Spruill Center for the Arts

★L L

I wanted to love this place, but the people are so rude and horrible. Update: Google is bugging me to update my review, for some reason, maybe because I kept going to my class at Spruill despite the negative rating, so here's the update: My opinion has not changed! Rude, hostile, negative, suspicious people. Is it every single person? Of course not, some are lovely. Is it enough to make for an overwhelmingly unpleasant experience? Yes. Does it seem like an institutional culture problem (rather than a few bad apples)? Also yes. I am a fastidious, responsible, considerate, agreeable, compliant student and I don't think I deserve to be treated with such disrespect. It has negatively impacted my art and my mood. I understand how exhausting working with the public can be, but, at the moment you find yourself so burnt out that you are lashing out and harming the people you are supposed to serve, it is time to step aside. Spruill does not foster artists; they do not care about student success or growth. Spruill is a day camp for upper class housewives and retirees and it is a haven for failed artists with bad attitudes who have no choice but to teach. The "volunteers" treat the students with contempt and disdain, like they wish we weren't there. They said my work was garbage. Rude.

★★★★★K H

Had a less than great experience with a course at a different arts center, then took a 2-day glass workshop here and had a fantastic experience! Have only done the one workshop so far but love seeing all the community events hosted and I am excited to check out more soon. Admittedly I don’t live close at all, but still plan to keep coming here when I can! Thank you everyone here who has created such a great sense of community and are so welcoming!

★★★★★Helen Marie

I've been coming to Spruill for the past 10 months and I love it here! It's a warm, welcoming place with friendly staff and instructors. I especially love the Creative Connections class (for persons with dementia and their caregivers). This is a free watercolors class, taught by an artist/art therapist and I attended with my sister for six months. I also have taken intermediate/advanced mosaics and the mosaics studio is well-stocked with equipment and tesserae. Spruill also offers free community events and classes. Highly Recommended!

★★★★★Kimm Martin

I am completely obsessed with this magical place. Once you arrive you are immediately welcomed by the kind and knowledgeable staff. They are so encouraging and foster individual creativity. The classes not only further your knowledge of the medium you select but they are also a community of like minded creatives. It’s easy to learn a lot from your fellow students too. Spruill is more comprehensive than other art centers I have been to and will support your creative journey at every level. The hours for classes are very generous and will fit any schedule. Everyone is so kind and welcoming and not judgmental about individual expression or skill level. I highly recommend!!!

★★★★★Joan Weiss

Spruill Center for the Arts offers something for everyone. Besides many, many courses, taught at different levels, Spruill offers camaraderie, opportunities, and inspiration. The staff is outgoing and encouraging. My personal and artistic growth over the last 13 years has been life-changing. Dreams are made here.