Ashland Academy of Art

The following is about the Academy and its founder and is an excerpt from the Ashland Academy of Art website.

"Ashland Academy of Art is a classically based, independent school, committed to the restoration of the fundamental values of art, allowing aspiring artists the training that has been denied by contemporary art education. Our extensive and comprehensive curriculum, designed to give students a mastery of drawing, painting and sculpture, makes the Ashland Academy of Art one of few such schools worldwide. Here in Ashland, Oregon students can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Academy in the midst of a beautiful small town."

"Semyon Bilmes, born and educated in Russia, graduated from the prestigious Russian Academy of Art. Russia, isolated by the Iron Curtain, was still continuing the academic training of 19th century Europe. Semyon immigrated to New York in 1980 where he also graduated from the Parson's School of Design. His classical education allowed him to rapidly achieve national recognition as an advertising, editorial, and book illustrator. Over the years Semyon Bilmes illustrated campaigns for AT&T, CBS, General Mills, Warner Lambert, Smirnoff Vodka, Citibank, Clairol, Western Union, Alaska Airlines, and Phillip Morris to name a few. His work can be found on the covers of books and periodicals such as Reader's Digest and the New York Times. His oil painting, Lady in a Red Turban, graces the cover of the annual directory of top illustrators and designers in the country, American Showcase.

As a successful artist, understanding the problems of present day art education, Semyon founded the Bilmes Art School, where for ten years he taught art with a commercial emphasis. His skills as a teacher proved that anyone with determination can be a good artist and create at a professional level. Eventually, Semyon Bilmes took a few years off for travel in Europe, painting, and spending time with his family. During this sabbatical, Semyon had a vision of a bigger school that would function more nationally and internationally. He found Ashland Oregon to be the perfect setting for such a school, where he acquired and renovated a large building for the Ashland Academy of Art. For Semyon, this school represents a sincere desire to pass on a tremendous body of knowledge and understanding of art accumulated through the centuries, thus encouraging a revival of fine art in the 21st century."