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About Art Camps
During this week, Campers will focus on an array of artistic mediums and create a piece of art in each medium. Lessons include a brief history and examples of famous works in that medium. By the end of the week, campers will have their own mini-portfolio to share with family, friends, and teachers. Each week incorporates a special tour of the museum, guest instructors, artist demonstrations, nature walks, and time in the gardens. No previous art instruction is necessary.
Camp days run from 9 am–4 pm, with lunch and outdoor time (weather permitting) from 12 pm-1 pm. Please note: Camp ends promptly at 4 pm and aftercare is not available.
Camp Fees: $285 members / $315 non-members
Earth Guardians
June 2-6
Embark on a unique journey of wellness and creativity. This camp seamlessly blends the tranquility of yoga with the excitement of art projects inspired by global travels. Young yogis will explore movement and mindfulness while learning new art forms. From crafting travel watercolor kits to designing postcard collages showcasing dream destinations, to learning caricature drawing, each day brings a new artistic exploration inspired by different cultures and landmarks. Unleash imagination against the backdrop of the Hermitage’s historic charm and lush gardens, fostering a love for art and mindfulness.
Mythical Beasts
June 9-13
Embark on a week of wild, imaginative fun as we journey into the world of magical beasts. Each day starts with energizing yoga inspired by animals, woven into an exciting storytelling adventure that brings these fantastical beasts to life. In art, campers will craft vibrant beast masks, design a majestic totem, create whimsical mobiles, and bring their imaginative creatures to life in their own storybook. By week’s end, kids will have tapped into their creativity, discovered the strength and grace of animals, and built an entire world of awe-inspiring mythical beasts!
Art In Motion
June 16-20
(no camp June 19)
Art in Motion meets campers at the intersection of movement and creativity. Through dynamic yoga flows and expressive art-making, children will explore projects that teach them to capture and convey movement through art. Projects include creating a collaborative mandala pathway, forming kinetic sculptures that move with the wind, and designing action paintings where the movement of paint pouring and gravity become the tools for creativity. They will assemble flow art murals, capturing the grace and energy of their favorite yoga poses. The week concludes with a vibrant outdoor exhibit where children showcase their creations, inviting viewers to experience art that moves both the body and the imagination.
Animals and Art
June 16-20
(no camp June 19)
Animals have always been an underlying theme in art, from cave paintings to medieval manuscripts, animals are used symbolically and often represent our connection to the natural environment. In art, animals can be used in humorous and whimsical ways as well as for storytelling and symbolism. This week, campers will find inspiration from the animals in their lives, wild animals, and imaginative creatures to create original works of art. Campers will explore a variety of art media including clay, acrylic paint, watercolors, and oil pastels while learning about different art styles like pointillism, decorative collage, printmaking, tessellations and more!
The Natural Artist
June 23–27
This summer young artists will have the opportunity to explore their creativity while being inspired by the beauty of the natural world! Campers will participate in activities like rock painting, nature weaving, printmaking, handmade wind chimes, and other activities inspired by the outdoor environment. Campers will be guided through techniques and artistic expression, fostering a love for both art and the environment. This week is perfect for budding artists who love the outdoors.
Art and Identity
June 23–27
This week campers will explore the elements of art through personalization and identity. We will look at the multiple ways artists represent the ‘self’ by examining well-known artworks. Using various artmaking techniques such as printmaking, painting, ceramics, and drawing, campers will learn various techniques and principles of design to create authentic pieces that hold a little piece of who they are and what makes them unique.
Upcycled/Reuse Art or Go Green!
June 30-July 3
(no camp July 4th)
Don’t toss that trash! This eco-friendly week will focus on creating artwork from items that we normally throw away. Taking a look at the Hermitage Museum’s summer exhibition, Burden of the Beast, campers will learn how contemporary artists reuse and recycle to make extraordinary works of art. We will explore a variety of traditional and non-traditional materials and processes. Campers are asked to bring in at least 5 items from the list below to use or share: lint, yarn, napkins, clothing tags, tape, maps, tissue paper, dried flowers, puzzle pieces, paper bags, lace, wrapping paper, old magazines, paper dolls, paint store swatches, old clock or watch parts, old keys, small old toys, stamps, game pieces, bottle tops, ribbons, newspapers, used postage stamps, food packaging labels, paper bags, take out menus, and cereal boxes.
River Week:
Connecting Art to our Local Environment
June 30-July 3
(no camp July 4th)
Join us for this adventure-filled week as we explore the vast Hermitage Gardens and Grounds while learning about the tidal areas that we call home. Campers will create field guides from observational drawings, visit the wetlands restoration sites, and create images of the animals that live all around us. Discover how artists find inspiration from their local environment as we find inspiration from our local waterways.
Fiber Arts and Crafts
July 7-11
Join us this week as young artists dive into the wonderful world of textiles and explore a variety of fiber art techniques. This week is designed to spark creativity and imagination while teaching new skills through engaging and fun projects. Camp activities include weaving, sewing, embroidery, yarn art, tie-dye and fabric painting. Throughout the week, students will have the opportunity to showcase their finished projects in a mini exhibition for family and friends. Whether your child is a beginner or has some experience with fiber arts, this camp promises to be a fun and educational adventure in the world of textiles!
Exploring Color in Art
July 7-11
Learn all about color during this exciting week of camp! Students won’t even realize they are learning scientific principles of light as they investigate color theory and color mixing. This week we will create a color wheel and learn about color relationships. We will explore the work of innovative colorists from art historical movements, including pointillism, fauvism, and impressionism, as well as the work of contemporary artists. Projects will include painting, drawing, mixed media and more as we explore the wonderful world of color!
Mysteries of the Museum
July 14-18
There are many mysteries at the Hermitage Museum involving the Sloane family who used to live there and the large art collection, gardens, and grounds. This week of camp will be packed full of mysteries of the museum and is perfect for the student who enjoys uncovering secrets. Each day campers will embark on a new mystery challenge, using different art materials and techniques to piece together clues, create artwork, and unravel exciting surprises. From creating secret sketches to designing magical mystery worlds, every activity will spark their imagination and problem-solving skills.
Storytelling in Art
July 14-18
This week of camp will surely be a blast as campers slip down the rabbit hole and focus on artmaking and storytelling! Campers will gain inspiration from the classics that we know and love! They will sculpt an imaginary creature, create their own picture book and take inspiration from a few classic children’s authors. Dr. Seuss anyone?
Art Forts with Walker Babington
July 21-25
Join us for this special week of art camp with visiting artist, Walker Babington. This week campers will get exclusive access to Babington as he teaches your young artist how to construct real forts! Babington uses salvaged and reclaimed materials in his own larger than life structures. This week he’ll work one-on-one with campers as they learn basic construction techniques and get supervised hands-on experience with hand tools and power tools. Flex your creative muscles this week and learn how to solve problems by literally building solutions. Make your design whimsey or make it weird while having a blast building your fort.
Art From All Sides
July 21-25
This week campers will learn about art in the round. Focusing on creating three-dimensional sculptural art, students will have to think about how their art will look from all sides, not just the front. We will learn new sculpting and construction techniques as we create art using clay, paper, recycled materials, and other various mediums. Campers will also work together to create a collaborative installation in the classroom. Don’t expect to make flat paintings that can be hung on a wall because this week we will be looking at art from all sides.
Art and Fantasy
July 28-Aug 1
This week is all about our favorite animated heroes, princes, princesses, and animals! We’ll explore well-known fairy tales and fables through creative art projects and storytelling. Campers will develop some of their own animated characters and even do a little role-play. Join us as we slip down the rabbit hole during this magical week!
Environmental Art
July 28- Aug 1
The focus this week will be on the outside world as we explore the Hermitage grounds and get inspired by nature. Woodland sculptures, walking sticks, and leaf prints are a few of the projects we will pursue. Wetlands tours and hand illustrated field guides will be educational and fun.
Setting The Scene
August 11-15
Step into the world of imagination and design your very own scene in this exciting camp! Campers will learn how to create unique environments using a variety of artistic techniques, from drawing and painting to sculpture and collage. Whether it’s a magical forest, futuristic city, or underwater kingdom, they’ll bring their vision to life by crafting detailed scenes with their own hands.
World Travel
August 4-8
Travel the world through art with us during this exciting week of camp. We will learn new methods of art-making, taking inspiration from artists all around the world. Campers will embark on a worldwide journey as they explore various art media to build upon their skills in drawing, painting, construction, and more.
Exploring Nature Through Clay
August 4-8
This week we will explore the beauty of nature through clay! While learning about the stages of the ceramic process, we’ll take inspiration from the textures, patterns, and colors in the natural world around us. From magical tree luminaries to cute wall pockets, campers will create their own pieces of pottery. They will learn a variety of construction techniques including coil, pinch, and slab building methods to create functional and decorative art that will last for years to come. Campers will also participate in an interactive potter’s wheel demonstration, play with colorful glazes, and explore surface design techniques. Campers will get to take home their own nature-inspired artwork and a deeper connection to the outdoors!
Cancellation Policy
If Art Camp is cancelled by the Hermitage Museum, we will issue a full refund. No refunds will be issued for any reason; however, if your child is unable to attend camp for any reason such as illness, exposure to illness, schedule changes, etc. and the Hermitage Museum & Gardens is given advance notice, the museum will make its best effort to get the spot filled by a camper on the waitlist. If the spot is filled by another camper, a refund will be issued minus a $10 processing fee. For any questions regarding summer camp, please contact Amber Pierce apierce@thehermitagemuseum.org
Membership Discounts
Hermitage Members with a Household Plus membership can to take advantage of discounted member pricing for Spring Break and Summer Art Camps at the Goode Family Visual Arts School!
Learn more about memberships and levels →
Art Camp Guidelines
Click here to learn more about camp rules and guidelines→
For questions concerning art camp at the Hermitage, contact Amber Pierce at 757-901-4086 or email apierce@thehermitagemuseum.org
