About Us
About Academy of Art
Welcome to Academy of Art, where imagination comes to life through the strokes of a brush and the lines of a pencil. Whether a child or adult is just starting their artistic journey or looking to refine their talents, our professional talent is designed to unlock every young artist’s full potential.
We offer expert-led art instruction tailored for children and adults alike. We specialize in immersive drawing and painting courses that blend foundational techniques with free expression. Our programs include instruction in acrylics, watercolor, and charcoal. Our mission is to nurture creativity, precision, and confidence in everyone.
Our Mission
Academy of Art provides instructional art programs for ages 3 through adult. Our in-depth art curriculum utilizes hands-on, classical-teaching techniques, art history, world cultures and fosters self-expression. We provide students with a non-judgmental environment, ability-appropriate instruction and an atmosphere for creative development and individualism.
Meet Janessa and Jessica
About Us
Academy of Classical Arts was founded in 2004 by sisters Janessa Tamsett and Jessica Basile, out of a shared passion for creating and teaching art in their community. What began as an after-school art enrichment program has grown into an instructor-led curriculum — used to teach a variety of art mediums, techniques, art history, and art appreciation to students of every age. Over the past three decades, they have developed workshops that train educators and art advocates to bring this same curriculum into their own schools and community programs.
Meet Janessa
Janessa Tamsett is an entrepreneurial and gifted artist with over 30 years of professional and private art business experience. She operates every facet of Academy of Classical Arts — from client relations and curriculum development to marketing and instruction — and her passion for community art advocacy has driven countless outreach projects for students of all ages. Janessa is also a freelance graphic designer and has worked as a sales representative for various companies, events, and trade shows. She relocated to Venice, FL, where she now brings her art enrichment programs to the Southwest Florida community through classes, camps, and workshops for all ages. Her personal artwork — vivid, whimsical paintings and drawings inspired by ocean life — reflects her new home on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Meet Jessica
Jessica Basile teaches private art lessons out of her home studio in Colorado and works as an Early Childhood Educator. She recently earned her Adult-Learning Certification, allowing her to continue instructing and developing workshops for educators and community programs. Jessica has also expanded her long-time love of portraiture beyond people to pets, creating fun, whimsical pet portraits dressed in playful Victorian-style clothing.
…And yes, they’re sisters!
…And yes, they are sisters!
Why Choose Academy of Art?
Academy of art stands out because we go beyond crafts. We are dedicated to teaching the technical foundations of art — how to truly see, observe, and create. From young beginners to mature creatives, our curriculum is structured to grow with the student.
- Experienced Instructors: Each of our educators has a strong background in fine arts and child education.
- Small Class Sizes: Our intimate class environment allows for individual attention and personalized instruction.
- Structured Curriculum: We balance structured lessons with open-ended exploration to keep learning fun and meaningful.
- Flexible Scheduling: After-school programs, weekend workshops, and seasonal art camps are available.
Contact Us Today
Jessica Basile – 480-747-5120 (Colorado Office)
Janessa Tamsett – 941-413-0236 (Florida Office)