Testimonials

  • "My boys have participated in Fine Art Fusion with Free Spirits Creative Academy at the House of Music, and it is such a wonderful experience! The class blends creativity, technique, and self-expression in a way that truly engages young artists. Miss Carmen is an incredible instructor—so encouraging, patient, and passionate about nurturing creativity. She creates a warm and inspiring space where kids feel free to explore different artistic styles."

    Miranda Sunderland, Parent

  • "The Dickson Store Museum is grateful to partner with Carmen and Free Spirits Creative Academy to bring hands-on, engaging learning to our homeschool programs! Her creativity, expertise, and passion make history come alive through storytelling, art, and interactive activities. We appreciate her dedication and highly recommend Free Spirits Creative Academy for inspiring educational experiences!"

    Candice Vikse, Manager of the Dickson Store Museum

  • "What a great way to spend a PD day with a teacher who inspires young minds and empowers the mighty learners. My child asks to go every PD day and would go weekly as he has fun and is excited to do the art projects Miss Carmen created. This is truly a place for a child who loves art and music."

    Leatta J, Parent

  • "Carmen is a wonderful teacher who engages all levels of learners! I have enjoyed attending her classes with the kiddo I work with. I would recommend her programming to anyone!"

    Karter Kozma, Student Support

  • "I hired a lot of teachers during my 27 years as Principal. I would definitely have hired Carmen Holst. Any teacher with this many skill sets, along with energy and enthusiasm, would be an enormous asset to any student, school, and community."

    Karen Norton, Audience Member, Retired Principal of Jessie Duncan School, Penhold

  • "Carmen Holst is an exceptional musician and educator who consistently goes the extra mile to ensure the success and well-being of her students. Her outreach to the community through concerts, art shows, and enriching art education trips further exemplifies her commitment to holistic learning experiences."

    Janet Lutz, Collaborative Partner and Retired Music Teacher of Chinook's Edge School Division

  • "Mrs. Holst's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore their creativity is commendable. Not only is she dedicated to her students, but Mrs. Holst is tremendously proud of the growth and development of her students, and this pride is palpable when she proudly showcases their work to parents."

    Yolandi Jones, Parent

  • "I was continuously impressed by Mrs. Holst's teaching abilities and enthusiasm to educate not only myself, but all of the other students attending her classes. Mrs. Holst was excellent at engaging with students and communicating her expectations with assignments and upcoming tests. With her artistic talents and musical skills, my learning experience was enhanced greatly. She often challenged me to accomplish goals I didn't believe I could achieve, and in the end I came out more confident in my artwork and in myself."

    Hailey Baumgardt, Student

  • "I commend Carmen Holst for her dedication to enriching the lives of her students and showcasing their work within the broader community. The initiatives supported in her classes align with the museum's mission of sustaining traditional community fellowship and vision of building resources to engage the community and visitors. Through 115 years of our building's history, community connection has always been paramount to its success. First as a store and now as a museum, and we thank Carmen for her part in it."

    Candice Vikse, Parent, Manager of the Dickson Store Museum

  • "Carmen's passion for her students and finding ways for them to express themselves and find success is such a gift. She sees talent in our son and is willing to be endlessly creative in finding accommodations and workarounds so that he can grow as an artist and also be himself in her class. We are especially grateful to Carmen for trying to meet him where he's at and nurture his passion. She has gone above and beyond in trying to find ways to further his skills and talent."

    Michelle Edwards Thomson, Parent

  • "What I appreciated as a Mom from Mrs. Holst was her effort to include our daughter's beliefs in activities that were different from what the other kids were doing. It touched my heart to see that she proactively created something for her to be included and not singled out."

    Sasha Knights, Parent

  • "I was very impressed with Mrs. Holst's patience, positive attitude, and how she had control of the classroom. She was gentle and fair to all students. My daughter was fairly shy then, but she always felt confident and comfortable in Mrs. Holst's class."

    Tannis Engman, Parent

  • "Mrs. Holst embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator: passion, empathy, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Her passion for the arts is contagious as she inspires students to look beyond and stretch their artistic limits."

    Trent Wendell, Colleague and Teacher at Spruce View School