Mike Ragogna:  You have a new venture, One River School of Art + Design.  What gave you the idea and how did it come together?

Matt Ross: Let’s face it. Art education is broken in America and has been so for many years. One River dissected what was wrong with art education and developed a new approach that has made learning art fun and cool. And along the way we developed a plan to “transform art education in America”.

Ragogna: What made you franchise One River School of Art + Design as opposed to outright owning and expanding?

Ross: We are actually doing both. Our goal is to find the right operators across America and also identify select markets for company-owned units. It’s a big country and we want to bring our service everywhere. What better way to grow than partnering with franchisees in their home towns? We are looking for people who have a passion for the visual arts but also have the skill set to build and lead a great business.

Ragogna: What kinds of courses does the school offer and what kind of faculty are you involving, and what are the teaching methods and classes?

Ross: Over the last five years we have refined our proprietary methods called “Art Shuffle” and “Art Focus” into “a new direction in art education.” Our courses are designed for people of all ages and delivered in a state of the art facility that feels like you are in Soho.

Ragogna: What should a student expect to have learned after “graduating” from One River School of Art + Design?

Ross: How to appreciate making and consuming art. They should have the ability to determine what is well done, what is relevant and what is potentially important. They will also likely continue making art for the rest of their lives because we provide a fun experience first that fosters the enjoyment of making art. They will take this with them.

Ragogna: Does One River offer any artistic subjects or approaches that are unique to the school or perhaps are better than our traditional school system?

Ross: Another innovative aspect is the school’s focus on Contemporary Art. One River has patterned its lesson plans on the last 50 years of art making and is tapping into a growing interest in the work of living artists as subject matter for its curricula. This provides for a fresh approach and produces vibrant artistic outcomes that are in line with today’s art world. We also have pioneered some innovative courses in digital arts and using the latest technology in our classroom that is largely reserved for university level work.

Ragogna: What is your own history with art and while we’re at it, music?

Ross: I am not a visual artist but I create everyday. When I was young, I was in the performing arts and like a lot of kids I stopped when I didn’t find a local space to nurture that interest. I learned to play music and have written and recorded. I have also developed a couple of screenplays and dabble in photography and video. At the end of the day, my creative energy gets applied to business and branding and that has provided some great rewards for me.

I also spent 20 years in radio working for and running some of the most important radio brands in the country, including Q104.3 and Hot 97 in New York.

Ragogna: Matt, you were also an early employee of School of Rock. What was the origin of the School of Rock and what was your role?

Ross: I was hired in 2005 and ran the company until mid 2010.  We went through a dynamic growth period and I am proud of the work I did there and remain a partner in the business today. Paul Green was the Founder and created the concept and many people believe he was the inspiration for the Jack Black character. Just so we are clear, One River is not owned or endorsed by School of Rock.

Ragogna: Both art and music always seem to be the first cuts made when there are budget concerns. Since it’s been proven that a child’s healthy development needs to include art and music in the very least for hemispheric balance in the brain, why don’t we acknowledge this? Is this in the same category as climate change denying?

Ross: LOL…I love it. I just read an insanely powerful article in the New York Times about climate change. My guess is the denial is not that bad…climate change will destroy the Earth. Not having art and music will destroy the soul…but you can still be alive and spend your time watching sports on 75 sports channels.

Ragogna: What advice do you have for visual artists?

Ross: Make a lot of work. Have fun. Don’t try to be too serious. Get to know as many other artists as possible. Continue to educate yourself. And most of all, it is not a straight line to economic success but it may be your purpose in life so be sure to give it your all. We need artists to keep our world in balance.