Youth Program

History of the Youth Program

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Art Academy Duluth was created in 2020 through a collaboration between Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art and St. Paul Art Academy. Our goal is to provide area youth with a structured program that develops solid drawing and painting skills based on an in-depth understanding of the essential principles of art.

Using the patented curriculum developed by the St. Paul Academy, which has a solid track record of 25 years in training youth, we guide students through techniques in pencil, pen and ink and watercolor. As students progress through the program, they are continually challenged with new assignments that take them to higher levels of understanding.   

We firmly believe that all children have a natural ability to draw and paint well. It is our obligation to parents and children to work with students to nurture and grow their artistic skills.  Our classes are sequential and each class builds upon the previous. Much like music and sports programs, students grow with practice, feedback, and working at a pace that is comfortable to them. 

Classes are offered in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter quarters so students can improve quickly. Both parents and students see significant results in a short time. We keep our student/teacher ratio low to provide one-on-one instruction and work with students at their level of skill.   

At the Art Academy, we stress practice over talent. We believe that when students put forth their best efforts, their abilities flourish. Through consistent practice and effort, students unlock a level of artistic skill that far exceeds their expectations. 

Given how busy children and adults are these days, we do not require work outside of class. Instead, we ask that all our students do their best during each class session.