About the One River School Franchise

In 2011, One River School founder Matt Ross set out to reinvent art education with a focus on making creativity accessible, engaging, and rooted in the present. He envisioned a program where students could develop their skills, connect with contemporary art, and experience the thrill of modern artistic production firsthand through lessons crafted by real artists.

Matt launched the first One River School locations in 2012, and the positive response from the communities they served was immediate. The program quickly attracted students eager to learn in a fresh, dynamic environment and grew rapidly as more people experienced its standalone contemporary approach to art and design.

As the School’s flagship locations continued to grow, Matt expanded One River to serve new communities and address the increasing demand for relevant and engaging art education. Within a few years, his vision and drive inspired a network of schools that bring the joy of creative learning to people of all ages across the country.

Today, Matt and the rest of our leadership are focused on bringing One River School’s innovative model to communities coast to coast. His vision is at the heart of our brand, and he aims to make high-quality, modern art education accessible to enrich lives and help people discover their creative potential, no matter where they live.

Agnes Mauro is an innovative leader and passionate advocate for art education, guiding One River School of Art & Design into an exciting new era of expansion as the Chief Executive Officer. With an extensive background in fine art, art history, art education, and business development, she is dedicated to making high-quality art and design programs accessible to students of all ages and communities across the nation.

Agnes joined One River School in 2012, collaborating with Founder Matt Ross to launch its first flagship location in Englewood, NJ. In its early days, she played a pivotal role in developing the prototypical school model, identifying key talent, products, and educational methods to create a unique and engaging experience for students. This groundwork led to the creation of “The One River Method,” a distinctive approach that empowers franchise operators with a clear blueprint for building a successful art education business in their community.

To date, Agnes has overseen the opening of 15 One River School locations across five states, providing franchise partners with comprehensive tools, training, and curriculum developed over a decade, ensuring a turnkey operation.

With a proven track record of strategic growth and operational excellence, Agnes has spearheaded initiatives that have significantly boosted student enrollment, expanded summer programs, and enhanced student retention. Her commitment to teaching through the lens of living artists ensures that One River remains at the forefront of art education. As the company embarks on its franchising journey, Agnes envisions a network of passionate partners dedicated to nurturing artistic talent and enriching local communities.

Agnes Mauro holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and a Master of Business Administration from Montclair State University. She firmly believes in the transformative power of art to inspire and build community, and she is devoted to creating environments where creativity can flourish.

As One River School of Art & Design takes this exciting step forward, Agnes Mauro remains steadfast in her mission to revolutionize art education and empower individuals through art, inspiring the next generation of artists.