Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media Ages 8-Adult ● McLean, VA (703)790-0671
Comments
What Students Say…
“Mrs. Bikoff’s art class is my favorite thing all week. The projects are verrrrry interesting. The materials we use are fun and unusual, such as the gold, copper and silver paint. Ms. Bikoff loves art and thinks of cool projects. She’s patient and she explains things and she makes everything fun.” Anya , age 7
”In Mrs. Bikoff's classes, I feel free to express my feelings. My experiences have all been fantastic! The art projects are very special because there is such variety. There are so many materials available to create the project. Mrs. Bikoff is so knowledgeable about art! She can guide us without doing the project for us!” Billie, age 11
"I love classes with Mrs. Bikoff. She can really relate with the students and make projects fun and educational. The art projects are never similar and are very creative. Mrs. Bikoff doesn't really care if you make a mess; it's all about the art. She understands if you make a mistake, and she helps you turn the mistake into an advantage, which makes your piece even better!
I learned from Mrs. Bikoff how to appreciate many different styles of art and to find my own style." A, age 11
“Ms. Bikoff's class is fun, exciting, and inspiring. I like the fun projects that we do. When I finish a project in Ms. Bikoff's class, I can't wait to start another one. I never want it to end. In this class I can have fun while I work. The work that we do there is more fun than anywhere else.” Allison, age 7
“I have been going to Sue's for seven years now. She has always done projects that are fun and challenging. She encourages me to do better and has taught me new techniques. I think she is the best art teacher you can find. I love going to Sue's studio and I believe others should be lucky enough to take her art classes.” Katherine, age 12
"Totally the most awesome art class ever!" Claudia and Lindsey, age 9
“I took art all the way through as a senior in AP Studio Art, and Mrs. Bikoff's classes beat anything I did at school for inventiveness, but also kept me interested in staying with art through high school.” Maggie, age 19
What Parents Say…
"Sue is an accomplished artist, but is an equally gifted teacher which makes her very special. She takes such obvious joy in the kids and their unique creativity. She gets a real kick out of them and they, in turn, adore her, feel comfortable in her studio and, thus, really explore, create and have a great time! I think she has contributed in an extraordinary way to our daughter’s confidence and self-esteem.” Caran McKee
"Sue is one of the best art instructors I have encountered, and as an art major and teacher myself, I know quite a few! She is not only knowledgeable and well credentialed, but she has the gift of adapting her teaching style to the level of each student while making learning fun and exciting. Her creative projects do much more than introduce a strong foundation in art techniques; they encourage children to see the world in different ways, explore a variety of materials and styles, and to solve problems -- all skills that transfer beyond art. I have seen
Sue effectively introduce a concept to a class and then encourage each individual to move in a direction that builds upon his or her strengths or area of interest. She is flexible and excited when a child discovers a creative way of using a material or employing a technique that might not have been envisioned in a lesson plan. She often takes time to introduce the style and materials of other artists if the student's work displays similar characteristics or if a student expresses an interest. What a great education! Most importantly, my children love her sweet and friendly manner and look so forward to her fun classes." Vicki Foster
“Through her in-depth knowledge, talent, and enthusiasm, Sue instills a love of art, promotes creativity, and creates a unique experience for each of the children she teaches.” Barb Males
“What is so terrific about studying art with Sue is that on the one hand, her studio couldn't be more relaxed and low-key. Children feel welcome and at ease the minute they step inside the door. Simple after-school snacks and maybe Beatles' music await them. On the other hand, this is top-notch, serious instruction. The projects are varied and sophisticated. Sue knows and fosters the talent of every young artist. In her respectful way, she treats them all like young professionals. It is not surprising that so many students study with Sue year after year. The possibilities for learning are endless." Cindy Swope
“I have had two children participate in art classes over 5 years. Every project had a purpose whether brush control, design, color effects, composition, etc. Their progress was remarkable, even as assessed by others. Every project they submitted to the Arlington County Fair received a first, second, or third place. One self portrait was a grand champion winner. But beyond their skills being expanded they truly see and experience art and their world differently, much to their enjoyment. Sue’s enthusiastic and talented spirit made the process fun. I would highly recommend these classes to any child to expand their creative abilities.” Dr. Annalisa Park
"My children have been taking classes with Sue for many years. She nurtures and brings out the best in them. They have grown in so many ways. Our house is filled with amazing original art." Marion Meakem
“Having such a substantive, interesting art class for an hour-and-a-half a week is a real gift!! Sue offers a creative outlet unmatched in other art classes we’ve tried. While most activities ebb and flow, Sue’s art classes are always my daughter’s favorite!” Caran McKee
“Ms. Bikoff teaches an excellent art class. It is truly an education in the fine arts. Ms. Bikoff instructs the children and guides them without telling them what to do; she encourages them to problem-solve and develop solutions on their own, thereby nurturing their self-esteem and their sense of accomplishment. It is also a very peaceful and relaxing environment. My daughter loved art from an early age, and we participated in many art programs in the D. C. metro area. None of these programs matched the quality of Ms. Bikoff's program. I would highly recommend this class to any child with an interest in art and an interest in having fun!” Joanna Kinney
“My sixth grade daughter has been studying art with Sue since kindergarten. She loves going to her studio, she finds it enjoyable and relaxing and truly misses it when the sessions are over. My daughter's talent has been nurtured and it has been a joy to watch her develop artistically and grow. My daughter has brought home many beautiful and unique projects. Sue has a real talent for bringing out the best in each student.” Cheryl Lindstrom
“What brought us to Sue was the drawings of our friends' daughter and the wonderful comments the parents had about Sue as a teacher. Since our children have been taking this class we have noticed an "awakening" in our children' s artistic abilities. With her kind and gentle manners, yet skilled and inspirational style of teaching, Sue makes "magic" happen through our children's fingers. Her long-term experience shows in every work the children bring home.” Nathalie Cadihac Duffy
“Sue is a talented artist and an exceptional teacher. Sue really thinks outside the box. She puts a great deal of time, thought, and effort into formulating projects which are original and inspire the student to be creative while following a loose framework. Sue uses a wide range of materials in the projects so the students are able to try working in a variety of media.
I regret that my oldest child (now a BFA candidate at an art institute) was not in one of Sue’s classes. My son was exposed to ideas and techniques that my daughter did not learn until she was in advanced high school art classes. As a result of his background, my son received national recognition for a piece of art while he was in middle school.” Laurie Whiteman
"Over the past 11 years my four children have all been art students of Sue's. Each one has taken something different from the class. The oldest, a soon to be medical student, developed his artistic abilities and enjoyed the detailed work. My first daughter was interested in marketing and saw art as an effective tool."
My second daughter enjoyed the arts in general and liked the beauty of what she produced in class. My youngest son, at the age of 10, said to me as I dropped him off one day "This is the place where I forget about all of my problems for awhile.” (Makes you wonder about a 10 year old's world!) Kathy Feghali
"The students not only learn art technique, but Sue also imparts fascinating information about world cultures and history. The projects themselves are beautiful works of art worthy of display in any room. The projects Sue has the kids create are complex and multi-layered, but they don’t feel daunted – they just love it and are so proud of the final results.” Caran McKee
