Class Descriptions

Art Exploration: These theme-based, creative art workshops offer art explorers an opportunity to use many art materials in many different ways. We will learn drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture techniques to make our unique works of art. (Sessions 2, 4; ages 6-11)

Broadway Dance: Enjoy a fun and exciting week with friends who love to be on stage. Well-known musical theater show tunes will provide inspiration for a performance you will all star in that your family can see at the end of this week at Summer Arts Academy! (Session 4; ages 6-11)

Building Video Games: In this class, we will design game mechanics and the characters, objects, and environments for our own video game. Students will research games and designers through play and use their research as a foundation to create their own games. (Session 4; ages 6-11)

Clay & Sculpture Creations: Discover the magical medium of clay as we create pottery, sculpture, tiles and more. We will learn clay modeling techniques and glazing techniques as well as how clay might be combined with other materials. Each session will be based on a different theme. (Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4; ages 6-11)

Drawing with Billy Smith: What an opportunity! Spend the week with local artist Billy Smith as he guides you in learning to draw. (Sessions 1, 2, 3; ages 12-17, or with instructor’s permission)

Finding Your Voice: Songwriting with Kia Rice: Students will learn the fundamentals of songwriting by exploring lyric writing, melody creation, and vocal expression. The session also focuses on building vocal confidence through proper posture, breath support, and basic vocal control. By the end of the session, students will have written and recorded an original chorus and/or verse. (Session 2; ages 6-11, mornings; ages 11-16, afternoons)

Fun with Animation: Students will engage in storytelling and play through the exploration of both traditional and contemporary animation techniques. They will create their own storyboards, utilize professional animation tools and techniques, and produce a variety of projects including physical flipbooks, stop-motion animations, and digitally illustrated videos. (Session 3; ages 6-11)

Fun with Photography: This hands-on photography class is all about unleashing creativity, experimenting with light, and having fun with photography in a whole new way. Students will dive into the world of creativity as they experiment with cyanotypes (a special process that creates cool blue images), and create magical photograms (images made without a camera). Plus, we'll learn a few tips and tricks for capturing great shots with smartphones! (Sessions 1, 3; ages 6-11)

Nature Art: Using a variety of art materials, learn new techniques while drawing and painting artwork inspired by the beauty of nature. Learning to look and see in combination with imagination will truly be a fun and exciting week at Summer Arts Academy! (Sessions 1, 3; ages 6-11)

Paper Marbling Projects Teens & Tweens: Experience the magic of marbling, an art form that involves floating paint and creating patterns for unique prints. In this class, students will be introduced to the marbling process, touching on the highlights of this centuries-old artform, and then (with the instructor’s guidance) completing the steps of creating their own unique and vivid papers. Students will then use the papers they have created for a few small paper projects which will make wonderful keepsakes or gifts for family and friends. (Sessions 3, 4; ages 11-16; or with instructor’s permission)

Songwriting/GarageBand: Learn about the process of writing songs, along with the fundamentals of Apple’s free digital audio workstation, GarageBand! GarageBand is used by musicians, voice actors, and filmmakers to create original music and audio. With hands-on experience and guidance, students will create their own project by the end of the program. No musical experience is necessary. Recommendations: An iPad or MacBook with the GarageBand App installed and some extra storage space. (Session 1; ages 6-11)

Songwriting with Derrick Gardner: Join Derrick for a week full of songwriting. Learn about the process of creating songs, from brainstorming to writing, and experimenting with rhyme and rhythm. (Session 1; ages 11-16; or with instructor’s permission)

Street Dancing on Stage: Enjoy a fun and exciting week of Hip Hop infused dance with attitude and style. Be sure to wear tennis shoes each day as you develop the moves for an all-star, end-of-week performance for family and friends! (Session 2; ages 6-11)

Teens & Tweens Journaling in Nature: This nature journaling class for teens and tweens blends observation and expression to help participants document the world around them. Participants will use writing, sketching, and a variety of mixed-media techniques (e.g., colored pencils, watercolor, etc.) to transform a simple sketchbook into a personal record of discovery, observations, questions, and reflections. (Sessions 1, 2; ages 11-16; or with instructor’s permission)

Teens & Tweens Pottery Wheel Throwing: In this class for tweens & teens, participants will learn the basics of working on the potter’s wheel, including wedging, centering, and using tools. Basic small to medium sized vessels (e.g., cylinders, bowls) will be taught. Students will also learn basic decoration and glazing techniques. (Sessions 1, 3, 4; ages 11-15; or with instructor’s permission)