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The Joy of Sharing

By Matt Ross

Look at this photo. Need I say more? This past Friday I caught these proud Moms reflecting on the artwork their daughters made last week and I couldn’t help but to be moved by the joy on their faces. For six years I have been talking about the “Joy of…

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Art Education Transform One River

Summer Vacation

By Matt Ross

According to Wikipedia, the concept of summer vacation in America is tied to our root as an agrarian society. The farming calendar determined the school calendar and the 2-3 month break between planting and harvesting created the summer break. This traditional calendar continues through today and undoubtedly as we approach…

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Creativity = Quality of Life

By Matt Ross

Ok, so I am gonna let the cat out of the bag…I am writing a book. Yes, I have stumbled on the fact that I love to write and sharing thoughts every Monday is just a small part of it. The funny thing is I never really thought of myself as a…

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One River Creative Summer Art Camps

Our Summer Camps Rock!

By Matt Ross

When I started One River, I always envisioned that we would develop great summer camps that would allow Teens and Kids to have a fun and really cool experience learning contemporary art and other creative concepts that they didn’t have access to anywhere else. We succeeded beyond my wildest imagination. This summer…

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Art Savvy One River School Art Education

Clown Smile

By Matt Ross

Sometimes my wife accuses me of having a clown smile. Although it is not the most attractive description, I am aware of the turned up corners my mouth makes when I smile ear to ear. This past Saturday, I was clown smile in full bloom. One of our newest schools,…

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Is Ambition a Curse?

By Matt Ross

That’s a loaded question. For me, it is a blessing and a curse and no matter how I slice it I guess I am fortunate for having a need to be successful. But, it comes at some sacrifice. For the last seven years I have been building One River, and…

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Curiosity

By Matt Ross

For the first twenty years of my career, I never quite fit into the perfect box in my corporate life. As a result, my success almost always came down to fit, not talent. And the question was: To what degree did I fit the corporate culture and to what extent…

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Art Making is a Super-Food for the Brain

By Matt Ross

This past weekend I spent my time celebrating the grand opening of our new school in Evanston, IL by doing what I love to do the most: listening to people tell stories about what art-making does for them and their kids.  I heard countless tales about how much joy people…

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Grand Opening of One River School Evanston, IL

By Matt Ross

This Saturday marks an important moment for One River: our first Chicago area school opens in Evanston, IL.  Seven years ago, when I was dreaming about opening up One River, I felt that we could build something that would expand all around the United States. Our first school in the…

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Why Does This Royal Wedding Matter More?

By Matt Ross

Having watched Prince Harry and his brother William grow up in the aftermath of their mom’s death, I am astounded at how they have helped to close the gap between the monarchy and the everyday man. I was always so impressed with Diana’s intent to raise her kids in a…

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