Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have Questions? Check the answers below to see if we covered them! Didn't find it? Contact us at questions@artstudentacademy.com or call 919-880-7431

1. Do I need to know anything about art or how to draw to participate in a class with Art Student Academy?

No! Our classes are designed for all abilities. Our unique techniques and teaching style will have you feeling like a pro after just one class! Your painting will prove it!

2. Who teaches the classes at Art Student Academy?

We are M Theresa Brown and Stephen Filarsky, a husband and wife team who are not only the owners and directors of Art Student Academy but full time award winning, professional artists who create art for a living! Art is what we Do! Read more about us here.

3. I have looked at the student art gallery and there's no way some of those students were beginners....were they?

LOL. Yes indeed! We share their results in our student gallery so you, too can be inspired. The captions identify first timers! Our small classes (less than 12 on average) offer individual instruction throughout the session.

4. Wow, do you really offer classes in all the mediums such as acrylics, watercolors, pastels, pencils and oils?

We sure do! We are experienced in all mediums! What an exciting and very cost effective way to discover what mediums you like before investing in your own!

5. What does it cost to participate?

Our classes average $30.00 per participant. We have an ongoing special where it is just $15.00 more to bring another person to paint with you! (this excludes groups and private parties) We occasionally offer additional specials so "Like" us on Facebook (just click on this link)
and sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know of these amazing specials!

6. What do I need to bring?

We supply all the paint, instruction, brushes, aprons, easels (if needed). You bring your enthusiasm and for the Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) classes, bring your favorite beverage-wine, soda, etc. (we'll have a corkscrew for you!)

7. Will I really finish a painting in two hours? And will I be able to take my painting home with me at the end of the class/party/event?

Yes you will really finish a beautiful painting in two hours! All artwork goes home with you at the end of that Time. Even better, framing is even available to really add some zing to your masterpiece. Ask us at the class!

8. Is there a minimum age requirement for your two hour classes?

For our two hour classes, children as young as 6 come with a parent or grandparent and have a ball! Our mixed age groups are fun and bring out the best efforts in everyone!

9. How do I reserve a spot in your classes?

It's easy! We have a monthly calendar that you can glance at to see what we will be painting. Select the painting and day you are interested in and click on the link. You conveniently register and pay securely online in one swoop!

10. How soon should I arrive for a class?

Arrive 10-15 minutes before class to set up, get situated and meet everyone! We start on time so if you are late you will have to catch up :-)

11. I have a voucher/coupon from Groupon or Living Social. How do I use that?

It's easy as well!. At the top of each page is a link with their logos on it. Click there and you will be directed to a form to complete as well as a list of all the voucher classes to sign up for! Call us with any questions about your vouchers at 919-880-7431

12. What is your cancellation policy?

Glad you asked! Our classes are designed to be small and intimate and so they fill quickly. You will have paid when you registered online, and we require any cancellation to be at least 48 hours prior to the class so that we may offer your spot to another. Sorry, no refunds on cancellations but we will offer class credit for a class for all the canvases you originally reserved. If you were paying with a voucher/coupon, alas, you will forfeit it. Thank you for understanding! For large groups and the reservation/cancellation policies, visit our Art Parties page.

13. You have more than one location. That's cool but how do we know where to go?

Not to worry! The locations for our art classes is on each listing on our calendar.

Most of the classes for Art Student Academy will be at our main teaching location at the Wake Forest Art and Frame Shop at 139 S. White St. in historic, downtown Wake Forest. It is perfect for our class size of 12 or less. Plus we have the additional benefit of custom framing available for our students.

We also hold classes at the Wake Forest Coffee Company across the street at 156 S. White St. when we have large parties or private groups of 15 or more. At that location, wine is available upstairs (where we hold classes) at the Twisted Vine Wine Shop for you to purchase by the glass or bottle as well as delectable pastries and gourmet coffee!

Since we are working artists we also have our own large, beautiful artist studio next to our home at 2109 Old Mill Farm Rd, Franklinton, NC. We hold occasional advanced classes here as well as fun, outdoor art classes where we paint the flower gardens from life!

14. I have a large group of more than 10 who want to take a class or have a private party. What do we do?

Give us a call and let us know the details of what and when your group would like to paint and we'll accommodate your needs! Visit the Art Party page to see what we offer to large groups!

15. I see that you are MOBILE. Does that mean you will come to my location?

Yes it does! We have taken our Art Student Academy classes and workshops on the road as far south as GA and as far north as Maryland! We routinely travel to locations within 100 miles of our base location. We offer something exciting and challenging for everyone. Pricing is determined by distance, classes, etc. Contact us for the particulars!

16. I see you offer fundraisers? How do they work?

Art Student Academy was the first in the area to offer art class fundraisers and especially the "Paint your Pet" fundraisers with wonderful results for all involved! Talk to us about your needs at fundraisers@artstudentacademy.com. See a short video clip from our fundraiser at the Orange County Animal Shelter in Chapel Hill here!

17. Do you offer Kid's classes and parties?

Absolutely! We have weekly classes to accommodate both home schooled and traditional school aged children 6-10 and 11-17 from Sept-May as well as summer camps and birthday art parties. Complete details here.

18. Can I host a party and pick a specific theme?

Of course! Many of our groups pick a particular image from our copyrighted selections or come up with an idea of what they'd like to paint.

19. Does everyone paint the same thing in all of your classes?

Although we have a dominant theme in most of the classes, many of our classes have our students working on similar yet different subjects! We find that in the first class they take with us, students like to follow along closely. But it becomes obvious by the second or third class that their new found confidence results in some amazing and individually styled paintings!

20. Who paints your original paintings for your classes?

All art for Art Student Academy classes is painted by the artist/owners M Theresa Brown or Stephen Filarsky! They are all copyrighted through the US Copyright Office.