Aarthi Muthukumar, a student of Oam Studios Art Academy, had the honor of meeting U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell’s at the annual Congressional Art Competition and has been selected by Rep. Eric Swalwell to place her art work in his Washington D.C. office.
She and other high school art students were honored by Swalwell at a reception on May 8th, 2017 at the Hayward Area Historical Society.
Swalwell said in a statement. “I’m so glad to be able to share these amazing works at the Capitol and in my office.”
The panel of local judges, artists and business owners in Rep. Swalwell’s district, exhibit art through and collaborate with the Hayward Arts Council. They reviewed the dozens of paintings, drawings, collages, photographs and other artworks before awarding placements to the finalists.
The art competition is held annually by members of Congress across the country to spotlight high school artists in their district, with winners’ works being displayed at the U.S. Capitol.
In addition to Pleasanton and San Ramon, the 15th Congressional District, includes Dublin, Livermore, Union City, parts of Fremont, and the unincorporated areas of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Sunol, Ashland, Cherryland and Fairview.
CANNERY CAFE, HAYWARD (CA)
22380 Foothill Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94541
(510) 581-0223
info@haywardareahistory.org
The art competition is held annually by members of Congress across the country to spotlight high school artists in their district, with winners' works being displayed at the U.S. Capitol.
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.
Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.
Thank you for applying to Oam Studios Art Academy for your children's pottery lessons.
We will review your registration and respond back to you shortly.
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Master Oamie will respond quickly!
Thank you for your question!
Master Oamie is always trying to improve your experience at our website and at the art schools.
He will review your question and respond back to you quickly.
Art Competitions
Showcase your creativity and skills
Participate in Exciting Art Competitions
Unleash your creativity and compete with other talented artists in our art competitions. This is your chance to shine and have your work recognized.
How to Enter
To participate, register through our platform and submit your artwork before the deadline. Be sure to review the competition guidelines for specific details.
Why Participate?
Art competitions provide a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure, receive feedback from professionals, and build confidence in your artistic journey. Celebrate creativity and push the boundaries of your imagination!
Support for External Competitions
If your child is participating in a competition we’re not hosting, we are here to support them in preparing for their project. Our instructors will guide them with resources, feedback, and encouragement to ensure they’re set up for success.
And if they win, we’d be delighted to attend the award ceremony to show our support and celebrate their achievement together!
Need Help?
If you have questions or need assistance with your submission, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to contact us.
Absence Policy
Missing class is not Missing out
Missing Class
If you miss a class your class credit will become a make-up credit
Make-up Credits
Make-up credits never expire and can only be used on another day other then your regular class day.
Scheduling Make-ups
To schedule a make-up you must have an active account. An active account has greater than zero class credits from the art program they are scheduling to make-up.
Schedule a makeup by texting the studio and letting them know your availability. Only one make-up can be scheduled at a time.
Make-ups may not always be able to be scheduled since they depend on class availability, but since they don't expire there is no rush to have it scheduled
Rolling over Make-ups
Makeup credits can become class credits again after a new tuition plan of 4 or more classes is paid.
Losing Make-ups
A student can lose a make-up credit if they are absent from class and have no class credits to transfer over to a make-up
Pre-Absences
Schedule absences ahead of time
Planning for Absences
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and you may need to miss a class. Our Pre-Absence policy allows students to inform us ahead of time about their absence to make appropriate accommodations.
How to Schedule a Pre-Absence
To schedule an absence, simply notify us at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to adjust class materials and schedules as needed.
Why Notify in Advance?
Advance notice helps us manage resources efficiently and ensures other students can continue their learning without disruptions. It also helps us maintain the quality of education and classroom environment.
Contact Us
If you need assistance with scheduling a pre-absence, please reach out to our team. We're here to help make the process smooth and easy for you.
No Refunds Policy
All sales are final
Understanding Our Policy
At Oam Studios Art Academy, we operate under a no-refund policy. This policy ensures fairness and consistency for all students and families.
Why No Refunds?
Due to the nature of our art classes, supplies, and reserved slots, all purchases are considered final. This allows us to plan resources effectively and maintain a high-quality learning experience for everyone.
Additional Information
If you have questions about this policy or wish to discuss specific concerns, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist and ensure the best possible experience for our students.
Class Durations
Learn about the length of our art classes
Understanding Class Durations
Our class durations are thoughtfully designed to align with the age and attention span of the students, ensuring an optimal learning experience.
Age-Appropriate Durations
For younger students aged 4–8, classes are typically 50 minutes, providing a balance of focus and creativity. Older students and adults benefit from longer sessions of 90–120 minutes, allowing for in-depth exploration of techniques and projects.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer a range of time slots to accommodate various schedules. Whether you prefer a weekday evening or a weekend afternoons, we have options to fit your families routines.
Special Focus Classes
Specialized sessions, such as portfolio preparation or advanced technique workshops, may have extended durations to cover more content and practice time.
In Between Breaks
For longer classes, short breaks are included to ensure students stay engaged throughout the session and have some needed socializing with peers.
Thank you for applying to Oam Studios Art Academy for your children's art lessons.
We will review your registration and respond back to you shortly.
Class Ratios
Teacher to Student Ratios
Teacher Student Ratios
Teacher Student Ratios
Age Bracket
Ratios
4 - 8
1:5
9 - 11
1:10
12 & up
1:12
Grouping Students
Students are taught individually while being in a group setting. Students are grouped together by age, not by skill level.
Each student will be working on different assignments based on their placement in our curriculum and also based on the student’s preference on the subject matter.
There is no formal critiquing between students unless they are in the Studio Art Class.
One-on-One Art Classes
Personalized art education!
One-on-One Classes
One-on-One art classes provide a tailored experience focusing on individual needs. These classes offer a personalized approach for students who may require more focused attention or specialized instruction.
Special Needs
For students with special needs, One-on-One classes offer a supportive environment tailored to their specific requirements. These sessions ensure a pace that accommodates various abilities, with personalized strategies for success.
Neurodivergent
Neurodivergent students benefit from One-on-One art classes through adapted teaching methods that align with their unique learning styles. These classes focus on creating an inclusive and understanding space.
Adults
One-on-One art classes for adults provide an opportunity to explore artistic passions with individual attention. These sessions are designed to cater to the unique interests and skill levels of adult learners.
Group Classes
Art is funnest together!
Group Classes
Group art classes offer social, sharing, and financial benefits. Students should be well-mannered and avoid disruptive behavior.
In some cases, art students may require one-on-one lessons instead of group lessons, particularly for special needs or neurodivergence.
Group Requirements
Students interested in group classes must be able to:
1. Work independently for short periods after instruction.
2. Stay focused during class, even when teachers are assisting other students.
3. Follow the curriculum and communicate their ideas effectively to teachers.
4. Remain seated throughout class time.
Art Projects
Quality over Quantity
Project Time Limits
At Oam Studios, art projects are allotted a time limit of 12 classes. After this, parents can decide if their child should continue the project at the studio or complete it at home. Completed projects should be returned to the studio for credit.
Speed Vs. Quality
We emphasize quality over quantity and precision over speed. Students first practice on worksheets before applying their new skills to their final projects. Putting time into their art projects ensures that a student focuses on mastering techniques rather than rushing through multiple low-quality pieces.
Tuition Plans
Explore our tuition plans
Tuition Pricing
Oam Studios Art Academy currently offers three payment plans to choose from.
Tuition is based on the student's age bracket and the chosen class plan.
Purchasing a larger number of classes results in greater savings.
Art Supplies
Art supplies are provided for our art projects, except for special projects that students bring to the studio.
These may include competitions, school assignments, or other personal projects.
Additional exceptions may apply to adult or advanced classes.
Registration and Refunds
There is a $50 registration fee per student or a $25 registration fee per sibling.
All sales are final, and refunds are not available.
Art Classes • Art Quest Ages 4-7
# Classes
per class
savings
tuition
1
$35
-
$35
4
$30
$20
$120
12
$27.50
$90
$330
24
$25
$240
$600
50 min classes
Art Classes • Art Quest Ages 8 & Up
# Classes
per class
savings
tuition
1
$65
-
$65
4
$60
$20
$240
12
$57.50
$90
$690
24
$55
$240
$1320
1.5 hour classes
Kids Pottery • 8 & Up
# Classes
per class
savings
tuition
1
$75
-
$75
4
$70
$20
$280
12
$67.50
$90
$810
24
$65
$240
$1560
1.5 hour classes
D&D&Arts Classes • 9 & Up
# Classes
per class
savings
tuition
1
$90
-
$90
4
$80
$40
$320
12
$75
$180
$900
24
$72.50
$420
$1740
3 hour classes
Digital Art • 9 & Up
# Classes
per class
savings
tuition
1
$90
-
$90
4
$80
$40
$320
12
$75
$180
$900
24
$72.50
$420
$1740
1.5 hour classes
Advanced Art Classes • 9 & Up
# Classes
per class
savings
tuition
1
$90
-
$90
4
$80
$40
$320
12
$75
$180
$900
24
$72.50
$420
$1740
1.5 hour classes
Adult Pottery
Classes
#
per person
savings
tuition
Private Class
1
$90
-
$90
Small Group
1
$75
-
$90
Potter's Experience
3
$70
$25
$200
1 hour class
Art Supplies
We provide them to the students
Supplies Are Provided
Many art schools require parents to run around purchasing art supplies that they know little about.
Worst is when they force you to purchase the art supplies from them at a marked up price!
At Oam Studios Art Academy, we provide all the supplies to the student, allowing more free time to the parents and less hassle.
As the artist, we know quality of supply needed for each project and provide what works best.
Supplies Caveat
In somecases we will not be able to provide the art supplies.
For example, many of our students have school assignments that they would like to work on during their class time or a competition that they are signing up for.
There are some exceptions such as paint, brushes or pencils in which case they can readily use.
It is best to ask us before assuming.
Freeze Accounts
Pausing Your Classes
Freezing an Account
You may need to freeze your child’s account.
Freezing is necessary when your child will be absent for an extended period due to a vacation or emergency.
Note: There’s no need to freeze accounts during the studio’s holiday breaks.
Accounts can be frozen for absences a minimum of one month, ensuring that class credits remain intact during the absence.
Students absent for one to three classes should not have their account frozen.
Freeze Process
Text your art studio and let them know you would like to freeze your account, or do so by signing into your account on the site and clicking on your child's settings and clicking the freeze account toggle.
When an account is frozen, the student is removed from their scheduled class time.
Classes can be rescheduled after unfreezing the account, but previous class times or days may not be available.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you!
How to Reach Us
We are happy to assist you! However, as we are often busy teaching, we kindly ask that you contact us via text message or email for non-emergency inquiries.
By using text and email, we will have written record of your request which allows us to form a queue that allows us to respond to your messages more efficiently.
Are administrative hours are typically before and at the end of our school day.
Phone Calls: (209) 640-4406 For emergencies only, please call.
Late Payment Fees
single class purchase
No Late Fees
Soon we will no longer charge late fees for class package invoices that are overdue, but currently there is a $10 late fee per week over due.
Instead, if an invoice is overdue and a student attends a class, that class will be charged as a single class and an invoice will be sent out immediately upon attending the class.
The previously automated class package invoice that was due can still be paid or the parents can continue at the single class rate.
We will be unable to delete the single class invoice; that invoice should be paid. Late fees will apply to single class invoices at a rate of $10 per day overdue.
Once the invoice with the bulk classes has been paid, the student will no longer be charged on an individual class basis.
Trial Classes
noncommittal first class
Trial Classes
So that you and your child(ren) can experience what our art classes have to offer, a noncommital first class can be scheduled for the Art Quest Program, which covers many different art techniques and mediums.
The trial class is free if the student decides not to join. This allows you the freedom to try without obligation.
If they decide to join, then the trial class is considered the first class.
Free trial classes do not apply to our advanced art programs.
Scheduling Classes
start when your ready
Scheduling
Students are taught individually even though they are in small groups, resulting in many scheduling benefits to you and your child.
For example, this allows students to start classes when ever they feel they are ready to.
Also they can switch class day and times seamlessly since the curriculum is dependent upon your child’s progress and not on the other students or assigned teachers.
To set the initial day and time, use the registration form to select your class.
Other benefits include:
freezing accounts
sheduling flexibility
exploring other activities
working around sport seasons
Our members can pause classes between sessions or by freezing their account once a year.
Because we are a year round art academy, and not a semester based one, students have more flexibility for their schedule and their lessons.
Age Brackets
taught individually
Paired by Age
Students are grouped by age in small teacher to student ratios.
Age bracket 5-8
We recognize that children of this age range need lots of one on one attention for their developing minds and insatiable curiosity.
By being taught individually in small classes, we can cut classes while maintaining the highest standards possible
Age bracket 9-11
Children of this age range are more self sufficient, becoming concerned with socializing and fitting in, and now more aware of their talent or lack of talent in differing subject matters.
It’s important at this age that art remains fun, educational, disciplined, but not damaging their developing awareness of self.
Age bracket 12 & Up
Adolescents of this age range are highly capable of focusing on their work and delighting in their concentration. At this age they are highly aware of what they enjoy doing and no longer seeking as much social praise from their peers.
Students in this range have serious issues to start focusing on that will determine their future. Regarding art, that could be an art portfolio for an art college or university whether their major is art related or not.
It could also include competing in art contests, or developing the habits of success such as completing a project that they’ve begun.
Class Credits
what are class credits?
Class Credits
When a guardian purchases a class package for their students, they have the option of purchasing 4 class credits or 12 class credits.
Class credits are used when a student attends their class time or when they no longer have any more excused absences on their account and do not attend their class.
To avoid losing a class credit, guardians and students should be sure to not go over their allotted excused absences on their account.
*We do eventually hope that guardians will be able to choose the amount of class credits to purchase in bulk
Make -Up Policies
making up for makeups
Make-up Credits
Make-up credits never expire and can only be used on another day other then your regular class day.
Scheduling Make-ups
To schedule a make-up you must have an active account. An active account has greater than zero class credits from the art program they are scheduling to make-up.
Schedule a makeup by texting the studio and letting them know your availability. Only one make-up can be scheduled at a time.
Make-ups may not always be able to be scheduled since they depend on class availability, but since they don't expire there is no rush to have it scheduled
Rolling over Make-ups
Makeup credits can become class credits again after a new tuition plan of 4 or more classes is paid.
Losing Make-ups
A student can lose a make-up credit if they are absent from class and have no class credits to transfer over to a make-up
Art Gateways
seventeen worlds of art
The Art Gateways
The Oam Studios Art Curriculum is made of 17 sections. These kingdoms cover most of the techniques and mediums that Master Oamie has learnt through his career as an artist.
Each gateway represents an important section of art mastery:
Line Quality & Properties
Dry Coloring Materials
Classical Drawing and Mathematics
Stippling & Mosiacs
Hatching Techniques
Print Making
High Contrast & Color Theory
Sculptural Mediums
Water Color and Airburshing
Landscape Art
Ceramics and Wheel Throwing
Manga & Anime
Oil Painting
Portraiture & Figure Drawing
Perspective Drawing
Digital Art & Design
Students will choose the Gateway they would like to study and persue the prerequisites to reach the level that they have choosen. They will be able to change their goals during their journey, but mainly between levels. We believe that at this stage in their art career it is important to complete what they start.
An adult can start reading a book and within the first five pages decide to never lift that book again. When a child is starting to read, its important that they finish what they start so that they can develop a meaningful understanding of their likes and dislikes. They may be surprised by what they learn.
Levels within each Gateway
Within each of the 17 Art Gateways, there are four levels. Each level is represented by a Oamie-Mon character that the student will earn as a badge for their accomplishment of completing a level.
An OamieMon character is similiar to a Pokemon character, giving the student higher stats and increasing their art capabilities. You can view the characters from the students profile page.
To bring in as much fun and enjoyment to the process of learning the visual arts, We have created a story and mythology for the students that can be read and explored below and also at the curriculum page
The 17 Contrade
The Italian medieval city of Sienna is made up of 17 contrade, or what in english would be referred to as city districts. Each of these 17 districts has a patron creature that is symbolized upon each of the districts colorful and unique flags.
There is the district of the Snail, the Shell, the Unicorn, the Porcupine, the Eagle. the Turtle, the Owl, the Panther, the Goose, the Tree, the Elephant, the Shewolf, the Dragon, the Dolphin, the Ram, the Giraffe, and the Caterpillar.
The Secret of the Masters
Unbeknownce to the layman and the sunday artist is a well kept secret held by master artists from across the world.
This secret, I will reveal to you now if you only promise to never tell another living soul. Do you promise? Do you truly promise? If you promised twice then and only can you know.
The secret is that each of the 17 districts have a hidden gateway that leads to different world of art. You only need find the gateways and enter them in order for your journey to of becoming an artist to commence.
Worlds of the Artist
Through each of these gates, you will find a world of art in turmoil. Something has fallen out of balance and caused disharmony to each. It will be up to you to learn the techniques unique to each world in order to bring it out of chaos and back into order.
Do not fret though young art apprentice, because through each of these gateways you will find friendly OamieMon that will help you learn the art materials and techniques to fulfill your purpose.
“The work of an artist is to make order of chaos” - Master Paskewitz
Fountain Gaia
The 17 districts surround the center plaza named Piazza del Campo. This plaza is world renown for a yearly horse race, known as the Palio, where the triumphant horse wins a special banner designed by a world renown artist.
The horse race is brutal and there are no rules that govern it. In fact, its not even important if the rider makes it across the finish line, since it is the horse that is praised as the winner, leaving the rider forgotten
More importantly though, there in the piazza remains a fountain named Fonte Gaia which is secretly known amongst artists as the final gateway to becoming a Master Artist.
However, for the fountain to open, and the final challenges to begin, the fledgling artist must bring balance to the 17 other worlds of art.
Do you have what it takes to become a Master Artist?
Profile Pages
account information tabs
Profile Pages
Each student at Oam Studios Art Academy recieves an online profile page that stores their account information, awards and achievements.
Account Information
The profile pages are super convenient for parents for several reasons:
Easily make payments digitally
Check the amount of class credits remaining
Verify the amount of absence credits
Sign up for Summer Camps
Change the Day & Time of the Class
Adjust the amount of class credits to purchase
Schedule a make up class
Freeze the student's account
& more features are coming!
Progress Reports
On the student's profile page, guardians can quickly see their child's progress by referring to a progress wheel that depicts the percentage of the current project completed
Students also will let the teacher and parent know how they feel about the current project or studio by selecting an emoji that represents their feelings.
Their profile page also has behavior bars which indicate how well they are seated, concentrated, hand raising, and cleanliness.
Activity Walls
We update guardians by posting current progress images and critiques on the students activity walls tab
Parents can ask for an update any time but we will also automatically do so when students hit certain progress percentages
Parents and other members can comment on the posts or make their own posts to encourage community conversations
Portfolio Tab
Each student will have their art work uploaded to their portfolio tab with a custom critique
Guradians and students can look back at their progress and share it with their friends and family
Levels Tab
Click on the levels tab from the students profile page to view all the levels of our curriculum
The OamieMon creatures display in color when a student has competed that level and earned their OamieMon creature.
Click on the OamieMon creatures for more information about the levels and for story information regarding the mythology.
Oam Awards
student behavior awards
Oamoji Awards
Art students earn several digital awards that can be traded in for physical or digital gifts
💸 For the completion of each level, students earn art money that can be spent by the student at our student stores online or in person
🧁 class cup cakes are gifted by the art teachers randomly and after 4 are collected, they become teachers apples.
4🧁 = 1💸 + 1🍎
🍎 teacher apples are earned when the student shows the very best behavior improvement of their class.
4🍎 = 1💸 + 1💎
💎 digital diamonds for being the absolute best behavec student in the whole class.
6💎 = 5💸 + 1👑
👑 class crowns are accumulated by earning 6 digital diamonds. Each crown means a visit to the art store.
Gathering oamjoji awards result in more art money and higher student status.
Behavior Oamojis
In order to spend their earned art money, students must earn all 4 Behavior Oamojis.
🪑 The chair oamoji is earned by remaining at their seat and asking for permission to leave the table
👁 The eye oamoji is earned by concentratiing on their art project and resisting the temptations of distraction
🖐 The hand oamoji is earned when a student consistenly raises their hand and asks for permission to speak
🧼 The soap oamoji is earned when a student keeps their space organize, cleans up after themselves, and helps the teacher and classmates maintain a clean and safe studio space
Competition Oamojis
Additionally, student can earn more art moeny and oamojis by competing in art competitions.
🍄 The mushroom oamoji is easily earned just by participating in any online art competition.
🍄 = 5💸 + 1🧁
🌷 The flower oamoji can be earned by participating in an in-person competition and participating in the award ceremony by at least attending.
🌷 = 10💸 + 1🍎
⭐️ The star oamji is earned when the student places second or third in any art compettiion.
⭐️ = 25💸 + 1💎
🏆 The trophy oamji is earned when a student places first in any art competition and is highly coveted.
🏆 = 50💸 + 1👑
Leveling Up Character Oamojis
🧖 After completing a level, a student is classed as an artist type. Students can multiclass depending on the way they conduct themselves as an artist during their projects
👩🚀 Art Astronauts are very intelligent and use science and math for making their art work super precise.
More importantly though, there in the piazza remains a fountain named Fonte Gaia which is secretly known amongst artists as the final gateway to becoming a Master Artist.
🦸♂️ Art Heroes are very social and talkative. This can be helpful to their classmates when they focus their social skills on helping their art teacher and classmates discuss art and solving art problems.
🥷 Art Ninjas are very silent and private when they work. Art Ninjas rarely ever distract their fellow students but they have to be really careful to not be too shy.
🧙♂️ Art Wizards are very imaginative and creative students. They see the world as a magical place without limits and art allows them to explore their mystical ideas.
