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.

We had a terrible experience with a child's drawing class at Blair Center for the Arts. I posted…read moreabout it on their FB page and Google. He verbally threatened my child and told him he was filming him. it scared him so much he was crying the whole way home. I contacted the police and they went to speak with him. Now, because this man child can't handle a bad review we are going to have to step into legal action. Avoid all cost.

I first heard about the Blair Center For The Arts when I was admiring a piece of art at a gallery…read moreon Sullivan's Island. The artist was Silvia Belviso Blair and I was informed that she provides private art lessons. Relatively new to the world of painting and stuck on a particular commission piece, I signed up for a class from Silvia. I was not disappointed. She is fantastic. In the hour that she spent with me, I learned so many useful tips that I continue to use on a very regular basis. She is patient, thoughtful with her instruction, and just a very talented artist. I decided to take an oil painting class from Silvia shortly thereafter. Having just moved, it was so nice to have the two locations (Mt. Pleasant and West Ashley) to choose from. Once again, Silvia's instruction did not disappoint and I have now transitioned from using mostly acrylics to working mostly in oils now. The classes were mellow and my fellow classmates were a lot of fun - so much so that nobody paid attention to the time and Silvia was gracious enough to let us stay past our designated hour and a half if we chose to. The classes range from beginner/basic to very unique and I can't wait to explore them further. If you have a creative itch, I highly recommend the Blair Center!

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.

Yesterday was the first day that we have ever left our daughter at a pre-school / nursery and we…read morewere very pleased with Play Garden. Play Garden is located in a very convenient Mt. Pleasant location right off Coleman down from Shem Creek with plenty of parking in the strip mall it is located in. It made it easy to drop off our kid and be on our way and to pick her up as well. Inside of the Play Garden they have all sorts of cool things for the kiddies to do; from playing on slides, playing with toys, to crafts such as painting. The staff here is awesome. They were very nice and I salute them for their patience with 50 screaming kids running around. We look forward to using Play Garden again soon when we need that last minute sitter.

All the teachers here are incredibly sweet! The school is very clean, and they always have all…read morekinds of fun activities for the kids! My daughter has been here for a couple of years and she is just so excited every time we say it's time for school. It is In a very nice and safe area. We love it here!

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.

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.

I see a pottery studio and guess who gets to turn the car around, lol- John! Adorable little…read morecottage with a shop in the front and studio was the major space. I adored the pottery in the shop- very fun. I highly recommend if you need a special gift or if you just want to find some pottery for yourself! I loved too many items here.

Very knowledgeable sales associates and very friendly . Time…read moreto time they have classes. Great place to pick up art supplies if you don't want to go to the big box stores. Angela Inscoe

Very messy layout. Some of the best beads are hidden under the counter or on the floor in a basket…read more It just needs a redo, but the ladies are very nice and the prices are very reasonable.

This place has been wonderful for our three years olds. They absolutely love the lessons- they done…read moregroup lessons and private lessons. Lindy is a wonderful teacher and the twins really look forward to their weekly class with her. Lots of private change rooms, restrooms are always clean, the front desk staff know our kids by name when they arrive. Five stars!

Truly the most horrible experience I have ever had! Please avoid this place if you have little…read moreones. My son came close to drowning due to instructor negligence. I had to run in and pull him out of the water because his instructor's back was turned the majority of the class time to my son and another male student, only focused on one female student. The instructor put my son on the edge and when he could not pull himself out he fell in the water which was over his head. He is 3!! He could not touch and was under water. I ran in from the watching area, had to open a door and go inside and still made it to him faster than anyone in the pool. I asked for cameras to be reviewed so this does not happen to any other children but they said there are not cameras in that area. My son is now traumatized around water. If you have older ones who can touch then you might be okay here but if you have little ones run for their own safety!!!