Cherie Raciti

I have Cherie and she seems like a fair and reasonable teacher (at least so far).

She is definitely a talented artist and knows what she is talking about.

She likes to do things "her way" and is not a laid back teacher like Paul P. so if you like ultra-lax teachers then Cherie might not be your cup of tea.

However, school is for learning, and she can teach so if you are willing to put some effort into the class I think you can learn from her (and she has indicated that she expects in-class effort).

So far I'd say she's gotten something of a bum rap. We'll see.

I liked this class. It's true you have to use acrylics - its the nature of the projects assigned. I'm an oil painter but I found the projects interesting. Costs might be an issue if you already have oil paints and would have to buy acrylic paints, brushes, mediums etc.

I know some students found Cherie abrasive but I didn't. If you take this class you have to put effort into your assignments. To be frank -it pisses her off if a student just throws together a heap of stuff to finish a project at the last minute. She can tell and will grade accordingly. It's okay though if you try something new and it doesn't turn out very well. Effort counts for a lot. Since this is a experimental class you won't be downgraded because your project didn't work the way you intended. I saw some works which were a mess but they got complemented for what worked and for the effort the student put in.

Attendance is mandatory for certain sessions. You will be marked down if you miss these classes (demos, critiques). Otherwise, you are free to work at home and don't have to be in class most of the time. I work and this aspect really worked for me. Most of the time I didn't have to come to class.

Well, she's not Mary Poppins, but that doesn't mean you can't learn from her (although I'm saying this without having taken her class yet). Sorry to have to give her an C, but you can't submit a review without a grade.

What I wanted to mention what that she is an ACRYLIC ONLY painting teacher.

For me, and oil painter, this means I'll have a good reason to avoid her :-)

But, really, she might not be all that bad.

It's good to note that there are very very few reviews here.

Let's have some more reviews dammit!

What a Bitch! This woman is so spent. Spacific things she did that were totally inappropriate include giggling with her favorite student about a less experienced student during crits. I couldn't believe it. What bad vibes. She used passive aggresive remarks to ridicule students' work, would smile at fave students during crits of weaker students' work in a way that said, "doesn't this piece just suck, we're so much better". She's really not fit to teach unless she changes her attitude. Attending class was a real chore. I hate her.

I'm sorry to say that I really think Cherie is totally burnt out on teaching. She is very quick to insult people without any regard for feelings. I'm not talking about constructive criticism on one's art (that's fine, and expected) but what I don't care for is her telling someone that they have an F standing in the class (beg. of semester)in a LOUD voice for all to hear if they miss one more critique/meeting. However, she did give great presentations on transfers using gels, etc... and showed interesting slides on off-the-wall art. There were four assignments and she does allow you to work at home (cool) and she definitely opened my eyes to lots of new ways of making art, but she seems rather annoyed with the whole thing and for lack of a better word, "pinched". If you take her class--be on time and don't miss any crits--or be prepared to have your head bitten off in front of others.