FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers about the Northwest Art Center.
General FAQs
Our hours vary and are dependent on when we have classes running. Generally the studio is open Monday and Tuesday 4:00 – 9pm, Wednesday 4:00 – 5:30pm, and Thursday and Friday mornings 9:30am – 12:00pm. If you arrive during a teaching time, teachers will not be available to assist or answer any questions. You can leave a message at 425-788-5900, but the best way to contact us is via email: info@northwestartcenter.org.
We follow the Riverview School District Calendar and are closed on Riverview School District’s major holidays and breaks (Thanksgiving break, Winter Break, Mid-Winter Break, Spring Break, and Memorial Day) but remain open for one day closures such as MLK day, Teacher Conference Days and Veteran's Day.
Core Programs: Most of our ongoing programs are currently offered by quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer).
Workshops and Special Events: We offer many single day special workshops or events throughout the year.
NWAC follows the Riverview School District weather-related closure policy but we may decide to close or open depending on changes throughout the day. We will post information on the web (Facebook, website, or both), email students, and leave closure on our office voicemail. If NWAC closes for weather, the staff will schedule a make-up for cancelled classes.
To make things easier for our students and families, we provide the materials and supplies needed for our classes. Occasionally, we may work on a special project where we invite students to bring in something special. One Exception: Adult clay class students will need to purchase their clay, and it is available through NWAC.
If you are registered for a child and parent class, you will be expected to stay for the class session. Students may be checked in and dropped off for all other classes. Parents of children ages 12 and under should walk their child in and sign them in to class, then sign out again at pick up time. Older students, age 13 and up, may sign themselves in and out with parent permission. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this safety policy.
Email is the best way to contact teachers and staff. Send us email at info@northwestartcenter.org or call us at 425-788-5900.
There is a 10--minute grace period for late pick up after class time has ended. We understand that circumstances such as traffic and weather can be beyond our control. However, teachers have materials to clean up and put away, as well as families to get home to and other classes to teach in the evenings. Please text or call your teacher if you will be later than 10 minutes to pick up your child. There is a $1/minute fee past the 10-minute grace period. Thank you for your understanding.
Parking is available on Main Street and behind the building.
NWAC welcomes volunteers as they play a key role in delivering our quality programs and services. Please go to this page to fill our Volunteer Form
As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, all donations, including in-kind donations, are tax deductible. NWAC welcomes your cash or check contribution.
In addition, donations can also be made through our website by credit card payment. Cash and check donations need to be accompanied by a Donation Information Sheet which is available at NWAC and online.
Donations designated to fund scholarships are a perfect way to know that your donation is changing the life of an artist in your community. Please note on the check that the donation is for the NWAC Scholarship Fund.
If you have a physical donation such as art supplies, office supplies, etc., please contact staff to make arrangements for delivery and receipt, and fill out an in-kind donation form. All donations will receive an acknowledgment and corresponding documentation for taxes.
We offer private art parties at Northwest Art Center. All details for booking your event can be found at Private Art Events - Northwest Art Center - Art in the Heart of Duvall.
Pricing and Payment FAQ
The Northwest Art Center’s core classes run concurrently with our local public school district’s academic year. Instructors create an academic year’s worth of content that is designed to teach a range of art education skills and concepts geared to specific ages. It is our hope that students who sign-up at the start of the academic year will remain in the program through the end of the academic year in order to build on their skills, broaden their experience, and receive quality visual art education. However, you may enroll or unenroll at any time with notice.
The majority of our programs are currently offered at various tuition rates for the academic year. If you choose to pay annually at the beginning for the school year, you will receive 10% off the total tuition.
Our current registration system has autopayments monthly when you register online. Payment is due at the time of registration.
Our workshops, events and camps are all priced individually, and you may register and pay online.
To find out more about our fee structure, please go to our Class Fee page.
If there is still room available in a class, we will do our best to work students in. We know that many of our students are involved in other extra-curricular activities and may not be able to start until winter or spring. We will do our best to accommodate late starts and tuition will be automatically pro-rated.
We will offer make-up classes for students when we have to close for weather-related issues. We are such a small non-profit that we are unable to offer make up classes if you have to miss a class. You can always send us an email at info@northwestartcenter.org for further clarification.
Yes. If you or your child has never taken a class at the Northwest Art Center and you’re not sure if it will be a fit, you are welcome to try one class for free. Our instructors are also available to talk with you about your specific interests or concerns. We want everyone to have the best possible experience—especially those who are trying art for the first time. (note – not all classes offer a free trial day) To inquire, please email info@northwestartcenter.org.
The Northwest Art Center makes every effort to meet the needs of its students. If you or your student is having difficulty in a class, we encourage you to meet with the instructor who may be able to provide additional support or direct the student to a class that better meets their individual needs. If you absolutely must cancel, please be aware of our Cancellation Policy.
If the Northwest Art Center needs to suspend or expel a student for violation of the Code of Conduct, no refund is provided for remaining class sessions.
This is a question that people often wonder about but may not feel comfortable asking. A portion of each student’s tuition is applied to art supplies, equipment, class instruction, and the costs of keeping the art center open: rent, utilities, office supplies, etc. Tuition is the primary source of income for the Northwest Art Center but tuition alone does not cover the cost of operating our organization. Grants and generous donations help to ensure that we can continue to provide quality art education and provide scholarship opportunities for students as needed.
Health and Safety
NWAC is very concerned about the physical and emotional safety of our students. We always have a first aid kit, radio, and cell phone in case of an emergency.
All injuries and behavioral incidents will be clearly communicated to parents/guardians, and a detailed response plan is in place for any emergencies, which include weather/environmental threats, and injuries require treatment. Our online registration forms include space to alert us to specific concerns, allergies, or needs. Please contact us if you have any questions about specific needs. We will do our best to accommodate.
Disclosure
Full disclosure of your child’s medical, emotional and behavioral status upon registration is required in order for us to create the best experience for your child and for all students. Our capacity to work with a wide range of challenges is significant, but we can only do so when we have all of the information. Nondisclosure of medical, psychological or behavioral challenges may result in a child being sent home from class without refund. This information is confidential and will only be shared with our educational staff members.
Student Expectations
Please read these expectations with your child. Participants in NWAC classes and events will be asked to adhere to the following safety expectations:
Students will:
- Prepare themselves mentally and physically for the process of learning
- Students are nourished, rested, and clean
- Students are free of drugs and alcohol.
- Students come to school prepared to learn.
Demonstrate respect for people and property
- Students are honest, courteous and polite.
- Students respect the property of others.
- Students accept the rights of others to their own opinions
- Students settle differences peacefully.
- Students participate in the maintenance and cleanliness of school facilities and property.
Take responsibility for their own behavior and learning
- Students make personal choices based on reasonable decision-making processes.
- Students accept constructive criticism and disagreement when necessary and appropriate.
- Students accept the consequences of their action
Share responsibilities when working as members of a group
- Students cooperate, contribute and share in the work of a group.
- Students accept and assume leadership when appropriate.
- Students listen to the points of view of others.
Meet the unique requirements of each class
- Students participate actively in class work.
- Students follow class rules and procedures.
- Students observe rules for safe handling of class equipment and materials.
Communicate with parents and school personnel about school related matters
- Students take time to discuss class progress with parents and their NWAC teacher.
- Students transmit information to parents and return responses to NWAC teacher when requested.