Shaping the next generation of creative minds.
Our youth art programs help kids and teens develop creatively as they cultivate artistic skills. Led by outstanding artists, designers and educators, these programs explore the artistic process with emphasis on problem solving, designing, communicating and creating. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with high-quality materials, in college-level studios, so we encourage dressing for a mess to fully enjoy the creative process. Our summer youth art programs offer a full week of artistic inspiration. After the fun-filled week of creating, all youth will display their work alongside their peers in an art show open to all our artists' families and friends. Enrollment opens in January for our summer youth programs. Stay up to date on youth program offerings by signing up for our newsletter.
Stay in the Know
Sign-up for our newsletter to receive early access and discount codes for our youth program enrollment.
R.O.Y.G.B.I.V. Multi-Arts Camps (ages 6-11)
These weeklong, multi-arts camps for ages 6-8 and 9-11 give young artists the opportunity to explore a variety of mediums and techniques under the guidance of talented, expert educators. Devoting half the day to creating 2D- and the other half to 3D-art, campers will spend their whole week fully immersed in age-appropriate projects inspired by fun weekly themes. From drawing and painting to clay and sculpture, this camp creates a dynamic experience for the budding and enthusiastic artist alike.
Studio Series Camps (ages 12-14)
For more experienced artists, ages 12-14, our Studio Series camps focus on specific media, projects or themes each week, introducing basic principles and elements while exploring advanced techniques for further practice. This age group also learns how to discuss their work and give and receive constructive critiques. These programs are a great way for students to take a deep dive into topics of special interest or experiment with new media!
Summer Studios Pre-College Experience (ages 15-18)
Summer Studios is a week-long program that offers teens the opportunity to cultivate technical skills in art and design with emphasis on problem solving, designing, communicating and creating. Students will engage in two studio classes, with choices available in both art and design disciplines, as well as in seminars led by industry professionals and college faculty. This program provides a rigorous art and design school experience, with students engaging in critiques as they work toward an exhibition at the conclusion of the program.
Scholarships
Scholarships for the Watkins College of Art Young Artists Programs are funded by The Memorial Foundation. Scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating a strong interest in art and design who demonstrate financial need. Scholarships are available for the .R.O.Y.G.B.I.V. Multi-Arts Camps and Studio Series Camps. The scholarship deadline is April 15.