Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Schwartz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Andrew. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a young person growing up in Annapolis, MD most Saturday mornings from the ages of 8-13 were spent happily drawing in a small studio in the basement below the local art supply store above. Looking back on those memories it’s not hard for me to know that the idea for Art & Beyond was hatched all those years ago. Fast forward to today, Art & Beyond was founded to provide the same energized, satisfying and safe studio environment for artists of all ages.
Why Art & Beyond? Art, that’s easy and obvious but when combined with “beyond” we strive to explore a variety of genres and mediums to enhance creativity ”beyond” traditional drawing and painting and, in doing so, become a central destination for the ART community in our area.
Art & Beyond provides all students with challenging and engaging visual art enrichment programs to cultivate their interest and inner drive to participate in creative visual arts. Courses are built around creative activities that are captivating and entertaining as well as educational. Classes typically have between 12 and 14 students and are taught by certified teachers and college and/or graduate students studying art & education. Our programs are aimed at the average to ‘gifted’ students of all ages who participate by choice and most often are enthusiastic and motivated learners.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
– dominance of Vouchers and Coupons sales in Paint & Sip segment
– Advertising to broad audience
Art & Beyond – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Art & Beyond was established to become a local art school, art studio and center of creativity in the Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, & Peachtree Corners area serving artists of all ages.
Our Founders story:
Andy Schwartz
Originally from Annapolis, MD, Andy grew up on the Chesapeake Bay enjoying sailing, sports and attending art classes for most of his childhood. A year after marrying, Lisa, originally from Dunwoody, the two returned to Atlanta locating in the MayFair/St. Clair neighborhood in what is now the City of Johns Creek. Home now for twenty three years they raised their twins, Amanda and Jeremy, both recent graduates of Centennial High School and current Sophomores at the University of Georgia. After a career in sales and marketing in the floral and home décor industries, Andy conceived of the business concept of Art & Beyond to return to his passion for visual arts with the intent of creating a center for visual arts for all ages close to home in the Roswell & Johns Creek area.
David McKay
Originally from Northport, NY, Dave grew up on Long Island Sound playing soccer and, just like Andy, attending art classes for most of his childhood. Dave continued to pursue his passion for soccer and art at Hamilton College in upstate New York, where he played DIII soccer for four years and graduated with a double major in Government and Studio Art. More importantly, he met his wife Kate at Hamilton (also a Studio Art major), and together they have raised three daughters, Carey (Recently Graduated from UGA), Paige (junior at Georgia College) and Haley (Sophomore at Clemson). After graduating from law school in 1989, Dave’s law practice has morphed from corporate defense to consumer class actions and, most recently, to a solo practice with a focus on prescription drug benefit counseling and litigation. The McKays moved from DC to Atlanta in 2001, locating in the Hartridge neighborhood and quickly immersing themselves in the local community through volunteer activities at school, the Atlanta Dog Squad, Newtown Recreation and club soccer. Dave has served on the Boards of the Johns Creek Community Association and the Johns Creek Arts Center. Upon learning of Andy’s vision for a visual arts center for all ages, Dave and Kate eagerly jumped on board as they return to pursuing their passion for the arts.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
– Proud of where we are entering year 3
– Youth Camp and After School programs
– Private Party business
– consistency of programming
– creativity of programming
– built great team of instructors
Pricing:
- Paint & Sip Pricing – $20 Special to $45
- Corporate Outings & Team Building – $350 Party Fee
- Private Parties – $35 per person
- Kids Birthday Parties – $250 Party Fee includes 10 artists
Contact Info:
- Address: 8560 Holcomb Bridge Road; Suite 102, Alpharetta, GA 30022
- Website: www.ArtandBeyondStudio.com
- Phone: 770-954-6102
- Email: info@artandbeyondstudio.com
- Instagram: artandbeyondstudio
- Facebook: artandbeyondstudio
- Yelp: Art & Beyond
