Registration opens April 1st
Stay tuned for a full list of camp offerings including the schedule coming March 3rd
ABOUT:
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.
Here’s a look at last year’s 2024 Summer Camps:
Art + Animals
June 17-21
Do you have a favorite animal? People of all ages love this question because the variety of animals is as diverse as the person choosing their favorite. Artists throughout time have incorporated animals into their works of art in humorous and whimsical ways as well as for storytelling and symbolism. This week’s campers will find inspiration from the animals in their lives, wild animals, and imaginative animals to create original works of art. We will explore famous paintings and prints depicting animals in varying ways by well-known artists such as Henri Rousseau and Salvador Dalí. Campers will also learn about the significance of animal imagery used within different cultures around the world. Art projects will begin with ceramics, and move into an assortment of other mediums like acrylic paint, watercolors, oil pastels, decorative collage, and more to bring their animals to life!
Exploration + Experimentation
June 24-28
Let’s get creative! Use your imagination as we explore and experiment with a variety of art materials and techniques. This week there will be no right or wrong way to make. Instead, campers will be encouraged to let their ideas run wild as we approach artmaking through play. Campers will collage, make paper mache, and learn about installation art, paper quilling, photography, painting, and more! Gain an understanding of the Elements & Principles of art while learning new materials and techniques during this fun week of camp.
Art & Identity
July 1-5 (no camp July 4)
This week is all about YOU as we explore identity through the creative process. Self-portraits, family, and home are all subjects that will be addressed during this time of self-exploration and reflection. We will explore self-expression through portraiture, found object sculptures, mixed media, and more. We’ll create self-portraits inspired by well-known artists such as Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo and learn how to incorporate our own unique personalities into our art.
Clay Camp
July 8-12
Campers will expand their imagination as they explore the exciting world of clay! This week will focus on learning a variety of techniques in hand building and wheel-throwing including slab and pinch construction to create functional and non-functional pieces. Campers will make functional pottery forms such as mugs, bowls, and planters as well as sculptural animals and insects. This week will emphasize creative problem solving and experimentation through shaping clay, designing and constructing projects, and clay surface decoration and glazing.
Digital Art
July 8-12
Contemporary artists and art students increasingly rely on digital technology for creating and storing images. This week we will explore the possibilities of creating art in the digital world through 3D printing. Campers will learn how to use Makerbot 3D printers as creative tools including how to use CAD software, altering the printer settings, leveling the build plate, and changing out filament. Gaining inspiration from artworks in the Hermitage Museums’ collection, campers will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of 3D printing including the history and many practical uses of 3D printing. Transform your own unique designs into physical reality this week at the Hermitage!
Outside the Box: Artmaking Outdoors
July 15-19
This week we will break out of the four walls of the classroom and allow nature and fresh air to influence our art. From outdoor observational drawing, plein air painting, scavenger hunts, nature walks, and outdoor land art, campers will learn how art isn’t just made in the art studio! Put nature on the canvas as you paint outdoors like Monet or use nature as your canvas like Andy Goldsworthy. We will think outside of the box as we get outside of the box and get outdoors!
Digital Art
July 15-19
Contemporary artists and art students increasingly rely on digital technology for creating and storing images. This week we will explore the possibilities of creating art in the digital world through 3D printing. Campers will learn how to use Makerbot 3D printers as creative tools including how to use CAD software, altering the printer settings, leveling the build plate, and changing out filament. Gaining inspiration from artworks in the Hermitage Museums’ collection, campers will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of 3D printing including the history and many practical uses of 3D printing. Transform your own unique designs into physical reality this week at the Hermitage!
Breaking the Rules:
Monoprinting & More
July 22-26
Monoprinting is a technique that takes the formal art of printmaking and pushes it outside of its box! This week campers will learn the rules of printmaking and how to break them. We will experiment with a variety of processes such as reduction, dried watercolor, and collagraph printing. We will learn how well-known artists like Picasso were willing to take risks, experiment, and break rules. Use your imagination this week as you break traditional rules, combine methods, and explore new techniques through printmaking!
Digital Art
July 22-26
Contemporary artists and art students increasingly rely on digital technology for creating and storing images. This week we will explore the possibilities of creating art in the digital world through 3D printing. Campers will learn how to use Makerbot 3D printers as creative tools including how to use CAD software, altering the printer settings, leveling the build plate, and changing out filament. Gaining inspiration from artworks in the Hermitage Museums’ collection, campers will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of 3D printing including the history and many practical uses of 3D printing. Transform your own unique designs into physical reality this week at the Hermitage!
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
*Important Membership Discount Information
Household PLUS membership is required to take advantage of discounted member pricing for Spring Break and Summer Camp. You can find out more information about our membership levels here. For questions please contact Melissa Ball, Member + Stewardship Manager at mball@thehermitagemuseum.org or 757-901-4082.
Click here for Camp Guidelines and Rules
For questions concerning art camp at the Hermitage, contact Amber Pierce at 757-901-4086 or email apierce@thehermitagemuseum.org
