It has been eight wonderful years running our little studio… and through the years we have received so many sweet notes, emails, letters and gifts from grateful students, both children and adults–
We have always celebrated such encouragement and support… but not until now did it occur to us to post them for all to see… wish we had kept them all… but here are a few:
“Dear Claudia and Sergio,
I was so impressed with your art camp. The quality and thoughtfulness of your instruction was wonderful. I loved the fact that you take care in planning the curriculum, taking inspiration from a Smithsonian exhibit, and showing the connections between museum ‘art’, mythology, and personal inspiration.
If I ever had a moments care about my child’s safety, that concern was quickly dispelled after seeing Sergio in action. Sergio has it under control!
Finally, I greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into the last day and “the mini-exhibit.” Really, it was more like a Paris salon for kids…the art work was great and the kids got to work in different mediums–pretty impressive for just one week of camp.
Looking forward to camp this summer. ”
best to you both,
Aidan’s mom
“Claudia and Sergio,
I just wanted to express how happy my 7 year old daughter and I are about your semiprivate art lessons. What I appreciate most is the small class size and the attention that my daughter receives. I considered other classes that had more students and were less expensive. I decided to enroll her in your program and I could not be more pleased. Your lessons in the studio bungalow are truly unique because they will allow my daughter to grow and be nurtured as an artist with continuity. I don’t have to worry about the quality of the instructor, or the class size. This is our first time taking lessons and I’m a tough customer. You two are a first rate team! Thanks”
Best,
Michelle
“My son Jay studied with Claudia at the Torpedo Factory when he was in elementary school. After a hiatus doing sports, he’s come back to art and hopes to make a career as a graphic designer. We asked Claudia to help coach him through the construction of his college portfolio. After just a few months, she and Sergio have taken him to levels of discipline and understanding that he’d never have reached on his own–the right guiding hands have made all the difference. If you want to see exactly what I mean, here’s a link to his website, which he is slowly populating with his portfolio pieces: www.housekeydesign.com. The cartoons at the bottom are what he was drawing when we started lessons. The beautiful work at the top is what he’s producing now. Sometimes actions speak louder than words–pictures always do.
All best, MK”
“when we ask our daughter about working with you again, we always get an immediate yes. And– we love the stuff she brings home to us”.
Thanks, – Aaron
“My 2 girls have done Olivos camp for years–for both a week in summer or a day off during the school year. Their ability to draw has always improved dramatically. The camp is a great combination of being low – key and relaxing but not boring. Sergio and Claudia Olivos are kind and great with all the kids. In the summer the kids splash around in their backyard pool in the afternoon, so they are not inside all day. I highly recommend.”
~Jeanne
When people visit our house and see the children’s art on the wall, they always ask – “is there an art teacher?” I refer them to your website enthusiastically but describe you differently – “she is a professional artist -who has this unique ability to translate to children what she does and how. That is the difference”
I love the way that you push them – but in a very supportive/creative way. I actually think that this is your real gift – it is one thing to paint beautifully- not diminishing that – but it became clear to me early on -your genius is to not just to understand the artist in the child -but to organically know that for it to be expressive and not frustrating…structure and practice are necessary – that may be the best life skill out of the art lessons…”
~Maureen
Our daughter has taken classes during the school year and participated in art camps with Claudia and Sergio for 3 years now. She was recently invited to apply for the Gifted and Talented program for Visual Arts in Arlington public school, an entire year earlier than normal scheduling. The Olivos are beautiful artists in addition to being beautiful human beings. I cannot say enough good things about Olivos Art.
We are so impressed with this studio that we hesitate to post here and give it away to the masses. The quality and thoughtfulness of the instruction is wonderful. We love the care in planning the curriculum, taking inspiration from history, cultures around the world and other artists plus showing the connections between museum ‘art’, mythology, and personal inspiration, it is art teaching at it’s finest.
Highly recommend.
~Roles family
