MOMAC Studio - More Than Just Art!

★★★Lindsey Chaney

My daughter has been a student of MOMAC for 3 years. In that time, my daughter has made some great friend’s and developed her art skills. Now that she has graduated High School, and has essentially aged out, I felt I could write my review. Let me state that my daughter has always loved art, and has taken art classes in other states. She plans to pursue a fine arts degree, even striving for a Ph.D., so this is much more than a hobby, she wants to make art her career. After well over a year of having my daughter in the class, Miss LaDonna suddenly forgot her name, calling her the incorrect name for weeks (her other friends experienced this too). Many times my daughter has been ignored or treated as if she was a bother. There seems to be a lot of stress and uncertainty of what is going to be taught or worked on for the class. The art classes have 2 different options, an hour class and an hour and half. Those who pay for 1 hour leave class and the others remain to finish their extra paid 30 minutes. Sometimes the remaining students are asked to help clean up when things get hectic (completely acceptable), but they are fussed at if the don't start before their paid art time. The art shows are about the most unwelcoming art show I have ever been to. There is no greeter, Ms LaDonna is rarely seen, and at first, no one even knows where to go to see the art (not all who attend the art show are familiar with the art studio). The students do age out when they are done with school, however there is no special highlight or announcement for these students that have been there for years; not even a goodbye. Up until just this last semester, the art shows have always been on Mother’s day, which is so inconsiderate, in my opinion. While I appreciate the art classes, I think there is room for much improvement in communication and personal relationships. EDIT TO ADD: I got an email, then a phone call from the owner and ONLY teacher, arguing my opinion/review with me, almost immediately upon posting my review (prior to her response to my review below) . There are no other “teachers” (not sure who “we” is”, and other teenage students also feel the way our family does. These are our feelings and opinion. Just because someone hasn't heard it before does not mean these things didn’t or don't happen. This was a 3 year missed opportunity to mentor and get to know a student whose passion is art. This is my point: there is a great disconnect with the older/teenage students and LaDonna, as well as much confusion. Again, we are not alone in our opinion, we just speak up. Update 2: She has since deleted her reply here. My daughter had to go pick up her artwork from the studio, and LaDonna hugged my daughter 2x, she does not like to be hugged and has sensory issues. She then told my daughter I was upset that she had no “spotlight”. Sadly, this teacher still doesn’t get it. Then, to further drive home my point that she does not know her students, she asked my daughter where she was going to college (to pursue a fine arts/studio art degree, mind you), even though she had already been in dual enrollment at said college. We recently took my daughter to DC to see all things art, and the artists she met there at art museums were more inquisitive and interested in her future goals than a teacher of 3 years.

★★★★★wanda Washington

My Granddaughter loved this art studio, it was so worth it to let her attend while spending the summer with me, her Nana.

★★★★★Ryan Nivens

Spacious, organized, and full of inspirational ideas. A great place to do your work.

★★★★★Anna Lee

Whether you barely understand art or you are an accomplished artist, MOMAC is the perfect studio to develop art skills and to express creativity. The classes are affordable, enjoyable, and worthwhile, and the atmosphere that MOMAC houses inspires creativity. I could work for hours and not even notice that time had gone by. I've recommended this studio to multiple friends, and I will continue to do so.

★★★★★Tracy Vicars

My child loves MOMAC Studio. Her instructor made her feel so comfortable and accepted from the very first lesson. She is always so excited to tell me what she is working on every week and the fun she had in class. We can see the pride on her face when we see her work at the end of the semester art show in the studio.