I have loved drawing and creating since I was old enough to hold a crayon. For me, art has always been a lifeline. Much of my early work consisted of pen and ink drawings with a focus on characters, and was often an expression of my relationship with the world around me.
My current work is mixed media and digital. My characters are colorful, quirky, emotive, and relatable. My specialty skills are drawing with pen and ink and mixed media/digital work in Photoshop, and character design.
My love for teaching has developed over the years with a growing desire to teach others what I’ve learned. I think of all the great teachers who have helped shape me as an artist and want to pass this on to my community. As a teacher, I am a patient and encouraging while providing feedback to help students grow and challenge themselves to try new things.
EDUCATION:
MASTERS OF FINE ARTS DEGREE in Illustration, University of Hartford 2010
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM in Illustration, Art Institute of Boston 2007
BACHELORS DEGREE in Art Education, University of Maine 1999
EXPERIENCE:
I have experience teaching all ages from toddlers to retired adults. I have taught students K-12 in various educational settings, classes in Art and Comics at Bomb Diggity Arts in Portland Maine, and most recently classes in Fundamentals of Drawing and Character Design here at the Richmond Art Center.
WHAT I OFFER:
I offer an enriching and nurturing space to explore creativity and self expression and to find and/or develop your artistic voice. Individual lessons will be fun and meaningful based on individual student’s goals and interests.
WHAT: Private/Small Group Art Lessons
WHO: ALL AGES
WHERE: In my studio in Berkeley or remotely online.
WHEN: Recurring weekly or bi-weekly
WHY: Because we are ALL creative and it is FUN TO CREATE!
INDIVIDUAL LESSONS:
1 HOUR: $75
1 & 1/2 HOURS: $100
2 HOURS: $135
SMALL GROUP LESSONS:
SIBLINGS/COUPLES/FRIENDS /GROUP DISCOUNT (UP TO 4 PEOPLE):
2 PEOPLE:
1 HOUR: $100 ($50 EACH) SUMMER SALE PRICE: $80 ($40 each)
1 & 1/2 HOURS: $130 ($65 each)
2 HOURS: $160 ($80 each)
3 PEOPLE:
1 HOUR: $105 ($35 each) SUMMER SALE PRICE: $90 ($30 each)
1 & 1/2 HOURS: $135 ($45 each)
2 HOURS: $165 ($55 each)
4 PEOPLE:
1 HOUR: $100 ($25 each) SUMMER SALE PRICE: $80 ($20 each)
1 & 1/2 HOURS: $135 ($45 each)
2 HOURS: $160 ($40 each)
Please note group price is set regardless of how many students show up for a given session.
TESTIMONIALS:
Cass has taught my 4-year-old twins so much about how to see the world as artists and creative problem-solvers. Cass is an incredibly thoughtful, patient, and playful instructor--she notices what interests them and builds on it, introducing new materials and ways of approaching projects when they get stuck or frustrated. Her gentle humor and warmth, her understanding of the kinds of activities that might interest them at different ages and phases, and her deep knowledge of different skills and approaches to art-making, mean that my twins ask constantly when they can see Cass. Watching Cass work with my kids has honestly helped me as a parent...I have probably learned as much from her as they have. She's also an incredibly skilled artist in her own right, which deepens her practice as a teacher. I truly could not recommend Cass more highly. We are lucky to know her!
Josie Halpern-Finnerty
My almost 4-year old is bursting with energy and it’s hard to get him to sit for an activity. I imagine at school he blows through art making without much intentionality or attention. When Cass works with him, she engages him in such a way that he is invested and excited for the entire lesson. They build stories and play with different materials. There’s a lot of laughter, exploration, sensory play and learning. Cass’ awareness of what is developmentally appropriate, her patience and warmth, as well as her stellar and varied artistic skills makes her an exceptional teacher. I recommend her to everyone!
Dani Reuben
I am an adult who took a remote drawing class with Cass a year ago. She was so kind and empowering about skills and abilities already in the class. I felt very held by her while also guided by her expertise in drawing. Cass is funny and kind-hearted and open to all who enter her space. She taught with a warm heart and an empowering ease that filtered out to the class. I am eternally grateful for this experience and just hope others get to experience this too.
Wendy Smith
MORE TESTIMONIALS HERE:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YbpPDnNNzHn5FXjY9
INTERESTED IN TAKING LESSONS?
Please fill in and submit the information below. I will respond within 24-48 hours to set up a FREE 1/2 hour consultation where we will discuss artistic goals, material preferences, lesson scheduling, and current experience with art. This will help me build lessons specific to your personal milestones. You can also email any questions to cassfrayer@gmail.com.
