SUMMER CAMPS AT THE ACADEMY ART MUSEUM
Tuition is $400 for members and $450 for non-members
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Registration opened March 1st
For the first time, the Academy Art Museum is offering full-day summer camps! Designed for young artists ages 5 to 16, these creative, hands-on programs invite children and teens to explore art-making in an inspiring museum setting while learning from professional teaching artists. Each camp emphasizes creativity, experimentation, and skill-building in a supportive environment that encourages self-expression and confidence. Whether your child loves painting, sculpture, photography, video, or performance, there’s a camp designed just for them. Give your child a summer filled with creativity, curiosity, and connection that they’ll never forget!
All required forms must be completed and submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of summer camp to ensure your child’s participation. This allows us to properly prepare and provide a safe, organized experience for everyone. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
2026 Summer Camp Forms
2026 Summer Camps Guardian Policies
2026 SUMMER CAMP LINE UP
JUNE 12-18: ART IN NATURE
Students will explore the natural world as both inspiration and material for artmaking. Using leaves, textures, patterns, and organic forms, participants will experiment with drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed-media techniques. Gallery visits and outdoor observation will encourage careful looking and creative thinking as students discover how artists use nature to inform their work. Emphasis is placed on exploration, process, and creative expression rather than finished products. All materials provided.
JUNE 22-26: ART STUDIO
A week full of imaginative activities! The Art Studio is a complete art experience that blends fun and creativity. Learn new skills while dabbling in paint, drawing, weaving something fun, creating prints, working with paper to create a playful collage and creating a 3-D paper mache project. Fun for all skill levels. All materials provided.
JUNE 29-JULY 3: OUT OF THE BOX
In the morning session, led by Dr. Amy Effler, kids design and build their own one-of-a-kind mosaic mudroom shoe boxes! Campers will decorate their wooden crate and panel shoe boxes with colorful mosaic pieces to create a sparkling sky & water scene that results in a functional art piece that’s as beautiful as it is useful. These finished boxes are fully waterproof, sealed with protective wood spray and stain—perfect for collecting kicked-off shoes, or even doubling as a unique planter at home.
In the afternoon session, led by working artist, Sheryl Southwick, students will participate in a more open-ended, process-focused art-making experience. Students will transform everyday boxes into whatever their heart and imagination desires. This is a STEAM focused class where students will have the opportunity to work independently or in groups and problem-solve their way through building sculptures and encouraged to incorporate paper mache and collage techniques to fine-tune the finished product. All materials provided though cardboard is welcome!
JULY 6-10: CREATURE CREATION
Get ready to build, paint, and imagine! In this sculpture class, students will use paint, paper, clay, and styrofoam to create a collection of colorful, three-dimensional creatures. From dancing monsters to silly animals and fantastical beings, young artists will explore shape, balance, texture, and movement while turning their ideas into bold 3-D artworks. Emphasis is on creativity, experimentation, and having fun with materials—no two creatures will be alike! All materials provided.
JULY 13-17: INTRO TO IMPROV
This high-energy class introduces teens to the fundamentals of improvisational theater through games, exercises, and scene work. Students will build skills in listening, collaboration, storytelling, and quick thinking while learning the core principle of improv: “Yes, and.” Emphasis is placed on creativity, confidence, and supporting one another in a fun, low-pressure environment. No prior acting experience is necessary—just a willingness to participate, take risks, and have fun. All materials provided.
JULY 20-24: SCULPTURE AND MOSAIC MURALS I
In this hands-on class, students will explore two exciting forms of three-dimensional art: sculpture and mosaics all while contributing to a lasting community project. Using materials such as clay, found objects, tiles, and colorful fragments, participants will learn how to build, assemble, and design expressive works of art. Students will experiment with texture, pattern, color, and form while developing problem-solving skills and creative confidence. Students will work on a collaborative group mural that will be permanently installed in town and unique one-of-a-kind keepsakes to take home. Emphasis is placed on exploration, craftsmanship, and turning ideas into lasting, one-of-a-kind artworks. All materials will be provided.
AUGUST 3-7: SCULPTURE AND MOSAIC MURALS II
In this hands-on class, students will explore two exciting forms of three-dimensional art: sculpture and mosaics all while contributing to a lasting community project. Using materials such as clay, found objects, tiles, and colorful fragments, participants will learn how to build, assemble, and design expressive works of art. Students will experiment with texture, pattern, color, and form while developing problem-solving skills and creative confidence. Students will work on a collaborative group mural that will be permanently installed in town and unique one-of-a-kind keepsakes to take home. Emphasis is placed on exploration, craftsmanship, and turning ideas into lasting, one-of-a-kind artworks. All materials will be provided.
JUNE 12-18: PHOTOGRAPHY IN EVERYDAY LIFE
This class introduces teens to photography as a powerful tool for observation, storytelling, and self-expression. Students will learn the fundamentals of composition, lighting, and visual storytelling while gaining the confidence to photograph everyday moments with intention. Through hands-on practice and looking at the work of other photographers, participants will explore how images communicate stories and ideas. The class also covers basic photo editing and concludes with the development of a small portfolio that reflects each student’s unique perspective.
JUNE 29-JULY 3: EXPLORATIONS IN CLAY
This class introduces teens to the fundamentals of ceramics through both wheel-throwing and handbuilding techniques. Students will learn essential skills such as centering clay, throwing basic forms on the wheel, and building with slabs and coils by hand. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, craftsmanship, and personal expression as students develop their own functional and sculptural pieces. Instruction includes glazing and surface decoration, with a focus on safe studio practices and creative problem-solving in a supportive studio environment. All materials provided.
JULY 6-10: VIDEO WIZARDRY I
Unlock your story-telling skills in this hands-on video-making camp! Through a series of creative projects, participants will refine their techniques in camera work, editing, green screen effects and generative AI. All projects will be shot on participants’ mobile devices, making this an accessible and engaging way to explore digital film-making. Students must have a mobile smartphone, though all other materials are provided.
JULY 13-17: MASTERPIECES FROM LITTLE HANDS
Young artists will have a blast exploring the worlds of famous artists while creating colorful masterpieces! Through hands-on activities like drawing, painting, collage and printmaking, kids will develop their creativity in a fun, playful and supportive environment. Returning students will enjoy all-new projects. All materials provided.
JULY 20-24: CALLIGRAPHY AND BOOK AND CARD MAKING
In this camp, young artists will explore the art of beautiful writing and book-making. Students will learn basic calligraphy techniques using pens and calligraphy markers, while experimenting with lettering styles, decorative borders, and playful designs. They’ll also design and construct their own handmade books, combining writing, drawing, and simple binding techniques. This class encourages creativity, patience, and storytelling as students turn words and ideas into unique, keepsake books.
JULY 27-31: BRUSH WITH GREATNESS
Children will embark on a creative journey through art history, exploring the lives and techniques of five world-renowned artists: Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, Henri Matisse, Alma Thomas, and Yayoi Kusama. Each day, students will develop fundamental skills in color theory, geometric and organic shapes, and textural composition as they create their own masterpieces.
AUGUST 3-7: VIDEO WIZARDRY II
Unlock your story-telling skills in this hands-on video-making camp! Through a series of creative projects, participants will refine their techniques in camera work, editing, green screen effects and generative AI. All projects will be shot on participants’ mobile devices, making this an accessible and engaging way to explore digital film-making. Students must have a mobile smartphone, though all other materials are provided.