MIDDLETOWN – A man who says “I may be an artist in the sense that I can cultivate experiences” seeks to transform art education.
“The journey for students is about having fun and making compelling art,” said One River School of Art + Design founder Matt Ross in an interview on May 11 at the school’s new Middletown location, which is at 1275 Route 35.
Middletown Mayor Tony Perry welcomed the school to the Middletown community by cutting the ceremonial ribbon that day.
According to the organization’s website, “One River was founded in September of 2012 ‘one river’ west of New York City. One River School of Art + Design has embarked on a mission to transform art education in America. Today, our innovative program teaches thousands of students in ten schools across six states with many more openings on the horizon.”
“In the last two years, we have gone from one to 11 (schools),” Ross said. He noted that One River schools have recently opened shop in Texas, Portland, Chicago and throughout the tri-state area.
A 12th location is scheduled to open in Connecticut, he said.
Ross, who said he “wanted to create a cool-looking place that looks current, clean and aspirational,” said there is a common misconception about the nature of artists.
“Artists are mysterious to a lot of people, most people think people are just supposed to be born artists and get it,” Ross said. “But you know what, when you practice, you get better.”
Ross, who compared learning art with learning to play an instrument, said “people need to apply that same sensibility” and practice to become better at any skill-based craft.
“(Art) is more fun the more you do it. The more you practice, the better you get at it,” Ross said. “We’ve built a program that is project based. Every month, we change the project. New subject matter. New materials. New reference artists. We focus on art over the past 50 years.”
Over the past seven years, 15 years worth of original lesson plans have been created for One River schools, Ross said. He added that lesson plans for workshops are catered to students who should begin creating art in 15 minutes “because students will sometimes have one hour to do something.”
“We want to make these workshops so (students) can quickly understand (the material), go to work and have fun,” Ross said. “Some workshops can even be developed in month-long projects. Not all of the projects can be executed in one hour.”
Asked if he, himself, is an artist, Ross said, “I’m more of a multidisciplinary artist. I write, play music, I do photography, I’m interested in video. But I am not a painter. Nor do I draw – well. But I think there is something in there … At some level I think we are all artists … For me, this business concept is an art form.”
Classes for children, adolescents, and adults are available at One River School of Art + Design.
Beginning in June, summer camps at One River will offer students of all ages a series of progressive and creative courses across art, digital art, design, photography, filmmaking and portfolio development, according to the facility.
In a subsequent interview with Joe Kaplan, Director of One River in Middletown, Kaplan said the artistic institution sheds light on teaching “through the living arts.”
Part of this experience, Kaplan said, involves the exhibitions of local artists.
“The students get to literally meet talk and meet with the artists. We think this really helps the kids and students connect with their art,” Kaplan said. He added that a different artists’ work will be featured every two or three months.
Asbury Park resident George Bates, who Kaplan described as a globally recognized artist, will feature his paintings in the main gallery of the art school. An opening reception with Bates will be held on May 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.
“We thought Monmouth County was a great location,” Kaplan said. “This is sort of a return to my roots. We are really excited about this (school).” Kaplan added that a One River school may open in Freehold or Princeton in Mercer County.
Kaplan, who agreed Middletown is lacking an arts district, said the community “is totally thrilled we are here.”
For more information or to view the classes available for adults, teenagers and children, visit middletown.oneriverschool.com.