When a group of both creative and business minds come together with a common vision, the results can be very exciting. This summer, Easton Studio & School entered into its third year in business, offering top quality art classes and workshops taught by nationally known award-winning professional artists.
Local gallery owner Carl Tankersley and artist Nancy Tankersley partnered with nationally recognized artist Louis Escobedo and his wife Yolanda to open Easton Studio & School in July 2009. Since that time, the school has significantly increased its enrollment, attracting students and instructors from 33 states and Canada.
Located in a charming brick building at 307 East Dover Street, the school continues to gain recognition as a highly respected art facility. Nationally known artists such as Louis Escobedo, Carolyn Anderson, Jill Carver, Camille Przewodek, Gay Faulkenberry, Kim English, Ken Auster and Tom Lynch have conducted workshops at Easton Studio & School since it began. “Not only are we are receiving more and more inquiries from students who have heard of the school’s reputation, but also from artists expressing their desire to teach here,” says Easton Studio & School Director Nancy Tankersley. “You know you’re on to something when these opportunities start coming to you!” The school has also gained the attention of major art publications such as Plein Air Magazine whose editor interviewed artist/instructor Larry Moore during his workshop this spring.
Due to their popularity, some workshops are now offered more than once a year. Nancy Tankersley’s “Keeping it Fresh” and “Jumpstart into Oils”, Carolyn Anderson’s “Painting Reality”, and Maggie Siner’s “New Approaches to Composition” are examples. Offering something to all levels of artists, there are workshops for those who are beginners, intermediate and advanced artists, or those needing a “refresher”. The feedback from students is very positive overall; from the quality of instruction and variety of workshops to the studio space itself.
Easton Studio & School continues to offer weekly classes and painting sessions conducted by Nancy Tankersley, Sara Linda Poly and Louis Escobedo. In addition to their four-day national workshops the school offers one and two day workshops with well-known regional artists such as Stewart White, Sara Linda Poly, and Tim Bell. Head of Faculty, Louis Escobedo explains, “This is particularly appealing to those artists who cannot make the time or financial commitment to a four or five day workshop. It’s important that we consider all scenarios when planning our workshop schedule. Most of our workshops are offered over the weekends (Friday through Monday), making our format particularly attractive to serious artists who must take off work in order to continue their education.”
Reflective of the school’s growth is an addition to their staff. Easton resident Kathi Ferguson is now on board as Registrar and Marketing Coordinator. “Kathi is a tremendous asset to us,” says Yolanda Escobedo, Operations Officer. “Besides being the point person for the school, she has an art background and is very familiar with the instructors and their work, allowing her to provide valuable insight to our students.”
Easton Studio & School’s future looks bright and the 2012 schedule is nearing completion. Their vision of establishing a national art studio and school on the East Coast is a reality. As Financial Officer Carl Tankersley says, “We want artists and students alike to explore the beauty and culture of the Eastern Shore through their individual creativity. The town of Easton is fast becoming a major art mecca on the East Coast and we are thrilled to be a contributing part of that growth.”
To learn more about Easton Studio & School, call 410-770-4421, or visit www.eastonstudioandschool.com
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