Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Galloway.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Maria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was teaching Art for a big corporation and had the itch to have my own company, make my own rules, and be my own boss. Then I met the perfect business partner and knew it was time to take the leap. It took a while to convince her that we could actually create our own company.
In 2011 we started Viridian Art Academy in Tarzana. Most of the time we’re just flying by the seat of our pants trying to figure out how to run a business, but here we are, 8 years and 2 locations later. Doing what we love.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Balance is the constant struggle for me and for this business. Every time we get comfy, I’m plotting and planning our next business move. It seems like there’s never enough down time between the hustle.
This year I’m really working on delegating more and trusting the amazing team we have built. Finding them has not been easy. It has taken many years to form an awesome teaching crew that makes this whole operation work. We’re still on the lookout for a few more.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Viridian Art – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
It’s pure magic in these studios!!! Viridian Art is built on teaching studio art skills to kids, teens and adults. Sketching, oil painting, acrylic painting, and pastel fundamentals are taught in our weekly in studio art classes. We are on campus at 6 local schools each week, teaching after school art enrichment classes.
Our Art Camps are so awesome and we have THE BEST Art Parties in L.A., especially our “Slime Parties”!!!
Every time I see a book about slime or YouTube slimer, and think, “how has this person made a career out of this?”… And then I laugh at myself, cause I’ve kinda made a career out of slime making. Our Slime Parties are very unique, so much fun and have become such a life of its own. It is for sure our most popular party and camp.
When you step in to our doors and see 8 year olds learning color theory in oil painting or 7 year old sketching in charcoal from still life’s or teens working on portraiture. It’s just magical!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Viridian Art Agoura just opened its doors at the end of 2018. Our focus has been on our new community in Agoura Hills. Expanding our programs to local schools around the studio and building a solid team of teachers in Agoura. We are also working hard on expanding our product line of “Viridian Art Kits”. Lots more exciting products are coming soon!!!
Pricing:
- Classes start at $100/ month
- Camps start at $55/ day
- Party packages start at $299
- Wine & Painting $25 per artist
Contact Info:
- Address: 18709 Topham St, Tarzana
28869 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills - Website: Www.ViridianArt.com
- Phone: 818-774-0775
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/ViridianArtAcademy
- Facebook: Www.favebook.com/ViridianArtAcademy
Image Credit:
Jen Preuss
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
