Testimonials

Some comments and reviews of our programs
from students, parents and artists

Have something to add? Use our contact form to let us know!

About ACA:

"I'm a mother of a grown child and a crafter myself, and the ACA has been one of the highlights of our living here for over 20 years. Can't thank you guys enough for creating such a fun, inspiring, and valuable community resource." Jill M, Arlington, 2011

About ACA's Arts Classes for Adults:

Children's Book Illustration Class: "I finished my last class with Nicole last night….Nicole put her heart and soul into this class. She trekked many children's picture books to class each week, to give us an understanding of the different styles and types of books we could make. She taught us different techniques to use, such as collage, as well as a variety of mediums. She brought informative handouts each week, to supplement the focus of that particular class. She was enthusiastic and upbeat throughout." Elaine, adult student in Nicole Gsell's Children's Book Illustration Class, Fall 2011

Mala Bead Workshop:What a great way to spend a Friday night! I was tired from a stressful week of work, but the mala making workshop turned out to be just what I needed. Connie created a welcoming space and provided us with so many beads to choose from, so each of us could decide on her own colors and patterns. Having Connie's beautifully made malas as examples was really helpful, too. Making my mala was a very mediative process, but it was also nice to converse with the other like-minded women in the group. I can't remember the last time I made something creative in a group and I forgot what a great feeling of community that can be. I'd love to do this workshop again, and maybe bring a bead or object to incorporate into my next mala. Thanks for this great opportunity! Kate, Meditation Bead Worskhop with Connie Mooney, Fall 2011

Paper Cutting Workshop: "Oh , it was great!!! I felt like I learned so much so fast..you pretty much can easily just dive in to do this type of craft as its just requires scissors (and a steady hand), some paper and a bit of glue..the time flew...everyone made beautiful cutouts.. You guys should hold the class again..and Laura has amazing experience.. Thanks. Marian, Polish Paper Cutting Workshop, Fall 2011

Printmaking Class "Suzanne, you made us feel safe to take risks and explore the different mediums. You encouraged us to try new techniques - and see the beauty in each and every print. THANK YOU! Susan B, Arlington April 2011

About ACA's Teen Programs:

"I want to thank you and the staff at Arlington Center for the Arts for my daughter's experience this summer. Every staff member has been kind, talented and prepared - and helped nurture my daughter's love of invention and creation. She's also deeply enjoyed the CIT program - a nice mix of creative work, and care for others. My daughter has awakened every day, excited about what she'll do today at ACA, and looking forward to more and more. ACA is one of Arlington's jewels - and a great place for an early-teenage child to explore responsibility and creativity." Mark, father of A (age 14) Arlington August 2011

"Our daughter has thoroughly enjoyed her first three days with you as a CIT. She was roaring with laughter at home yesterday as she told us camp stories." Arvind, father of F (CIT, age 13), Summer 2010

About ACA's Vacation Arts Camps:

"My daughter is thrilled with the creative and cooperative nature of her day at the camp. She is learning and having fun at the same time. In addition she loves the CITs and that they are getting the kids to work together cooperatively so it is a good social experience too." Lisa , mother of X (age7) Somerville, July 2011

"Thanks for sharing this newsletter with us! How fun for us to receive a video of our child! Their actions while away from us are such a mystery. Our daughter has had such a fantastic week of camp. We didn't quite know what to expect when we signed her up but it has met our expectations and so much more! C. could hardly fall asleep at night this week with the excitement of camp the following morning." Christina, mother of C (age 4) Arlington, July 2011

"Thanks so much for making room for E in the first week of August. I really appreciate that you can be flexible! I've been sharing with our friends and other parents how awesome this program is, how much fun she's having from balancing feathers on her fingers and chin to maracas and music. I also wanted to send a shout-out to Catherine, the coordinator for her positive and warm presence, as well as organizational wonder - she's doing a great job!" Jeanie, mother of E. (age 6) Arlington July 2011

"Is Alec teaching drama this summer? My daughter loved having him last summer!!" Judy, mother of A (age 6) Arlington July 2011

"Thank you, ACA. Your Vacation Arts Program was amazing. My son gets anxious in group settings, and your approach to his anxiety was both sensitive and skillful. During his first week he had trouble at drop-off. Yet by the second day I could see the obvious pride on his face as he told me about some of his creations. His teachers were kind and funny, and they won him over quickly (he is generally distrustful of adults). By the end of the week he was asking me to sign him up for another session. We feel that he had a good time and created some great art, while gaining confidence in himself. He is already asking to go back again next summer." Joanne, mother of D. (age 6) Arlington August 2011

"Thanks for allowing P to switch groups this week to be with some of her friends! I know it may throw things off so I appreciate your flexibility." Elizabeth, mother of P. (age 8) Arlington July 2011

"You should know that S woke Saturday morning disappointed that there was no camp that day. And on Sunday when I said he was going back to camp on Monday, he wanted to make sure it was "ARTS camp" because "I really miss art." !!! Our sense is that your conversations with him and the staff's warm, engaged response made the crucial difference. We were shocked to see him not only come out on stage, but with a big smile and a wave! Thank you, thank you!!!" Lisa, mother of S (age 6) Cambridge July 2011

"I wanted to let you know how much your compassion and thoughtfulness meant to me and to M in helping her get through the week. We were so lucky to have her in the kind, caring hands of ACA staff. All of the counselors were wonderful. She's already talking about going back next year. I know that it took a lot of extra time and TLC on your part, and my husband and I greatly appreciate that. By completing the week, she was able to have fun and to gain confidence. ps And we'll recommend ACA camps/programs to all of our friends." Amy, mother of M (age 8) Belmont, Summer Camp 2011

"S totally looks forward to returning to Arlington Arts Camp next week. He's been talking about it for 2 weeks now." Lisa, mother of S (age 6) Cambridge August 2011

"I wanted to write to you again to let you know how much fun R. had in her second week at ACA. I really am in awe at how much she accomplished in a week in terms of take away art and especially the Jai Ho performance this afternoon. I also wanted to mention how lovely the staff is. Every single person we interacted with was a consummate professional, and it was clear to me that Ruth feels very welcome and at home at ACA. I especially want to mention how lovely Emma, the Maples CIT (?) was. I could tell in her interactions with Ruth that Emma is especially kind and warm and she left quite an impression with me as a parent. I really could go on and on. I mentioned to Ruth today that ACA has April vacation camp and her face lit up. I've never seen her so excited about camp. She even told me she wants to be a CIT someday. I am envisioning ACA as part of our lives in the years to come. I am so thrilled to have found you all." Judi, mother of R, Summer Camp, 2010

"I was so pleased with my daughter's experience with the preschool camp. Hong was so gentle and kind and I. loved going every day. This was her first camp experience and I am so grateful that it was an awesome introduction to the world of camps. We will definitely sign up next year." Jenny, mother of I., Summer Camp, 2010

"I just wanted to say thanks for the great program you run. This is the fifth year running that my now nine-year old son N. has attended the camp and he had a good experience, again. Your program always seems well structured, with good counselors and CITs, and the kids have a lot of fun." Elizabeth, mother of N, Summer Camp 2010

"R. is so happy there. I feared that she'd protest (she tends not to do well in new situations, at first protesting and then relenting that it was a good idea). She particularly loves the "circus" portion of the day. When we pulled up this morning, she could hardly wait to get out of the car...VERY unusual for her, so a real testament to how it's going!" Judi, mother of R, Summer Camp, 2010

Have Your Say!

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