Ocean View Arts - Norfolk, Virginia

Marissa Dingler

We love this place! Meryl Ann is not just a great teacher, but she truly gets to know you and cares about you.
My husband and daughter have taken arts classes with her, and I can recommend her 100%! She teaches in such an approachable way, and she really helps the student feel successful from day 1!
Meryl Ann, thank you for everything you’ve done for us! You’re a treasure!

Kimberly Saward

Meryl Ann's online classes are terrific - as, I'm sure, are her in-person ones. I am so impressed by her enthusiastic presentation which is well-supported by her extensive preparation. Nothing is too much for her, and every student gets the individual support and encouragement they need - and we all leave as friends! I will be signing up for her next Day of the Dead class as soon as it is announced - they are my perfect approach to the season.

Mike Rivage-Seul

I recently took a class from Meryl Ann Butler on M.C. Escher. I gained so much from her presentation. The whole experience embodied what she described as the role of a good teacher, viz., to point out what students have never seen before.

Meryl Ann's class was masterful and broadened my perspective significantly. Previously, I was unacquainted with Escher, and found his search for unique perspectives and for truth very inspiring. His movement from the outer world to the inner one inspired by Alice in Wonderland has prompted me to return to Lewis Carroll's book myself.

I loved what I learned about perspective, about believing in impossible things and about F. Scott Fitzgerald's words concerning the implausible, improbable, and impossible happening all the time.

Most of all,I was inspired by Meryl Ann Butler's articulation of her own project in the world -- changing it through art and beauty rather than rebellion.

Meryl Ann is indeed a wonderful teacher, editor, and spiritual guide.

Debora Perkins

I have taken several workshops and private lessons with Meryl Ann.
They have been GREAT!
Her expertise in explaining techniques and concepts really helps you learn.
I always enjoy my time with her and leave feeling I’m on my way to creative genius!! Highly recommended !

carol heischober

I love the online art history classes provided by Ocean View Arts. Meryl is an extraordinary teacher and always provides extra insight into each artist's world, beyond what I have learned in college! Take the time to take one of her classes and see for yourself - they are very affordable!

Louise Barbarisi

Meryl Ann is a wonderful teacher. I have taken many workshops from her, including art and quilting. I have both of her quilt books and they are great. I recommend all of her classes.

Morgaine Mary Beck

Meryl Ann is an amazing artist and teacher. Under her guidance, I was able to create a beautiful piece of art, something I’ve never been able to do before. Or even thought I could do. This piece of art now hangs in my home and I’m still in awe of it.

LC Adrienne

Meryl Ann Butler is an amazing teacher and because of her and her classes at Ocean View Arts, I have learned how to see and through that seeing, I can now create things of visual and tactile beauty.

As a teacher, Meryl Ann can correct errant ways in a manner that cuddles a possibly fragile ego without coddling it. She is direct and supportive and so very knowledgeable. Knowledge which she imparts with an underlayer of joyful energy that makes listening to her a fascinating pleasure.

Because she taught me how to see, not just how to draw, I can now see myself with loving eyes. Because of this I am coming into my own true self as an artistic, creative being and discovering the joy of that little girl who loved to draw and create stuff!