I've been taking this class for a few years and immediately felt extremely welcome. Everyone works on their own project at their own pace and Sam is there for guidance and feedback. More than that, it's a very safe little community where I am free to express myself. I'm extremely grateful for this space. read more

I hadn't thought of myself as artistic or talented in art, but I have been an adult painting class with Sam for over a year, and it's one of my favorite activities in the week, and I surprise myself with the paintings I've done during this time. Sam is a highly experienced and knowledgeable artist and teacher and has a very welcoming, friendly, relaxed, and fun approach to teaching. In our class, each person works on their own piece, using a variety of mediums, and her class becomes a community, where we converse comfortably while working on our art. There is no feeling of competitiveness, but of mutual support and encouragement. Sam provides suggestions and instruction on techniques to help guide us whenever needed, and the atmosphere in the class is very relaxed and friendly. I highly recommend her art classes for people of all ages. read more

My daughter has been going to art class for a couple of years. She really enjoys class and looks forward to her working on her projects. She loves working with Sandy. read more

My son loves the teen class at SD Studios. Sam has helped him develop the confidence that he needs to keep growing and exploring. The class gives him the structure he needs to stick with a project from start to finish. And we now have some beautiful paintings to decorate our home! read more

Our daughter loves art and wanted to get time painting with a group. Sam's teen Saturday class was the perfect way to incorporate this, along with instruction and inspiration. Loved being able to do in-person and Zoom, based on COVID issues of the moment. Her space is lovely and welcoming and a great fit for experienced or budding artists. read more

Sandy is a wonderful art instructor. My teenage children really enjoy her classes, have learned so much and bloomed as artists! She embraces all styles from anime to traditional landscapes and all mediums from pencil to watercolors. Can't recommend Sandy and SD Studios enough! read more

I first tried one of Sandra's workshops in an effort to rekindle my creativity and instantly fell in love. I'm not an artist and tend to be a very linear person so I went in prepared to be pushed outside my comfort zone. It was quite the opposite. I was challenged in the best possible way. Sandra's very knowledgeable and does a phenomenal job of teaching different techniques through demonstration and she provides honest feedback. I've been back for many different classes and find myself sitting next to all kinds of folks - artists trying new techniques, people like me who find art therapeutic and everything in between. I can't say enough about SD Studios and Sandra - she's fantastic. read more

Sandra's classes have helped my art abilities flourish. I have learned about image transfer and encaustic (I didn't even know what it meant so I took the class). Now I can do these things. I have learned to get out of my rut and have more confidence in art! read more

Sandra's encaustic workshop is very interesting and highly addictive. You feel the passion she has for teaching in every workshop. Seasoned artists and newbies can both benefit from a course at SD Studios. read more

Our family have been longtime fans of SD Studios. Our teenagers both attended Sandy's after school program from grades 1-5, and it taught them about various artists, techniques, and have them a way to express themselves in a reflective way, in a supportive environment. We looked forward to the annual kids' art show! Now, our youngest (2nd grade) is enjoying the benefit of Sandy's amazing program & the caring, patient, skilled approach of Sandy & her staff. Mom is also taking classes w Sandy now :-)) -- and thoroughly enjoying exploring encaustic & collage techniques; a great antidote and balance to her full working and mom life. We recommend Sandy & SD Studios without hesitation -- for a caring afterschool environment & awesome art classes! read more

Sandy Dawson is that super cool, bohemian artist that you meet and just want to be more like. Whenever you encounter her, she is so warm and deep and open. Fortunately, for we parents, she channels these spiritual gifts towards our young artists. They need not be good artists to become great expressors across many mediums at her studio. Sandy really sees her young students, and through her, my own daughter has been able to see more of herself. Yes my student is thrilled with the variety and quality of materials available. She gets so much from Sandy's and fellow classmates suggestions and input onto her art projects. But the environment created, and the nurturing received, goes far beyond perspectives, shading and colors-all of which have expanded through a year of classes. It's a lovely cocoon to expand ones art, by expanding one's confidence, supporting one's introspection and sharing a truly special process of personal and artistic growth. Cannot recommend her more highly, and suggest you give a trial class a go, perhaps your child-or yourself-will find what mine has there! read more