Testimonials

“I know that many people my age don’t really like expressing themselves completely; maybe they don’t like all of themselves or they’d like to change things about themselves. I just want them to know that this place is perfect, there is no such thing as a box here. It’s free reign to be who you are...”

“I loved MAA; it’s like no other art camp I’ve been to. The experiences offered here were outstanding. Not only did I met new friends, but I also met professional artists and had infinite opportunities to practice art. ”

“I’m here for visual arts but I’m also interested in theater and writing. I had never really considered how they all could work together, but now I can see that visual art and writing is everywhere, like billboards and books, and you see dance and hear music in movies and theater — everything plays together, and I think that’s really cool...”

“In just one week I felt extreme amounts of support. Everyone here is so inclusive and supportive in every way. I feel I have grown in my art as well as made amazing friends. ”

“This camp has cultivated an inclusive and safe environment for young artists to thrive.”

“We had a casual talent show the other night and I was blown away; some of the performances made me cry. Because everyone here is my age, it’s been such a revelation to see that I’m surrounded by so much talent and so much passion. It feels like I kind of belong.”

“As a young artist, I can honestly say that I’ve never found an experience quite like this. Throughout this week I’ve been able to push myself to do things both artistically and as a person that I hadn’t previously thought possible. This is a place where you will be welcomed to share both your strengths and weaknesses, your passions and fears, your pride and vulnerability. It has fundamentally changed the way that I think about art, and the way I think about life. There is nothing else like it.”

“I feel like I finally found my people, and even if we didn’t know each other five days ago, we still bonded over something and grew from that. It’s incredible what something like this can do...”

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt this comfortable in a group this large before. Even with tons of artists here, it never felt like creating art was a competition. Support and acceptance was always given by everyone, and it was incredible to see & be a part of.”

“There was never an awkward day like at other camps. Right away I felt like I was friends with everybody there. It was a really accepting community.”

“My time at MAA was not just transformational, it was truly a look at art as a whole and what that means to me personally. I recommend it to any person looking to deepen their understanding of the arts. ”

“While I am usually a shy and overly self-conscious person, I felt comfortable trying new things and taking risks [at the MAA]. No one in the room would judge me, and everyone was there to support me.”

“The Midwest Artist Academy has, without a doubt, changed my life. Not only has it helped me improve my art greatly, but I have also made lifelong friends and people I care about. It’s such an insane opportunity to just be in a place for a week, surrounded by fellow artists.”

“The Midwest Artist Academy was a life-changing experience. Not only did I learn more about my art, but I learned more about myself: who I am and what I can be. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in; you will fit in here.”

“This entire camp has shown me what humanity can be like when we fully come together. Sharing trust, making friendships, and collaborating to make a wonderful piece of art to show to the world. It creates a atmosphere where you can be open like a swinging door that was pushed open by 90 mph winds and where your ideas and hobbies...are not considered weird or stupid, they are instead respected, loved, and cherished ...”

“Every young artist with big dreams should have a chance to experience this kind of community. The stress of creating a show in one week is such a bonding experience, one that can’t be replicated any other way. Every person uniquely crafts the final product, and every person is necessary...”

“This was genuinely the most amazing camp i’ve ever been to and truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I’ve never felt so connected to a community and loved and accepted. There was no judgement and everyone was so kind and supportive and wonderful. The staff were beyond amazing, the activities were so much fun, and I made memories that I’ll treasure for a lifetime.”

“AWESOME! LOVED EVERYTHING! I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! ”

“I hope that people who hear about this program will know that it is a safe place to be yourself. I honestly woke up every day with a smile on my face knowing that I was going to go do what I love with people that I love.”

“In one sentence MAA, is the art’s equivalent to Hogwarts!”

“I’ve never been part of a more inclusive or supportive group of people. The talent of everyone around me was so inspiring and I left feeling so much more confident in my abilities. Our instructors and counselors treated us as collaborators and gave us almost complete creative freedom. I would strongly recommend this for any artist who wants a challenge to grow from and to meet others like them.”

“I can honestly say it was a life changing experience. I’ve never felt more included or at home with a group of people that I’d only just met. Every single person was so kind and overwhelmingly talented. It was the kind of environment I would have never dreamed to be a part of. I was inspired by the people around me and I was able to make what I think are going to long lasting friendships after only a week. ”

“Here at the Midwest Artist Academy, you will be surrounded by talented, supportive, and kind individuals who will grow to become your friends for life. Through this experience you will grow as an artist in unimaginable ways while also having the time of your life. It is an experience none of us are soon to forget and will be promoting for forever.”