Refuge Art School - Lowell, Massachusetts

Nicole Douglass

My kids have been attending Refuge for years. I can’t begin to explain how much they have developed as artists and people. They’ve learned so much about different techniques, but also about civic engagement and responsibility. The art school really makes an effort to engage with the community from painting beautiful murals at local schools to working with city hall and state officials. These are opportunities my kids might not ever get elsewhere. On top of all that, all of the teachers and students are amazingly kind and talented people. Register for a class yesterday.

Jazmin Olavarrueth

My son joined refuge almost 2 years ago. Since the beginning he loves the art at refuge and the educators. Refuge Art School offers a truly safe and respectful environment for anyone looking to pursue a career in the arts. From the moment you walk through it's doors you can feel the positive energy and creative spirit. It is full of experienced and kind professionals and passionate educators. They are not only talented artists but also dedicated mentors who take the time to work, nurture, and challenge students. The programs are well structured. My son has always wanted to take art classes. I feel lucky that I found Refuge Art School. My son loves art at refuge! The teacher's joy for art and teaching make the learning experience for my son relaxing and fun. I look forward to continuing with Refuge! Thank you for your kind and responsible work for the kids. I am here to say thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Maritza Flores

As a student and intern at Refuge Art School I could not recommend this program enough! I have been a part of this community since 2020. The support and resources found here have never been offered to me anywhere else. They make everyone feel seen, heard, and accepted. I can happily say I am becoming a successful artist thanks to Refuge Art School! I would give it all the stars in the sky.

Hongie

Refuge is more than a safe space to be creative, it's a second home.

I love coming to Refuge and being able to connect with different people and students. Refuge is a rare and eccentric art space that allows everyone to feel okay for being different. The instructors are welcoming and have unique experiences and levels of expertise in their craft.

I recommend Refuge for kids, adults, and especially high school students serious about going to art school. I don't think there is anything more valuable than 1 on 1 support for putting together a college portfolio from people who have actually been through the process.

LaNeia Thomas

My daughter has been taking classes at Refuge Lowell for a little over a year and her experience has been beyond expectation. She has taken the Fine Arts for Middle schoolers during the school year and then an intensive summer fun course. As my daughter started at 10 years old and this was her first real art class beyond very short blocks at school, we were concerned about the length of the class; being 3 hours in the evening and after school. We wondered if the class would be too long to hold her interest at the end of a school day, but this was NEVER an issue.

My daughter would come bouncing out of the class session full of energy and life; exploding on me in the car about the various activities and projects she worked on that session. The teachers are warm and have a familiar rapport with the children yet they push the children a little outside of their comfort zone at times.

We've had a great experience at Refuge Lowell and look forward to continued participation in the various classes.

Julia D'Angelo

Refuge Lowell is a genuinely wonderful place for artists of all ages. The instructors and students are engaged in a unique creative community within the greater community of Lowell. They enrich their city as well as the individuals in their creative space. Whether your artist is looking for portfolio development on a track to college, or experience working on a team to create large scale artwork for public display, Refuge Lowell is it!

Crystal Montas

As an instructor coming to refuge is such a breath of fresh air. It’s always amazing to see the skill of the young artists and to help them cultivate that skill into a strong college portfolio.

Elise Hartman