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One River Franchise

By Matt Ross

For almost fifteen years, we have worked to build and operate One River School with a singular goal: to create the most fun and compelling experience in creative education. Now, we have turned our goal into expanding One River nationally through our franchise program and I am so excited about the potential…

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One River School at International Franchise Expo in NYC May 28-29, 2026

By Michelle Miserez, VP Franchise Development

One River School of Art + Design is excited to exhibit at the International Franchise Expo in New York tomorrow and Saturday. Stop by to learn how One River is transforming art education through a modern, community-driven business model built around creativity, innovation, and impact. We look forward to connecting…

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The Largest Teen Art Exhibition in America

By Matt Ross

As we move from May to June, there is something incredibly exciting on the horizon that I want to share with you. Next month we will be installing the largest teen art exhibition in America, and I am so proud of the work our students and our teachers are doing…

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Investing In Creativity

By Michelle Miserez, VP Franchise Development

Creativity is at the heart of everything we do at One River School. We’re proud to help students build confidence, discover their creative voice, and feel part of a supportive artistic community. From contemporary art and digital programs to supportive instructors and inspiring studio spaces, One River is designed to…

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JazzFest

By Matt Ross

I went to New Orleans to check out JazzFest, and I left there with a fresh  perspective on the importance of getting out of the cocoon and celebrating the majesty of music, art and culture. For four days, I roamed the fairgrounds like a kid looking for something fresh and…

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Art Education & Mental Wellness

By Michelle Miserez, VP Franchise Development

Mental Health Awareness Month in May focuses on reducing stigma and promoting well-being, with art serving as a powerful, non-verbal tool for healing, expression, and stress reduction. Art school franchises are crucial because they offer accessible, community-based spaces for creative outlets, helping children and adults build resilience, manage emotions, and…

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The Kindness Project

By Matt Ross

My personal journey of raising a severely disabled child born 30 years ago with Autism has been so complicated. But, in many ways it has also been a blessing because it taught me more than anything else about the fragile nature of life and my need to adapt to things…

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JJ Manford

By Matt Ross

Over a decade ago, I met the artist JJ Manford and his artwork struck a chord with me.  One River School was still in its early days, and I had this idea that was centered around “Teaching Through the Lens of Living Artists”. I remember doing a studio visit with him…

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Creative Growth is the X Factor

By Matt Ross

People often ask me how I was able to write a book and the most frequent answer I give is: “I just did it”. I wasn’t looking for perfection; I was simply looking to tell a story that I had in my mind and do the best that I could.…

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Art Enhances Your Health

By Matt Ross

Enjoying original works of art in a gallery can relieve stress, reduce the risk of heart disease and boost your immune system, according to the first study of its kind. The study, led by King’s College London, involved 50 people aged between 18 and 40 in the UK. Half viewed original…

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