We
strongly recommend that you view all the pages of the website in
detail. If after doing so, you still have questions,
hopefully you will find the answers below. If not, please do
not hesitate to call West Art at 208 263-8307.
Are picture framing courses year-round? If not,
when are they available?
Classes are held year round.
How far in advance do I need to book
everything?
Spots are reserved on a first come, first serve basis. You would
make your travel arrangements far enough in advance so that you
can obtain the most reasonable fares.
As far as reserving classroom space, weeks can
fill at any time. The best approach is to furnish West Art
with your phone
number once you decide upon a date that works for you and Ray will call you. If
that date is open it can be locked in over the phone by simply
informing us that you are placing your deposit in the mail. Your week will
be "locked in" before
your check arrives or clears. We do business on a handshake out
here.
Will anyone other than Ray Dwyer be teaching the class?
No. Ray is the only instructor, it is his school and you will be
taught by him.
In addition to the course fee, are
there any additional costs involved (other than my own
transportation/accommodations/food)?
Other than the costs you have indicated, there are no additional fees. West Art
furnishes all materials, a light breakfast, snacks, lunches, and a graduation
certificate.
Many students rent cars so they can enjoy the
area when not in class. Sunset Magazine recently designated
Sandpoint as the best small town in the west, and in 2003 Money
Magazine indicated this area as the top location for second homes
in the United States.
Are there accommodations nearby?
All motels are just 7-12 minutes away and most are in downtown
Sandpoint. To view available motels, click
here
and go to the "lodging available" link.
Can I come for two weeks and take both the Beginner's and Advanced
classes?
No. It is recommended that you get a year's experience under your belt
after taking the Beginner's class before jumping into the Advanced
class. Taking both classes back-to-back would be overwhelming.
Can I contact any of your former students for
their opinions and experiences regarding your instruction?
For privacy reasons, West Art does not give out addresses, email,
or phone numbers of former students. We suggest you view the
Testimonial
page, and if you like, for $15 (copying, packaging and mailing
fee) we will send you at least 50 copies of actual student
critiques.
Do I get a certificate and
will I be framing it during class?
Yes, you will be getting a certificate, but you will not frame it
here. If you are new to framing, your first frame job will
not be the best one you will ever do. We recommend once you
have refined your skills, that you then frame your certificate.
You will, however, be framing three to four items that you can take
home.
During the picture
framing class, will we learn
about computerized mat cutters?
Yes.
We have a Wizard Computerized Mat Cutter on site. Its operation will be
demonstrated, along with information on how and where to acquire a Wizard.
What is taught in the Beginner's and Advanced
art framing classes?
That information is found in the following
links:
Beginners Class
and
Advanced Class.
Do weather conditions in Northwestern Idaho in
December, January and February cause any problems for those that
attend winter classes?
It doesn't affect classes at West Art...life goes on. But you
can probably leave your fishing poles and bathing suits at home.
Lodging in the
area
Transportation & Maps
