Testimonials from Parents and Students

Joyce T.
Fremont, CA
Below is my review 3 years ago in March 2013 with an update that follows:
My son took 4 sessions of Summer Camp last year and loves it so much we continued with Ichen Art Academy for 2 classes during the semester. The teachers are professional and really work hard to help the children improve their skills and express themselves through art. I highly recommend this school!
As of today 04/06/2016, my older son has been studying at Ichen's for 3 years, second son for about 2 years, and a close friend's son for over 1 year. I have continued to send my sons and recommended others to go to Ichen's because I see how much they learn and grow both in art and in personal character. When they were younger, my sons took Creative Arts as recommended which helped them learn confidence in their creativity, basic techniques, and storytelling through art. After about a year, I enrolled them in the Chinese Painting and Calligraphy classes. My older son has earned over 5 awards in Bay Area and national competitions all in first or second places in Chinese Painting and Calligraphy classes over the last 3 years, and my younger son and friend's son are both nationally competitive as well.
However, what I respect most about Ichen is not her extremely professional art instructions, the pleasant environment in her schools, her genuine love for her students, nor her willingness to attend to each student's individual needs. I am sure all of the above helped the children achieve their confidence and awards in art. I feel what makes Ichen and her programs so special is that she teaches patience, persistence, discipline, kindness and self-motivation through art. Ichen motivates her students well beyond what they think they are capable of. She is there when they fall short and teaches them how to succeed through learning from themselves. She does so through her patience, kindness, and her example as a teacher. The results are amazing and you can see personal growth in her students' wonderful art work. I think that is what makes Ichen and her school above and beyond what a regular art teacher or program could offer.
I would rate Ichen and her school 6 stars if I could. I am grateful for everything that she has taught my children including art and beyond. I recommend her school and programs wholeheartedly.
Fremont, CA
Below is my review 3 years ago in March 2013 with an update that follows:
My son took 4 sessions of Summer Camp last year and loves it so much we continued with Ichen Art Academy for 2 classes during the semester. The teachers are professional and really work hard to help the children improve their skills and express themselves through art. I highly recommend this school!
As of today 04/06/2016, my older son has been studying at Ichen's for 3 years, second son for about 2 years, and a close friend's son for over 1 year. I have continued to send my sons and recommended others to go to Ichen's because I see how much they learn and grow both in art and in personal character. When they were younger, my sons took Creative Arts as recommended which helped them learn confidence in their creativity, basic techniques, and storytelling through art. After about a year, I enrolled them in the Chinese Painting and Calligraphy classes. My older son has earned over 5 awards in Bay Area and national competitions all in first or second places in Chinese Painting and Calligraphy classes over the last 3 years, and my younger son and friend's son are both nationally competitive as well.
However, what I respect most about Ichen is not her extremely professional art instructions, the pleasant environment in her schools, her genuine love for her students, nor her willingness to attend to each student's individual needs. I am sure all of the above helped the children achieve their confidence and awards in art. I feel what makes Ichen and her programs so special is that she teaches patience, persistence, discipline, kindness and self-motivation through art. Ichen motivates her students well beyond what they think they are capable of. She is there when they fall short and teaches them how to succeed through learning from themselves. She does so through her patience, kindness, and her example as a teacher. The results are amazing and you can see personal growth in her students' wonderful art work. I think that is what makes Ichen and her school above and beyond what a regular art teacher or program could offer.
I would rate Ichen and her school 6 stars if I could. I am grateful for everything that she has taught my children including art and beyond. I recommend her school and programs wholeheartedly.
Tricia P.
Fremont, CA
I've been at Ichen Art Academy for so many years. I began as a chinese painting student learning from Ichen. My first impression of this art academy is that Ms. Ichen Wu is incredibly patient and talented. She teaches the fundamentals of chinese art step by step and then gradually builds up the material so the student is able to paint anything she desires. As the art academy expanded, I began to also take the AP Art class. It's basically studio time, where the student can self guide themselves and delve into areas of art they are interested in. The AP art courses foster creativity in students. Because of the supportive environment in Ichen art academy, I was able to improve vastly and move more towards the design field. The teachers here are kind and supportive of their students. Due to the engaging environment and helpful teachers, I received a 5 on the AP art test. I used some pieces I created during the Art studio classes in my college applications, and I got accepted into my two dream universities in Los Angeles.
Ichen has always reached out to me and has guided me through my journey to finding my style as an artist. She has supported me no matter what, and she is truly a loving person. She always considers what is best for her students, and truly motivates students to improve. Her love for her students is undeniable, and she always prioritizes their future. She is one of the biggest factors to my progress in art and design. She acts as a motherly figure who guides students to success without extinguishing their passion.
Fremont, CA
I've been at Ichen Art Academy for so many years. I began as a chinese painting student learning from Ichen. My first impression of this art academy is that Ms. Ichen Wu is incredibly patient and talented. She teaches the fundamentals of chinese art step by step and then gradually builds up the material so the student is able to paint anything she desires. As the art academy expanded, I began to also take the AP Art class. It's basically studio time, where the student can self guide themselves and delve into areas of art they are interested in. The AP art courses foster creativity in students. Because of the supportive environment in Ichen art academy, I was able to improve vastly and move more towards the design field. The teachers here are kind and supportive of their students. Due to the engaging environment and helpful teachers, I received a 5 on the AP art test. I used some pieces I created during the Art studio classes in my college applications, and I got accepted into my two dream universities in Los Angeles.
Ichen has always reached out to me and has guided me through my journey to finding my style as an artist. She has supported me no matter what, and she is truly a loving person. She always considers what is best for her students, and truly motivates students to improve. Her love for her students is undeniable, and she always prioritizes their future. She is one of the biggest factors to my progress in art and design. She acts as a motherly figure who guides students to success without extinguishing their passion.
Annie H.
Fremont, CA
This school really helped me improve my art skills, and be inspired to be the best I can be! The teachers taught me helpful techniques for my art. Currently I am taking the AP art program, which includes varied media such as mandalas, collage, inking, and lots more. And they are not limited to just traditional medium! There is a class that recently started, digital painting class, and they also use MAYA 3D to make different perspectives for the pictures. This class incorporates 3D modeling with the project. Ichen Art Academy is the way to go!
Fremont, CA
This school really helped me improve my art skills, and be inspired to be the best I can be! The teachers taught me helpful techniques for my art. Currently I am taking the AP art program, which includes varied media such as mandalas, collage, inking, and lots more. And they are not limited to just traditional medium! There is a class that recently started, digital painting class, and they also use MAYA 3D to make different perspectives for the pictures. This class incorporates 3D modeling with the project. Ichen Art Academy is the way to go!