so personable and warm, and when he led the singalong he had 14 children totally riveted. They had a blast. Kira was responsive and helpful leading up to the day of the party, so planning was a snap. For me, the best part was knowing that we were supporting a small business owned by a family in our community. While there is certainly nothing wrong with going with a place like Gymboree or MyGym, there was a personal element to this experience that made it that much more special.

I go to music classes in the park with my son and he loves it. Our teacher is wonderful and even…read morethough he is only 10 months old, he really enjoys the class and follows along. I would highly recommend. We also appreciate that they have an outdoor option in addition to their classes indoors.

I cannot say enough in praise of Mary Ellen and Kevin who did some challenging and ultimately…read morebeautiful work for me on two pieces. Unfortunately movers made a hash up, literally, of a valuable antique glass dome shade for a torchiere that had been in my family for several generations. They expertly blew a new shade of cased glass in a deep burgundy color as I had wanted it. The result not only enables me to continue to use this treasured light but also maintains the beauty of the piece. The second piece was entirely the result of my clumsiness. Another antique glass picture frame that had a number of complicated elements needed to be restored. They again did a magnificent job in working several different sized cane pieces, refashioned how it could be hung and I now have another beautiful piece for my home. But their work extends far beyond restoring pieces. Their studio (well worth a visit on its own), contains their own artistry in glass. They do largely custom and major work that is remarkably beautiful and intricate. They are truly artists of the first order. That goodness there is still a call for people so skilled.

My boyfriend bought me gift certificate for an intro glass-blowing class several years ago. One…read morecold winter afternoon I trekked out to the pier in Red Hook to take my class and loved it. I had a total blast learning about the process and I even came home with a snazzy red-orange vase that I made. Every time I walk by Pier Glass I tell myself I need to go back and grow beyond my "basic vase". Someday, Pier Glass, someday I'll be back.