"E.J.'s very calm, he's very encouraging and and he's very compassionate, and yet, he's direct, so he's the best art teacher that I've ever had."

"I've always had a knack for art, for E.J. has encouraged that. He is a different kind of teacher; he teaches technique, but he really teaches us to focus on ou strengths and brings what is in ou inner self out. And I like that."

"It was E.J.'s love, support and inspiration he gave to his students that really kept me going as I worked through that awkward, frustrating time, similar to learning to play music, the first few ballet lessons or going out for a sport .... You have to crawl before you can walk. Now I am blossoming, experimenting with different fine art supplies, risking a failed piece (which E.J.insists is never a failure, just a new opportunity for growth), and perhaps some day marketing my work."

"There are hundreds of technical things to mention in relation to the art classes but what amazes me the most is how magically 'the doing' of art sends me quickly and directly into a meditative space. It is immediate. The brush loads and the state changes. And even though I am an egg in the realm of painting (meditation too, for that matter) and I have no discipline in terms of painting daily nor do I yearn to paint ... when I do paint, my awareness seems to heighten, I am more in the moment, I feel more alive and I am producing. I cannot thank Mr. Gold enough for helping me get the courage to think I can produce art. I NEVER would have tried it. I am so glad these videos are available they are chock full of Gold!"

"Thank you and everyone who helped make this past weekend an unforgettable experience. Thank you all for your hard work, dedication and continuously positive and loving attitude. Thank you all for your open arms and allowing me to feel at home and as one of your family. And thank you E.J., you are the true GOLD that lights the way by example, that gives so much more than words can express and that awakens and feeds the sleeping children who come to you with hungry hearts and minds."