NEW Small Groups

Private & SemiPrivate Lessons

Multi-Media

Portfolio Prep

Individualized Approach

After-School, Evenings & Saturdays

Children - Adults*

*Ages 5 and up.

Enrollment is throughout the year, based on availability. Spaces are limited.

Download More Information Here:

Tuition, Policies, FAQs

Enrollment Form



I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.
– Confucius

 

Student Drawing

Art Instruction with
Jennie Traill Schaeffer

Are you interested in developing or
improving a portfolio for art school?

Are you constantly making
artwork that you want to improve?

Do you have a burning desire
to create art but need a jump start?

Do you want to enhance your children's art education, problem solving skills, fine motor skills, and creativity?

Consider TraillWorks . . .

TraillWorks offers students a professional, nurturing and non-threatening studio environment in which to develop their individual goals and creativity. Owner and teacher, Jennie Traill Schaeffer’s experience as both a formerly certified NJ art teacher and as a working artist differentiates TraillWorks from other art schools. Through a multimedia approach partially grounded in discipline based arts education (formulated in the 1980s by the J. Paul Getty Trust) that emphasizes strong technique while exposing students to art history, criticism, and aesthetics, students are given the opportunity to explore and deepen their own understanding of art making. She trains her students first to see and then to handle their materials, allowing for the refined creation of a variety of representational, conceptual and imaginative work.

Lesson offerings range from private, semiprivate to small groups of 3 and 4 – 6 for students as young as 5 through adults. Lessons are taught Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 3 – 6pm and on Saturdays between the hours of 9 - 1pm. Spaces are filled based on availability and schedule coordination. Sometimes because of scheduling conflicts, groups are not immediately available and you may be put on a wait list to be contacted when openings arise or scheduling coordinates. Due to the intimate structure of the lessons, siblings and parents may sign up in small groups together.

Study of Glass Pitcher

View more student work on our Facebook page.

TAKING the LEAP:

Berthe Morisot, French Impressionist painter said, “It is important to express oneself... provided the feelings are real and are taken from your own experience.”

Jennie is happy to talk with you about learning to express yourself through the visual arts. Call 973-383-1307 or email Jennie to set up a free consultation at her studio to see if you would like to pursue instruction.
Untitled by Jake Scordato
Caya Costa pastel by Jake Scordato, 15

While pre-school, elementary and middle school age children will be taught a more general curriculum incorporating a broad exposure to many different media, themes, styles, and approaches, teen and adult study will be more narrowly focused on an individual basis. Students considering art school in the future can work independently with Schaeffer on developing and refining their portfolio for admission. Adults may choose a particular discipline or style within which to work or elect to choose a broader approach to their art education. While Schaeffer’s background is grounded in drawing and painting, her exposure to printmaking, ceramics, photography, and design provide her students opportunities to work in a variety of directions. 

If you are looking for a studio to seriously nurture and develop your artistic pursuits or your children’s, consider TraillWorks. We invite you to make an appointment for a studio tour and introduction to lessons that will open your eyes and mind.

 

“Rachel has made progress in leaps and bounds since she began to study regularly under Jennie Traill Schaeffer . . . .  Her confidence is high and her skill level is impressive.  Art lessons with Jennie are the highlight of Rachel’s week!  Jennie’s gentle, personal, professional manner makes great art education feel like spending the afternoon with a good friend. Thanks, Jennie, for more than just excellent art instruction!”
-Christine Bulko, Mom

“Jennie seems to have been able to very successfully blend her art education background with her studio knowledge, thus yielding a highly skilled teacher.” - Art Teacher, HCRHS

"I have never seen him more positive about school than when he was working in ceramics with you." - parent at HCRHS
"She thoroughly enjoyed the class and learning about using different media. She also enjoyed the classroom environment -- you made her feel very comfortable and she was not afraid to be herself." - parent at HCRHS
"I have been teaching since 1971 and Jennie os one of the top ray teachers I have worked with." - Art Teacher, HCRHS
"Jennie is a consummate professional whose desire to touch each of her students' lives in a positive way is the beacon by which she guides her career. Her willingness to work with their perspective strengths and limitations, as she guides them to a higher level of artistic expression is commendable." - History Teacher, HCRHS