About Us - School Policy
Atelier Method of Instruction
"Atelier method" is a form of fine art instruction modeled after the historic 19th century private art studios of Europe. This method of art tuition is based on the transfer of skills and knowledge from an experienced educator who is accomplished both as an artist and as an art instructor. A discipline-based fine art education, it is centered on realism and the acquisition of skills that are fundamental in the understanding of all other artistic styles. Drawing and painting from direct observation are at the core of our teachings and they contribute to the enhancement of the student’s creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
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Vicente Saavedra
An award winning artist, Saavedra holds a MA from New York University and a BA from UMASS Boston. He attended the Sorbonne and the IEP in Paris and is currently an Art Faculty member at The Masters School, Dobbs Ferry. He has been exhibiting in Westchester and Manhattan since 1999 and has been teaching since 1992, sharing experiences in France (Lycee Montaigne) and Venezuela (University of Zulia, Art Faculty). He is a sought after portrait artist and a passionate musician, leading two music duos (French music and Latin American music). He is the founder and director of this school, Art Academy of Westchester, and an art faculty at The Masters School, Dobbs Ferry NY.
Watch "Leaping Dragon", a 10' x 24' mural at The Masters School. Register
Helen Elliott
Helen Elliott has a bachelors degree in Art History from De Montford University in the UK and is a practicing artist specializing in oil painting. Helen works as head teacher and art specialist at Good Shepherd Early Childhood Center in Irvington and was the program director for RiverArts SummerArts Workshops for 10 years. She has worked with children K-9 and adults through various organizations including The Irvington Children’s Center, Westchester Community College, WAEYC Workshops, RiverArts and through her private studio.
School Policy
Cancellations/Make-Up Policy
Emergency closings, weather related or otherwise, will be announced through the e-mail addresses provided on the registration form. The Art Academy will be closed when Dobbs Ferry school closes due to inclement weather. The Art Academy will make an effort to makeup these classes accordingly and time permitting; however, we do not guarantee makeup classes for all weather related school closings. We guarantee at least one makeup class for such closings. Makeup classes for inclement weather closings will be annouced and may take place during a different day and time.
Classes canceled or postpone by the teacher will be made up at the end of the session on the same class day. Classes missed by the student are non-refundable. Students can only makeup up to one class per session by attending another class, space permitting.
Withdrawals and Refunds
The Art Academy reserves the right to cancel classes when necessary and will refund Tuition or remaining tuition accordingly. Students who withdraw from class prior to or after the first class receive full refund, less $45 processing fee. There are no refunds for withdrawals after the second class. Students that must withdraw from class for other reasons (misconduct or medical reasons, for example) will receive the remaining of the tuition.
For more information write to info@artaw.org or call our office (914)844-9063
Amended March 2026