COMPASS ARTS - Beacon, New York

Dan S.

Updated Review: Since posting Compass Arts has apologized for misidentifying my daughter and has issued a full refund for the class, more than was asked for, and that is much appreciated. I would recommend updating their course descriptions to account for a more accurate portrayal of what to expect.

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I signed my daughter up for one of the drawing classes with the hope of expanding her skills as she's shown a lot of creativity with her drawings. Based on the course description, the class for Drawing, Cartooning, and Illustration seemed like the perfect fit as the description said "students will learn drawing basics and techniques that will allow them to take their ideas and concepts and bring them to the page, setting the stage for a lifetime of exploration and self expression through drawing."

After the first class my daughter came home with a "free draw" picture that she drew. Okay - assessing her abilities as an artist. The second class saw the same, another free draw, plus my daughter complained of a serious lack of classroom management on the part of the instructor as the behavior of some other students made her uncomfortable. The third class was yet another free draw, and by this time my daughter had had enough. No "drawing basics" or "techniques" were learned.

I contacted the program by email to let them know my daughter would no longer attend. I explained that we felt misled based on the description of the class that is posted, and also that the inability of the instructor to provide a controlled learning environment made her uneasy.

They responded by, first, showing they didn't know who my daughter was by using the wrong name, and, second, saying that the instructor works in an organic way, seeing what the child draws and exploring avenues for creativity. Okay - none of that happened after 3 classes.

I responded, reiterating my reasons for removing my daughter from the class and also asking for a refund for value of the remaining sessions as it only seemed fair.

Amanda F.

My five year old had a fantastic experience at the mini camp! Compass arts is a loving, welcoming environment. We are so excited to explore more class options!

Matthew W. R.

Gina is really good at teaching kids. Maybe one of the few places in this area that I see being beneficial to kids.

Update+
They now have an art studio and teachers, a dance and movement room as well as music programming for early childhood.

Ori A.

Amazing art enrichment center!! Our children love the classes so much, Gina is a gifted teacher and the productions have always been super creative, joyful and highly meaningful to the kids. Bravo!

katie G.

Went to a birthday party here with my 2 yr old. Had a fantastic time!!!

jim J.

Angela H.

Lev L.