Art Academy East was founded by Norfolk based fine artist and teacher Claire Frances Smith.
Art Courses, available to adults, are delivered in a bright studio space in Norwich as well as online.
The Academy offers a dedicated space for creative learning with facilities for painting, drawing, printing and more. It accommodates the local and broader community providing a variety of art courses.
The art courses are structured to promote independent creativity and encourage learners to develop their own artistic style.
As a centre for art based in Norwich, it provides accessible, skills based painting courses with a strong focus on developing technical knowledge and ability.
Art Academy East provides the solid foundation needed to go on to higher education and carve out fulfilling and successful careers within the art industry.
Click below to find out more about what courses are available or click here to see the FAQ page.
“‘Can’t recommend highly enough, fantastic course and staff. I have loved it!’”
“‘Great course and staff, just wish I could do it again. Keep the online workshops going please 😀🤩’”
Our Approach
Art Academy East has a strong traditional focus. Skills such as colour mixing and the use of a reduced colour palette, the importance and effective use of tonal values, design and composition, brushwork and paint handling are taught as fundamental building blocks. Experienced painters and makers will find these neglected areas invaluable as they incorporate them into their practice.
AAE delivers step by step carefully designed programs of study that can lead to technical excellence. Fine art evolves continually and finding ways to use the traditional skills of the old masters in conjunction with experimental new ideas makes for exciting discoveries. Art Academy East offers intensive tuition designed to meet individual learner's needs and goals.
Courses are suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience. It is a friendly and supportive environment that encourages creative exploration and confidence building. Students have started courses after not having picked up a paintbrush since school and have finished with a real thirst to continue learning and develop their skills, often surprising themselves with their abilities and creations.
“‘Art Academy East the teaching methods and support are second to none!’”
“‘Fantastic course....even through the ‘trials and tribulations’ of lockdown....the staff at Art Academy East continue to be supportive and imaginative....extra thanks to my tutor for her help and encouragement.....x❤️x
Just do it!!!’”
Parking:
Art Academy East has lots of FREE CAR PARKING spaces that can be used by students.
As you approach Sapphire House at the end of Roundtree Way take the right hand route round to the rear of the building. Keep to the right hand side and just past the blue container units there will be a sign marked ‘Art Academy East’ and the spaces are located there on the right hand side.
Claire Frances Smith - Director & Course Leader
Mark Mann - Commercial Course Leader
Mark is an innovative Cambridge University educated Art Teacher/Lecturer and Artist, with 18 years of experience leading art courses in schools and further education.
Within his own work Mark uses the seductive qualities of ceramics and textiles to make comments about society, it’s injustices and pleasures. The works explore a variety of historical and contemporary themes. He works with traditional media such as ceramics, bronze, and printed textiles as well as being an accomplished painter.
Following a successful MA in textile design at NUA for which Mark received the Vice Chancellors post graduate prize, in 2018 Mark was selected as emerging artist at the East Anglia Art Fund’s Heritage exhibition.
Esther James - Director
Clare Olley - Customer Service & Administration