Firstlight Art Academy

★★★★★Katie Centofonti

My daughter attended the Super You summer art camp for 6-8 year olds (as well as some summer buffet sessions) and she absolutely LOVED it! She was so excited after the first day and it was so clear how much the teachers love working with the kids. At the end of the week they even filmed a personalized “movie trailer” for each child’s super hero - so cute and my daughter was so excited to see herself with the costume she created on screen! I highly recommend Firstlight!

★★★★★Meg Greenman

I started with Firstlight almost from their beginning - as an adult student and also involved in some of the inner workings. I cannot say enough about the quality of this school. As a student, I was so encouraged to relax and enjoy art without the pressure I had felt in past experiences, which was so helpful for me. Dennis, the owner, and all of the teachers are skilled artists as well as good teachers. They are people of high integrity, cheerful attitudes and genuinely care about each student. Dennis has developed excellent curriculums for each level to instruct, encourage, and broaden our horizons, if we want to. Firstlight is a great place for students of ALL ages to grow in enjoyment and confidence in their personal creative process, as well as learning the basics and foundations to improve their skills. I highly recommend Firstlight Art Academy - it has been one of my happy places for years!

★★★★★Matt Jenkins

10 years ago, I walked into Firstlight Art Academy in Brentwood, Tennessee with hopes to channel my creative curiosities. I found myself in a room full of students also curious about creating and finding some personal freedom. The curriculum is structured so that some foundation and building blocks develop basic skills and confidence to grow as an artist. I now sit in an advanced class with some of those very same students I sat with a decade ago. I watch in wonder as my classmates make these beautiful works of art. It’s truly inspiring. I’m so thankful to Dennas Davis, the founder, director and visionary, and all the teachers that have shown their kindness, support, and advice. Do yourself a favor. Give it a try. The impact made on your confidence after you create something you are truly proud of is game changing, soul satisfying, and habit forming. Making art in this environment is also super fun! There’s always laughter in the room, support from your classmates, and instruction from amazingly talented local artists. Matt Jenkins 10 year student

★★★★★a dangelo

This was my daughter’s first introduction to animation art and she loved it! The instructor was knowledgeable and had time to help everyone. They even had a presentation of all the animation for parents and families to enjoy. She liked it so much she signed up for lessons throughout the school year. I would highly recommend any of the programs through first light!

★★★★★Maricelle Diaz

My daughter has been a student at Firstlight Academy for over 3 years. Started when she was 5 as a participant in their Art Farm summer program and has been hooked ever since. The Academy strides a perfect balance between structured time; where they allow the kids to experience different mediums. While also allocating time for them to release their creativity in any way they see fit. The instructors are fantastic! Carrie and Arianne have always encouraged my daughter to explore and find her creative style. Denas and Ruthie as well as the rest of the administration have always been friendly and accommodating to our needs. Personally I love that it’s a flat tuition fee without unexpected cost during the year. Even through the pandemic I’ve always felt safe sending my daughter to class. Temperatures are checked before each student enters the school and masks are kept at all time. If your child loves art or you are just looking for an extra curricular activity where they can further develop social skills; this is a great alternative.