ABOUT US

About The Art District Academy

More than just art classes — we create experiences. The Art District Academy is a visual arts studio dedicated to nurturing creativity and confidence in artists of all ages. We provide structured instruction that builds foundational skills while encouraging self‑expression. Our programs are led by instructors with both academic credentials and industry experience, and we host innovative workshops and community‑centered events that make creativity accessible, memorable and fun . Whether you’re here to learn, create or connect, our mission is to lift you higher than ever and help you grow into a creative professional, equipped with the skills to succeed in the art world .

About the Director

Director Jorge Morales has been immersed in the art world for more than two decades. He began his journey as a teenager, publishing artwork in his high‑school newspaper in 1997 and leading two large mural projects in 1998. In 1999 he was finishing a mural in his school’s principal’s office when he was “discovered” and introduced to Javier, the personal and studio assistant to pop artist Romero Britto, which opened the door to professional studio work.

Over the years Jorge built a wide range of experience across art production, gallery management, marketing and photography:

• 1999–2008: Apprenticed with Miami printmaker Lazaro Amaral, teaching classes and assisting with exhibition design while refining his printmaking skills. During this period he was also exposed to digital design tools—Photoshop, Illustrator and QuarkXPress—which broadened his understanding of how traditional and digital techniques intersect.

• 2000–2008: Worked in multiple capacities at Romero Britto’s studio—studio assistant, archive specialist, inventory manager, framer and photography assistant—gaining hands‑on experience cataloguing, storing and transporting artworks and learning how to create an environment that keeps artists in a creative flow.

• 2015–2024: Served as a Public Affairs Photographer, further developing his skills in visual storytelling and documentation.

• 2016–2018: Worked as a gallerist and gallery assistant at Barsky Gallery, helping curate exhibitions and supporting other artists (without showing his own work).

• 2016–Present: Collaborates with the Roig Collection as a curator and professional colleague, working on installations, marketing strategies and creative projects that bridge fine art and public engagement.

Jorge studied illustration, typography and art history at the International Fine Art College (later acquired by the Art Institute of Miami), where he learned how to support artists through services such as printing and framing. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Berkeley College in New York City—a well‑regarded, career‑focused institution recognized among the nation’s best online bachelor’s degree programs . He then completed a Master’s degree in Marketing Science at Saint Peter’s University in New Jersey, which is highly ranked for social mobility and value among regional universities . His thesis examined pricing (inspired by its effect on art) and was submitted as a scholarly contribution rather than a formal journal publication. These academic insights, combined with his practical experience, inform the academy’s thoughtful approach to valuing and presenting artwork.

Timeline of Experience

• 1997–1998: Published artwork in his high‑school newspaper and led two large mural projects.

• 1999–2008: Apprenticed with Miami printmaker Lazaro Amaral while simultaneously working at Romero Britto’s studio in roles ranging from studio assistant to archive specialist and framer.

• 2015–2024: Worked as a Public Affairs Photographer, documenting events and servicemen.

• 2016–2018: Gallerist and gallery assistant at Barsky Gallery, helping curate and market exhibitions.

• 2016–Present: Collaborates with the Roig Collection on installations, marketing strategies and creative projects.

Our Disciplines and Creative Process

The Art District Academy focuses on five core disciplines, each designed to support the creative process from concept to completion:

• Digital – Students explore animation, digital rendering and scaling, as well as emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, learning how to create artwork for digital environments.

• Drawing – This discipline builds observational skills through references and life studies. Students develop ideas and bring them to life while mastering shading, contour lines, shapes and forms.

• Painting – Instruction covers colour, tone, mood, form and composition. Students learn colour theory and experiment with techniques and tools—rollers for bold coverage, watercolours for delicate washes, and paint sticks for expressive mark‑making—to develop finished work efficiently.

• Printmaking – Projects teach mapping and planning, production and execution, using methods like Japanese woodblock, linocut, screen printing and stencilling. Students learn to replicate their designs consistently while exploring texture and layering.

• Sculpture – This studio guides students in transforming two‑dimensional ideas into both relief (2D) and fully three‑dimensional sculptures. By working with plaster, clay, cardboard and poster board, they explore basic shapes and forms, learning about structure, balance and the tactile qualities of different materials.

Our Vision and Environment

Our vision is to create creative professionals by teaching the fundamental skills that underpin artistic expression. While many programs focus on completing projects, we emphasise developing the abilities that make artists successful. Each “Skills Day” introduces a new technique or concept, giving students an overview and then plenty of practice. For example, shading is a foundational skill that allows artists to model form and light by adding value; it can be achieved through techniques like hatching, cross‑hatching, blending, random lines and stippling . One shading method we teach is scribbling, where controlled or circular scribbles build up texture and value . By breaking art down into teachable skills and offering focused practice on techniques, we reduce the mental load and create an environment where creativity thrives. We design our studio with ready easels, organised supplies and a defined workflow to keep artists in the creative zone and help them transform into confident, skilled professionals.