Tag: The Drawing Studio

Last night I went to the first “Intro to Professional Practices” class at The Drawing Studio. It was lots of fun; it’s a small, talented group with a good leader to keep things in line: that makes all the difference!

Last week I was incensed (read all about it here) when I showed up for the first night of class to learn it had been postponed….without me knowing about it.

The next day I wrote one of my terse complaint letters, complete with aggrieved tone, and demanded my money back. It went out in the mail that day. I got a call from Lynn at The Drawing Studio the day after that; she left a thoughtful voice mail which addressed, quite neatly, all of my concerns; she offered a complete refund. After hearing it I realized I no longer had an axe to grind.

I’m happy things seemed to have such a mature resolution. The class is great. I’ve already met some lovely folks.

I mailed a $165 check to The Drawing Studio last week, payment for a 6 week class called “Professional Practices” (scroll down to the “advanced” classes for dates/description). I thought it would be helpful and fun to learn skills to better promote my work.

I arrived at 6PM today with one other student. We couldn’t find our class. A helpful young woman told us she didn’t know about our class; she said our instructor had just left for the day, she offered to call her. We listened as she made the call, and when she was done she told us that the instructor had forgotten to email us that she had decided to delay the start of class for a week.

I really wish the instructor had at least the good sense to make up a sympathetic story. Fender bender OMG I can’t make it!! My dog got into some chocolate–we’re at the emergency vet!! My car broke down!! I’m sick and I meant to call but I’ve been throwing up all day SO sorry!!

It would be impossible and uncharitable to criticize a legitimate excuse. But to simply “forget” to contact us about a decision to “delay” class? Look, I have a job all day at a hospital. My free time is spent making art. I left home early because I knew I’d have to find parking downtown (I parallel parked between 2 giant cars). I made arrangements to get to class on time.

I guess I find this unprofessional and somewhat ironic behavior for an instructor teaching a class called….Professional Practices. If I’d gotten a phone call or email today while I was at work telling me there was going to be a last minute delay….fine. All my contact information was on my class registration.  Quite frankly, if I’d gotten home tonight and found a voice mail or email with a hasty apology….even that I’d shrug off as flaky Tucson behavior (this is SUCH a town of slackers) and I wouldn’t be writing this.

But, no.

I’m going to write and request a refund, though they say they won’t offer refunds 2 weeks prior to class starting. I’m asking anyway. Maybe The Drawing Studio is so successful they can do whatever they want. If so, I’m better off at home Wednesday nights with my dog.