What's the best way to reach out?

Email us at ShinehArtStudio@gmail.com. We respond to every message as promptly as possible.

Can I try a class before enrolling?

We don't offer trial classes, but you're always welcome to visit the studio and ask questions. Schedule a time on our calendar.

Can I observe a class?

Open observation isn't offered. You're welcome to visit the studio when classes are not in session. Parents of enrolled students with specific needs may attend by arrangement.

Do you offer adult classes?

Not at this time — our programs are designed for K–12 and college-age students.

Why are some classes full, and how is enrollment handled?

Our classes are intentionally kept small to ensure every student receives the personalized attention they deserve. Because of this, many classes reach full capacity quickly — and many of our families return year after year, leaving very few openings. Enrollment is processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and a spot is only secured once tuition payment is received. We strongly encourage early registration to reserve your preferred class time.

What happens if a class is full when I try to register?

While our registration form reflects availability as accurately as possible, classes can occasionally fill between updates. If a class is full at the time of your registration, we will contact you promptly to offer placement on our waitlist, or an alternative day or time if one is available. If neither option works for your family, your tuition will be refunded in full. Please keep in mind that openings are rare, as most of our students return each year.

How does the waitlist work, and can I guarantee a spot?

Families on the waitlist are contacted in the order requests were received as soon as a spot becomes available. While we are unable to guarantee an opening, we do our best to accommodate every family. Because most of our students return each year, openings are rare — which is why we always encourage families to register as early as possible to secure their preferred class time.

Where do I find a supply list?

Each program has its own supply list. You can find the full list for your program here.

What are the four programs?

Junior Arts (grades K–5) is our joyful, welcoming program where young students discover the love of making art. No experience needed — just curiosity and enthusiasm.

Studio Arts (grades 6–12) Leisure-friendly and skill-focused — Studio Arts is for students who come to art for the pure joy of it. No competitions, no deadlines, no pressure. Just excellent teaching, real skill-building, and the lasting pride of becoming a well-rounded artist. No prior background required.

Studio Honors (Grades 7–12 + College) is for motivated students ready to go further — no prior background required. In addition to a full fine arts curriculum, students receive focused guidance for local, state, and national art exhibitions and competitions. Meaningful competition recognition can also strengthen any college application, for any major, at any school.

Portfolio Prep (Grades 7–12 + College · Invitation only) is for students fully committed to building a strong, purposeful portfolio for college admissions — for art schools and non-art programs alike. Every project is intentionally built to strengthen a college portfolio or compete in prestigious, nationally recognized art competitions that carry genuine weight in the admissions process. Our students have earned admission to Yale, Princeton, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, and Columbia just as successfully as to RISD, MICA, SAIC, Pratt and many more.

My child is in middle school and has never taken art. Which program?

We'd place them based on what feels most comfortable. Many middle school beginners start in Studio Arts and thrive. Some prefer Studio Honors if they are ready to take their art to the next level. Just reach out and we'll figure out the best fit together.

How does Studio Honors & Portfolio Prep work?

Studio Honors is open to any motivated student — no art background required. Take one or more classes per week, build competitive skills, enter exhibitions.

Portfolio Prep is by invitation: requires 2 years of Studio Arts or 1 year of Studio Honors or submitting 8 recent drawings/paintings for review. Every Portfolio Prep project is designed for portfolio and/or competition use.

Can I enroll after a term has already started?

Yes — if space is available, students may join at any point. Tuition will be prorated.

Is there a discount for families with more than one child enrolled?

Yes — when two or more children from the same family are enrolled simultaneously, the younger sibling(s) receive a 5% discount on all tuition plans, including installments. This is the final applicable discount and cannot be combined with any other offer. Discounts do not apply to summer camps.

What is the make-up class policy?

Make-up classes are offered as a courtesy and are not guaranteed. As most classes are full, openings are very limited. Requests must be submitted through our make-up request form at least 24 hours before the absence — this is the only accepted method. All decisions are made through the form, recorded directly on our studio calendar, and are final. Please do not email us regarding make-up requests. Requests are subject to availability and the following allowances.

· Junior Arts & Studio Arts — 2 make-up classes per term

· Studio Honors taking 1 class per week — 2 make-up classes per term

· Studio Honors taking 2 classes per week & Portfolio Prep — 4 make-up classes per term

· Summer weekly classes

• 1 make-up for students enrolled in 1 class per week
• 2 make-ups for students enrolled in 2 classes per week

· All camps — no make-up classes offered

What if my child has multiple absences due to an ongoing commitment?

Please reach out to us in advance. If your child will be missing multiple classes due to an extended commitment, we will do our best to temporarily accommodate a class time switch if another slot is available. Please note that returning to the original class time is subject to space availability.

What are the college visits at Shineh Art Studio?

Top art schools — RISD, MICA, SCAD, Pratt, SVA, VCU, FIT, Lyme Academy, Corcoran, and Ringling College — have visited our studio personally. Portfolio Prep students receive one-on-one reviews. These events are exclusively for enrolled students.

What is Art for Earth?

Art for Earth (coming soon) is our student initiative where enrolled students create and sell original artwork through our Etsy shop. A portion goes directly to the student artist; the rest funds deeply vetted nonprofits focused on reforestation, animal rescue, and earth cleanup.

Can my child volunteer for Art for Earth?

Yes — we're looking for enrolled high school students to help run the shop each term. SSL hours are not provided. But students who take this role walk away with something they built themselves — and a story only they can tell.

Can a portfolio built here help strengthen my child's chances at non-art colleges?

Absolutely — and this is one of our greatest strengths. A compelling visual arts portfolio paired with meaningful recognition from art competitions can significantly strengthen any college application, regardless of major. Our students have earned admission to Yale, Princeton, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Brown, Columbia, and UPenn when they included portfolios built right here in their application — alongside acceptances at RISD, MICA, and many major art schools.

Will classes help with MCPS Visual Arts Center magnet applications?

Yes — students create portfolio-quality work suitable for art magnet applications. Artwork from the past two years is typically required for review.

Do you help students enter art competitions?

Yes — competition preparation is an integral part of both our Studio Honors and Portfolio Prep programs. Throughout the year, students are guided and prepared for local, state, and national art exhibitions and competitions. Our primary focus is always on building strong skills and developing each student's personal creative voice — the recognition that follows is a natural result of that foundation.