Classes Policies and Registration

Before registering, please read the following Policies

GENERAL INFORMATION

IN-PERSON SMALL GROUP CLASSES: The studio offers professional instruction in painting and drawing. During the classes, students practice drawing and painting techniques while studying the fundamentals of color theory, shapes, and values. The program’s descriptions and lesson plans are available by email upon request.

Students are encouraged to participate in all activities, including watching samples, engaging in discussions or group critiques, and working independently on a project. Older students may have homework assignments. Museum/art gallery visits, plein-air, and field trips are scheduled separately.

The studio is equipped with all the necessary art supplies. All the art materials are age-appropriate and safe when used correctly. We do not use hazardous and toxic art materials.

Classes can be taught in either Russian or English. In mixed groups, English is spoken.

The minimum size for a small group is two students. Unlike semi-private lessons, this slot is open to new students on a rolling basis. Any class may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Groups are limited to 5 students.

The cost of classes covers the following:

• Paper appropriate for the current drawing or painting project
• Paints: student-grade acrylic paints, tempera, gouache, watercolors
• Pencils/crayons/charcoal/pastels/watercolor or other colored pencils
• Use of easels, boards, and professional-quality paintbrushes
• Handouts and worksheets (for older students and portfolio preparation lessons)
• Lending books from the studio art library
• Use of models and props

An additional material fee applies to:

• classes/projects that involve extensive watercolor and/or acrylic painting; 
• modeling clay and other age-appropriate modeling compounds (First Steps in Art program);
• fiber arts workshops and projects (wool, needles, etc.).

ONLINE CLASSES. Online art classes are delivered using the Zoom platform and an additional Learning Management System, such as Google Classroom. Students need to have a Zoom (and, in the case of using Google Classroom, a Google) account to access the classes and have tools such as a web camera, microphone, and any camera or scanner to take pictures of their artwork.

The minimum number of students in a virtual group class is 3. Under-enrolled groups may be canceled or rescheduled for a later time. The maximum number of students is 8.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ONLINE CLASSES STUDENTS

• The art instructor will provide live online classes that include theoretical material (lectures, slides, and/or videos), demonstrations of techniques, and supervised time for students to work on their projects. Part of the projects is supposed to be completed as “homework”. Students need to post pictures of their completed work and questions on the Google Classroom website to get feedback.
• Students are responsible for getting their art supplies. Sample supply lists for every class are published on the respective pages of the website.
• Students or their parents are responsible for having adequate technology and providing a space suitable for drawing, painting, and art activities.
• The art instructor is not responsible for the students’ internet connection instability during group classes. In such cases, there will be no makeups or refunds.
• In case of connection problems on the instructor’s side or other issues leading to the inability to teach one particular lesson, it will be moved to another day or time and discussed with the students.
• Students will receive a full refund if an instructor cannot teach the classes due to illness or other circumstances.
• Parents are asked to ensure their children have all the needed art supplies and tech support before the online session starts.

PAYMENT AND REFUNDS FOR GROUP CLASSES

Payment is usually made for a block of classes (the actual number of classes may vary), e.g., a four-week block.

Payment is made via credit card transfer (Zelle), Venmo or PayPal. Paper checks or cash are currently not accepted.

All classes, including trial classes, must be prepaid before receiving the video session and online classroom links.

Payment will not be collected until the group reaches the minimum number of students.

You can drop the class after the first lesson and receive a refund minus the cost of one class and the processing fee. If you choose a payment method other than PayPal or Venmo, you will receive your refund as a check from the bank or as a money transfer. After that, no refunds will be made if the student decides to withdraw, except in cases of unemployment or serious illness for the student or their caregiver. Students’ schedule changes, family trips, and sudden parties, etc. are NOT considered an exceptional situation.

MISSED CLASSES

Online classes: Students who miss the class may use the materials and instructions published on Google Classroom for independent work. They can also join another group for makeup, provided there is another class and space. The classes are NOT RECORDED, and future classes will not be refunded or credited.

PRIVATE ONE-ON-ONE LESSONS

• Private lessons are not included in the general schedule and may be arranged if a slot is available.
• Private lessons are paid online on the day of the lesson (PayPal or Venmo is the preferred method).
• If you need to cancel the lesson, please notify me in writing at least 24 hours before the lesson. I understand that emergencies may happen, so you can cancel within 24 hours ONCE per semester. At other times, I’ll have to charge you 50% of the cost of the missed lesson.
• Many students choose to take private lessons because their schedules are inconsistent, and it’s hard to follow the curriculum of the group class. However, regular practice and attendance are essential. I expect students who take private lessons to come at least twice a month and preferably book a series of classes.

VIDEO AND PHOTO RECORDING

Maryland law prohibits the recording of electronic communications unless all parties give consent. Therefore, the Zoom classes are NOT recorded. If the lesson needs to be recorded, the participants will be informed and may or may not agree. The studio is NOT responsible for any secret screenshots, photographs, or recordings made by other participants.

Note that I can create a screencast during demonstrations and/or presentations during online lessons.

CONDUCT CODE DURING THE ONLINE ART LESSONS

Students are required to participate in all activities (watching samples, discussing group critiques, or working independently on a project). As it’s essential to see the students’ progress during the class, I require that the students’ cameras be turned on at least when we review the works. Additionally, the artwork can be sent to the instructor via Google Classroom or uploaded to Google Drive and reviewed individually.

A common-sense code of participation in online classes includes quiet and well-lit settings, appropriate clothing, and no excessive or rude conversation.

Students and their family members are advised to keep private things and conversations from other Zoom participants.

Eating is not encouraged during lessons. Drinks and snacks are allowed during the class only if they are not distracting the students and other participants from the class.

Students may take short breaks when needed without any notice. If they have to leave early or have a longer break, they can leave a private message using the Zoom Chat option.

All student participants are expected to use the Zoom platform properly, including the mute/unmute functions, chat, and nonverbal communication tools.

Students are expected to mute the microphones during the instructor’s demo and slideshows and when other participants speak. Although I encourage discussions when appropriate, I ask that students refrain from unrelated topics and excessive talking.

Students who engage in inappropriate, offensive, or destructive behavior may be asked to leave the class. No refund will be issued in such a case.

These rules are subject to change. Upon registration, you will receive a copy of the current regulations for your records.

Spring – Summer 2025 prices: