One River School of Art + Design opened its third location on Long Island in Manhasset Thursday, adding its 15th school across the United States. The new school, located at 1504 Northern Blvd., will start classes this month, offering immersive art experiences for individuals of all ages.
Founded in Englewood NJ in 2012 by Matt Ross, CEO, One River School of Art + Design is known for it innovative approach to art education. The school’s project-based curriculum draws inspiration from contemporary artists, providing students with a supportive environment to nurture their artistic talents.
“Over the last decade, it’s become clear to me that One River School of Art + Design is making a real difference in the communities we serve,” said Ross. “Very simply, we offer fun, captivating, compelling, creative experiences in state-of-the-art facilities that are conveniently located as well as staffed with passionate world-class instructors and associates. With existing locations in Port Jefferson and Woodbury, we are thrilled to add Manhasset as our third school on Long Island.”
After a 20-year career as an executive in the radio industry, Ross transitioned into the role of an investor and founding CEO for the School of Rock in 2005. At its inception, School of Rock was a small startup with only a few schools in operation. By the time Ross left in 2010, he had helped transform School of Rock into a network of music schools, with 55 locations and 30 currently in various stages of development.
It was during this period that Ross drew parallels between the state of art education and the state of music education before School of Rock’s remarkable expansion. He observed striking similarities: a scarcity of innovative art schools, not only in his home state of New Jersey but also across suburban America. This realization marked the beginning of a personal mission that Ross has been pursuing since the autumn of 2011.
“It seems to me that the most relevant and important thing I can do is to help people grow creatively,” Ross is quoted as saying on the school’s website, “I love the challenge of inspiring people through compelling creative education while making it fun at the same time. This is my calling; it is my mission and it is the purpose of One River School.”
The Manhasset location’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was co-hosted with the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce.
The official grand opening event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m., offering attendees a chance to meet the team, participate in free art workshops, and learn more about One River School of Art + Design’s commitment to art education.
