Meet Deborah Kepes | CCSAA Owner, Director, & Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deborah Kepes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deborah, how does your business help the community?
CCSAA is an atelier that offers classical art training at any level. The community has embraced the studio due to the nature in which it is taught. Our instructors all either have a degree in art or are pursuing a degree. Each instructor was trained by me for several years when they were high school students. They then went on to college with an impressive portfolio, which gave them opportunities they ordinarily wouldn’t receive. Jacob Taylor received an impressive art scholarship ($10,000) from SCAD. Ms. Emily Gray could go on to the 2nd year drawing and painting class at North Georgia University, both students due to their impressive portfolios. These are only two of many that have succeeded through the studio and all it offers. The studio isn’t just for those who want to pursue an art career; it is also remarkable on any student’s application for college. Studying at CCSAA for several years and producing quality artwork shows discipline, variety of aptitude, etc. Teachers’ contributions to each student they instruct build good character and a wealth of knowledge. Classes are offered for students 5 to 105,

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are going into our 14th year at this location in Snellville, GA. Anyone knows that if they are an artist, rarely does an art business, let alone an atelier, and stay in business for more than five years. We have not only survived but also increased our business by 15% each year. Surviving first COVID (but for the grace of God), losing all four teachers at that time, each not wanting to be exposed to the virus, we reopened only a couple of months later with Tracey Mitchell, a former student graduate of Georgia Southern, at my side. We have added instructors each year and now offer new classes like Character Development and Creative Drawing & Painting. We recently updated our logo with a fresh look to our website, which is www.ccsaa.net or www.cobblecreekstudios.com. The studio is only open during class sessions, and if you would like to tour the studio and find out more about us, please call 770-597-4053 or email us at ccsaa2010@gmail.com

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Snellville is experiencing growth in the city as never before. When I moved here in 1998, there were cows in my backyard. It’s now a thriving city with a beautiful shopping area with restaurants of every cuisine. New to the area is “The Grove”; while still under construction, it will offer great places to eat. The library’s new location at The Grove is centralized to make it more convenient and gives opportunities they didn’t provide at the last location.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
None of this would have occurred without those who truly played a role in my education: Jamie Adams, professor at Washington University in St. Louis, artist and mentor, with whom I studied in Pittsburgh, PA. The Portrait Society of America and the Portrait Society of Atlanta are organizations that I’ve belonged to for over 20+ years. The PSOA is a worldwide organization with over 3,000 members. I was the 1st Georgia State Ambassador for the PSOA. I’ve had many opportunities over the years, winning several awards, such as the Mentoring Program with Calvin Goodman (worldwide recognized), an art marketing consultant. Past Chairman of the PSOA, Edward Jonas, artist and mentor, also played an essential role in my education.

Above all of these generous artists, I’d like to thank my husband, Mark, and sons, Damon and Dylan, for the generosity of their time and support.

Website: www.ccsaa.net

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Cobblecreekstudio.com