West Art Picture Framing and Education
Testimonials

"I describe this course as an excellent introduction to the framing business.  Ray's willingness to answer a multitude of questions at any given time made it very interesting and educational.  I can definitely see that he is a seasoned professional."

"More than just a picture framing class by a true master framer.  Its been a logic laden information highway into Ray's way.  I wish I had another week just to work with all I have learned. It's been a true delight and pleasure to spend this week at West Art with Ray.  Thank you for sharing your years of knowledge and experience."

"A very good learning experience that was thorough and well thought out.  It was a pleasure spending a week here and would recommend it without hesitation."

"Thank you Ray!  This class far exceeded all of my expectations.  You are a very good teacher, and a very patient man.  All of our questions, even the dumb ones, were completely answered.  You have left me feeling that  'I can actually do this!'  Your friendly personality and humor made the time pass too quickly, and each day ended too soon.  I truly did not want the week to end.  I look forward to returning soon for more instruction.  Thank you again!"

"It was such a great experience and class.  Wonderful to be taught by the best.  Ray is the finest instructor - has so much knowledge of framing and shares it with such enthusiasm and passion.  I appreciate so very much this very full week of learning - thank you!"

"If all of my college professors were as knowledgeable and accessible as you have been in the week long class, I might have been interested enough to stay longer than two years!  Many thanks for sharing your years of experience with us, Ray!"

"It was a fantastic experience which will no doubt give me an advantage in my picture framing endeavor. Thanks Ray, I'll do my best to emulate your teaching, each and every day."

"This has been an informative, eye opening, structured but flexible experience.  Ray teaches not only form, technique, and safety, but encourages one to think outside the box.  I've received a tremendous amount of information verbally, hands-on, by demonstration, and handouts."

"I am amazed at how fast the class went.  I could not write fast enough!  Ray has an unbelievable amount of knowledge.  His attention to detail and making works of art from nothing surpasses anything I have ever seen in any frame shop!  I will succeed because I came to the very best frame school in the country!"

"This was one of the most intense learning weeks of my life.  I looked forward to each day.  After this week I feel I have a good grasp of the basics to start our framing business.  I can hardly wait to get going!"

"...Very grateful to you, Ray, for so generously sharing all the "secrets" and quality standards of the trade.  I feel that we are ready to be a top contender in the framing industry.  Nothing but the best!  Thanks again, Ray, for your unselfish education.  It was well worth every minute."

"Very very good class. Ray was an excellent instructor - very patient. If money was no object - I would take the class several times so all the information presented would stick in my brain!  Thanks for everything!"

"I have been exceptionally impressed with your knowledge, your skills, and your presentation; and have gained a wealth of knowledge far beyond what I had expected.  The experience here has made me more determined than ever to succeed in my business, and has given me the knowledge to do it.  I can't thank you enough."

"Thank you.  I learned so much I can't wait to get started.  Ray is a wonderful teacher with humor.  The knowledge that I'm leaving with is so valuable.  Thanks again!"

"It wore me out!  The class was very well organized, informative and fun.  I especially liked having an individual class.  Ray goes above and beyond what you would normally expect from a class - the food, the transportation, the encouragement, etc.  I think anyone taking the class will be well prepared to start a framing business of their own when they get home.  If not, you can call with questions later.  Take notes from Day 1 and take pictures so you know what the perfect framing studio looks like.  Thanks for everything!"

"Wonderful and excellent.  the first day was a little overwhelming but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Lots of valuable information not only what one would read in a book, but hands on and practical solutions.  An inspiring investment.  And yes, they do feed and overfeed you well."

"The instruction was practical, in-depth, and hands-on and truly covered everything one needs to know to start their business.  Ray is an outstanding teacher who shares his insights and experience both as a professional framer and as someone who lives outside the box."

"I came to Idaho hoping to learn the correct way to frame, leaving with enough information to begin my own business. Your instruction, enthusiasm, and incredible vision for looking beyond and expecting perfection has changed every way I intend to do business.  Thanks Ray, this class is awesome, and with practice, the knowledge you shared will definitely allow us to begin on the right foot.  We are excited and hope to see you in the advanced class!"

"This is an intensive, must-have learning experience.  Ray covers the basics of framing and then teaches you how to take your skills to the next level - and the next and the next.  He is such a good example of what a good framer should strive to be.  The environment is certainly conducive to learning - relaxed and well equipped.  The business information Ray gives is invaluable.  He generously shares his many years of experience in the framing business.  This class will pay for itself many times over.  An exhausting, wonderful learning experience."

"A month's worth of detailed information & experience condensed into a whirlwind, week-long class which moves so fast, you'd better be prepared to keep up!  The well-equipped (and well laid-out) workshop was a treat to work in, the displays were inspiring and Ray (framing guru), a most knowledgeable & entertaining instructor.  Many thanks to you and Susan for being such generous hosts and opening up your home in this beautiful part of the country."

I felt comfortable in the space and Ray's sense of humor and information and information were well received.  I have no framing experience other then feeling a bit overwhelmed, I retained a lot of information, took lots of pictures and notes and feel that framing as a business is possible - the generosity of sharing a lot of info and ideas convey a message of passing this on to others - I also really see framing in another light - as an art form, design quest, and a way to make art look really good - beyond just presenting an archival or conservative way.

"Excellent!  Blows away other framing courses.  Very small class size allows maximum of individual attention and customized instruction, although course is well-structured.  Ray is the best - I feel I got more than my money's worth!"

"The best 'learning' experience I've ever had, including the most knowledgeable instructor ever. The class is worth 10x what Ray charges. A life changing class ~ I'll be forever grateful for his knowledge, professionalism, and friendship.  Remarkably under-priced.  Susan is a wonderful addition to the atmosphere of the class.  I can't wait to come back for the advanced class.  Thanks so very much.  This was and is an incredible opportunity."

"Having been through many different classroom settings and subjects through the years, none have captured my attention so thoroughly - I came away from this class ready to apply the knowledge I have learned and expand on all the possibilities it has provided me!  Thank you Ray for being so patient!"

"I wanted to learn three things:  Making frames, which equipment to buy, and the inside game or tricks of the trade.  I received all that and so much more.  Thanks Ray."

"I could not have asked for a more knowledgeable, patient, and personable instructor.  Ray was so thorough and I truly feel comfortable going home and opening my gallery knowing that I learned no only how to frame but how to frame in the most meticulous, high quality way.  I just cannot say enough good things about this course or about Ray Dwyer.  Thank you!"

"Great!  Everything was just as I hoped.  Very nice stay.  Excellent food.  Equipment was top of the line and Ray was exceptionally knowledgeable."

"The best way to describe Ray, Susan, the training, and the experience is excellence.  I felt very comfortable and at home all week and they are always welcome in my home.  This program is a "no brainer" for anyone who wants to learn the business the correct way.  Thank you."

"Students who want to learn to frame like everybody else should not take this course.  If students apply what they learn here, they will stand out from the crowd and cannot fail.  The methods, "tricks" and inspiration gained in this week cannot be learned anywhere else.  Thank you Ray!"

"Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!  I learned far beyond what I expected.  Ray, what a wonderful gift you have.  Thanks for being so willing to teach your vast knowledge to us.  I'm anxious to put it into practice and eventually take the advanced class!  Thanks again!!"

"Learned a lot.  Good Food.  Very interesting subject matter.  Tons of information."

"First of all, let me say that Susan & Ray are two of the finest persons you'll ever meet.  Their care, concern, and hospitality are endless.  This class is not just a "class," but a complete personal & educational experience, matched by no other.  I learned in four hours here, what took four days at the "other" school (class).  This class is very intense and I can't wait until I have enough experience to come back for the advanced class.  If you want to learn framing, this class is a must."

"Meticulous...friendly...funny...knowledgeable...organized...did I say meticulous?  Ray shared a wealth of information in these five days.  We got lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experience to whet our appetites for this new business venture of framing.  He also provided such an example of superior workmanship that we know what to strive for.  Thanks for all the trade 'secrets' and answering all our questions.  Thank you, Susan, for your kindness and hospitality."

"It was amazing...More than I expected.  Every day there were new and different ideas and tricks to frame smarter, faster, or easier.  I feel that I got the best education to date in my framing career."

"The most enjoyable learning experience to date.  Most thorough, comprehensive presentation of framing art.  This week's experience could have never been anticipated.  Thank you Ray."

"Everything done here was beyond what I expected.  Even though we are younger students, we were treated with great respect.  I'm truly amazed at how much I was able to learn in just one week."

"The Course had to have been one of the best informed classes that I have taken, and most pleasurable."

"Ray raises instruction to a whole new level. The hospitality, presentation, and information are incredible. Anyone with an interest in framing at any level will benefit. Thank you so much!"

"I had a wonderful time at West Art.  Ray is a wellspring of information in the picture framing industry.  I received more information and training than I expected to, plus I learned so many 'tricks of the trade,' and was warned about how to avoid 'bumps down the road.'  Even with 2 1/2 years of hands-on picture framing experience,  I still learned more than my money's worth.  Than you so much Ray!"

"It's hard to imagine anyone could be treated any better than I have been by Ray and Susan.  I feel that with the information and training I have received here, the sky's the limit to what I can accomplish in this industry.  You have stimulated my creative juices and now it is up to me to keep them flowing.  I look forward to returning and taking the advanced course.  Thank you for opening your lives and your home to me."

"Ray Dwyer is an outstanding master and professional in the framing industry.  He also has excellent skills at relaying what is needed to learn the 'proper' techniques of framing.  I had a great and knowledgeable experience."

"I was quickly at ease with Ray and Susan.  They welcomed me into their home, their lives, and their craft with enthusiasm and expertise.  Ray knows framing as a perfect art and demonstrated the same.  Its not just a good way to put it on the wall, its art enhanced."

"Wonderful!  Thanks so much for the abundance of information, the attention to detail and the humor.  Can't wait to get a year's framing experience in so I can go to the advanced class."

"Absolutely great.  Highly informative, enjoyable."

"Was even better than I expected and I expected a lot!  Ray is the best framing teacher/instructor that I ever had."

"I can sum it up in one word...EXCELLENT!  I really think, however, you don't charge enough!"

"Tremendous amount of information presented over time of class - all in a fast-paced, stimulating presentation with good hands-on opportunities.  I learned more than I hoped.  Ray is a great teacher!"

"Ray and Susan have been excellent hosts.  I have learned much more than I anticipated.  I am ready to put the things I have learned to use.  Thanks for a great 5 days!"

"Truly a wonderful experience.  I had no idea that I'd be able to absorb so much information.  The week went by in a blink of an eye.  Thanks Ray!"

"Just wanted to thank you for providing such a rich experience for all of us this week.  You are a very gifted teacher.  Thank you for the fun and the knowledge.

"During this intensive five day workshop I have made many observations about my instructor, Ray Dwyer.  Some of Ray's attributes would include:  Attention to detail and precisioned mechanics; contagious enthusiasm; depth of knowledge of his craft; level of expertise and skill as an instructor and craftsman; recognized and respected in the framing industry; and the expectation and desire to achieve excellence in his own work and inspire his students to do the same."

"This was truly an education!  I have so much more respect for the business of framing.  I am amazed at Ray's talent and knowledge.  This was the best $ I've spent in a long time.  Awesome!!!"

"Wonderful, exciting, stimulating, enlightening..."

"In a nutshell...FANTASTIC!  I really didn't know what to expect, and came away excited and ready to get to work with what I learned.  Ray is a very comfortable person to be around...Can't wait to come back for the Advanced Class!"

"Super!  The course content and Ray's instructional technique exceeded my expectations.  The facility (shop) and environment were great for the learning experience..."

"It was an excellent "hands-on" experience with one-on-one instruction.  I have learned so much of methods to improve my product, also how to make our gallery more efficient."

"I had some expectations based on your website but you have exceeded all of them.  I only wish it were a two week experience..."

"Awesome!  Tons of information and great techniques, tricks, and solutions to problems.  Positive, upbeat teaching.  A great and pleasant experience which sent me away with confidence."

"Ray is superb!"

"Ray Dwyer was absolutely excellent.  His patience and instruction was superb."

"I really needed this.  Ray is really great at teaching.  Thank you so much."

"...I learned more than I expected!"

"Ray is the best!  I have learned so much in so little time..."

"I find Ray to be extremely well informed. It was a pleasure to be in his class..."

"Ray's obvious knowledge and experience is important in establishing confidence from day one.  And he is so nice and patient..."

"...Ray was a phenomenal instructor..."

"...Ray Dwyer is an excellent instructor.  He made a very complicated subject very understandable..."

"Ray Dwyer is a great teacher.  He is very knowledgeable, highly skilled, exceptionally patient and very personable.  His enthusiasm is very contagious..."

"Ray is really great, not only covered the basics, but I felt comfortable asking questions of all 'levels'..."

"...Ray is a wealth of knowledge and a great person to work with..."

"Ray was very good at presenting both the theory and practical aspects of picture framing.  He is very personable..."

"...Ray is an excellent teacher..."

"Ray is a kind-hearted, humble person who has a wealth of knowledge and loves to share.  He is like a great cook who shares his best recipes.  He is a craftsman who promotes a high degree of integrity!  Thank you, you do a fantastic job!"

"...Ray was wonderful..."

"...Excellent instructor..."

"...Ray is very knowledgeable, yet humble enough to relate to someone at any level..."

"An excellent approach by a field-qualified instructor..."