Summer 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 Participant Comments:

"Really enjoyed Winston - he clearly went above and beyond the call of duty from early mornings to late evening field trips." Olive Bryanton (PEI) 2010

"Very rewarding experience.  Real opportunity for growth and sharing." Linda Murphy (Texas) 2010

 "Met and exceeded all expectations.  Quite a treat to be able to do my favorite thing in my favorite place." Carolyn McGrath (Massachusetts) 2010

"Very thorough, taught many basic principles that are very useful, flexible according to student needs, very talented instructor, willing to correct student work with good suggestions." Marion Copleston (PEI) 2010

"Demonstrations given were really informative.  I learned so much about colour and not to be afraid of the darks." Muriel Flood (New Brunswick) 2010

"J'anna is fun, brilliant and inspiring.  She balances class instruction time with individual instruction.  She is always positive telling us that there are no mistakes...building our confidence and our skills." Wendy Boyd (Nova Scotia) 2010

"Best teacher I ever had." Susan Dunn (Ontario) 2010 

"You honoured us with your vast knowledge of writing and related literature, and wore 'feet of clay' as you shared your triumphs and stumbles in your writing life." Marilyn Russell (Dakota) 2009

"...best kept secret on PEI." Daphne Butler Irving (PEI) 2009

 "It offers top notch instructors in a safe, challenging environment." Valerie Neal (Ontario) 2009

"I loved the warmth, openness - a beginner would excel in any class and would be made to feel welcome - group very non-judgemental." Mary Ballard (Nova Scotia) 2009

I liked, "...Marta's organization, preparation, work ethic, passion and knowledge, willingness to share."  Wendy Lefebvre (PEI) 2009

"Good balance of theory and practice.  I learned so much from Marta about the art and discipline, contour drawing, looking, techniques with pen and watercolour.  I love her careful measured approach." Eva Kovacic Lee (PEI) 2009

"..instruction was superb, thorough and well organized...excellent venue, well equiped." Kathy Kepkay (Nova Scotia) 2009

"Absolutely, I plan on putting PEI School of the Arts on the teacher web site for Ottawa." Carol Allard (Ontario) 2009

"Liked the pace, variety and ability to come away with final pieces of our work." Jennifer Schmalz (Nova Scotia) 2009

"Loved the morning Tai Chi." Sue Maxfield (New Hampshire) 2009

"If you are looking to spend time doing something constructive for yourself and meeting and spending time with new and interesting people then this is for you." - Joan LaFrance, Connecticut (2008)

"I was absolutely thrilled with my completed pieces as I stepped out of my box in both composition and medium." - Ann Louise Smith, Ontario (2008)

"Good approach - clear with an open attitude to create with our own way to discover our style." - Helene Duquette, Quebec (2008)

"Betty did a beautiful job managing different levels of expertise." - Susan Maxfield, U.S. (2008)

"We wasted no time. Productive - very.  Opened the floodgates of my mind." - Patricia Siller, Ontario (2008)

"I enjoyed the competency in teaching, humour, knowledge of needs of adult beginner writers, resources brought to class, ability to meld the art of writing with her experiences in writing and the wealth of writing techniques and devices so eloquently expressed." - Katy Mann, Ontario (2008)

"Actually it exceeded my expectations." - Joyce Glasner, N.S. (2008)

"l liked the way everyone was welcomed and valued." - Gorden Shanks, Ontario (2008) 

"I love almost believing that I could be an artist.  Great instructors, small class size, great location, excellent value for money." - Chuck Mora, N.S. (2007) 

"What a great productive way to spend a holiday.  Awesome idea for the school!  Keep up the quality - working with real artists!  What an opportunity to improve skills." - Pat Van Asperen, Ontario (2007) 

"Best course ever - wouldn't change a thing.  I liked the small class, lots of work, very productive." Patricia Siller, Ontario (2007)

"Great location, well organized, general atmosphere of support, purpose and creativity.  I think it's perfect"  Mary Lou Bedford, NS (2007) 

"I really enjoyed the course.  I am sure it will get me started at something I've always wanted to do." - Irma Curley, PEI (2007)

"Dianne is open, warm and very knowledgeable and experienced.  She expected a lot from us and motivated us to take risks." - Elaine Casey, N.S. (2007) 

"Excellent.  The content of my course, the friendships, the whole experience was beyond my expectations." - Joan LaFrance, CT, USA (2007)

"Great job all around.  The program is fabulous.  Bravo!  Thanks for the privilege of being part of this great initiative.  Bon chance!" - Gail Novaco, CT. USA (2007) 

"A wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in the beauties of PEI - all I hoped for plus excellent instruction from Betty.  I learned a lot." - Pat Dodd, Manitoba (2007)

"Very much appreciated social events as each one highlighted a quality 'island' experience." - Shelley Ross, Saskatchewan/B.C. (2007) 

"At first I was concerned about more experienced painters in class, but they in turn gave me useful feedback." - Suzanne Bennet, Ontario/B.C. (2007) 

"Yes my experiential holiday met my expectations and more - meeting nice people participating in social events etc." - Nathalie David, Quebec (2007) 

"I had such a great time and we were all a family."  - Nancy Cairns, Stanley Bridge, PEI (2006)

 "Exceded all my expectations.  I enjoyed meeting some very nice people, hearing the French language and English language interacting.  It has inspired me to pursue relearning French so I will be able to speak both languages when I return."   - Jean Tate, Lindsay, Ontario (2006-07)

"It was well organized.  I learned a lot."  - Nicole Pelchat, Blanc Sablon, Quebec (2006)

"Very low pressure, well prepared, good feedback."  - Liz Keeney, Ohio, USA (2006)

"Helped me think out of the box."  -  Leo Despres, New Brunswick (2006-07)

"I enjoyed both The Dunes and Lobster suppers.  Great ideas for get-togethers."  - Heather MacLeod, Charlottetown, PEI (2006)

"Good low key island experience."  - Max Wheeler, Toronto, Ontario (2006)

"Personal stories (of the artists) added relevance.  Very positive attitude and casual atmosphere.  It was easy for all to feel the artist within."  - Margaret James, Toronto, Ontario (2006)

As a permanent resident of PEI, I still wanted the 'painting holiday' and I got it.  A wonderful opportunity to focus my attention on my art for a week and experiment with some different approaches with the guidance of an experienced artist."  - Margaret Muzika, Charlottetown, PEI (2006)