From fairy gardens to magic in the woods, and everything in between, Art Barn School of Art offers many unique programs outside of their regular class schedule. Summer camps, seasonal classes and workshops are available for children ages 5-18. There are four different themes during the summer, so each week brings something fun and new for camp goers.
“Art Barn Summer Camp is simply more fun. There is time for a snack and some games and a little running around, too. We are surrounded by nature here and there is a lot to explore and take in - from plant life, birds, farm animals and fields,” said Amy Davis Navardauskas, Executive Director of Art Barn.
Camp curriculum incorporates art, science, games, outdoor time, and class discussion. Other fun activities include hiking, blowing giant bubbles, playing with the parachute, scavenger hunts, or petting the farm animals. At the end of each week, camper families can join us for an ice-cream social so the artists can share their creations.
“Art Barn is a special place and our camps are small, so kids really get an opportunity to get to know one another and build friendships. We just have a great vibe here where students can let go of the stressors in their lives and just be who they are. Art Barn is a great place to have a true summer experience,” Navardauskas said.
Kids will learn techniques to improve their artistic skills, and how to develop critical thinking skills and solve problems.
“Art is really about solving problems - where to put a line or where to add more shading. Additionally, when you are trying to build something structural you have to engineer the piece, so it holds its own weight and stays together. We use those skills every day of our lives,” Navardauskas said.
Depending on which camp(s) the children choose, they will work with pencil, paint, papier-mache, and more (all supplies included) in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects. The three-hour camps give students the opportunity to focus on their projects and enjoy Art Barn’s surroundings. This year, Art Barn is proud to offer a new ceramics camp for kids and teens with instructor Samantha Purze, see details below.
“The main take-away is helping children find the joy in art-making. Hopefully these children will become life-time art learners and they will return as students to our ongoing art classes season after season,” Navardauskas said.
Below is a list of summer programs. Interested in participating in one of these unique camps and workshops? Visit Art Barn’s website at artbarnschool.org or give them a call at (219)-462-9009.
Summer Camps
Clay Camps for Kids & Teens
2-Week camp, 6 sessions (MWF, no classes Tu or Th) July 8, 10, 12, 15, 17 & 19 Split into 2 separate groups so students may focus on skills and accessible projects among their peers. At the end of the workshop each student will go home with at least 2 ceramic works which they made themselves.
ALL AVAILABLE CAMPS
Clay Camps for Kids & Teens 2-Week camp, 6 sessions (MWF) July 8, 10, 12, 15, 17 & 19 Split into 2 separate groups so students may focus on skills and accessible projects among their peers. At the end of the workshop each student will go home with at least 2 ceramic works which they made themselves from start to finish.
The Biology of Flower Power – Little Blooms, Big Life
June 17-21 Think flowers are just for girls? Think again! Learn why flowers are so important in our ecosystem. Boys and girls will use all their senses as biologist detectives.
Camping Out – Enjoying the Outdoors
June 24-28 Learn what makes a fun and safe camping experience plus all the different ways to enjoy outdoor living, identify dangers, and create spooky campfire stories and found-item art.
Fairies and Goblins – Magic in the Woods
July 15-19 Do you believe in fairy folk? You just might after finding their hideouts, building gardens and houses, and trying out your own bug wings.
When I Grow up, I Want to be…Happy!
July 22-26 Dream about what you will you be when you grow up. Create your own brand to be the best ‘you’ ever with self-portrait art, t-shirt or hat tie dye, graphic designs, and investigation into the “real world.”
Weekly Classes and One-day Workshops
Let the Exploring Begin!
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30pm Session 1: May 29 - July 10 (no class July 3) Session 2: July 17 - Aug. 21 Ages 5-9 $130/6-week session Explore the basics of working with clay with experienced K-12 teacher Ashley Welch. Children will experiment with pinching, rolling and manipulating the clay to create coil hearts, pinch pot creatures, and slab bowls.
ARTastic Saturday
Saturdays, 10am-noon Dates: May 4-25, June 1-29, July 6-27, Aug, 3-31 Ages 5-9 $60/monthly session Learn basic skills using a variety of media with instructor Alice Dickey. Techniques will include drawing, painting, mixed-media collage and more.
Let’s Get to Work!
Wednesdays, 6-8pm Session 1: May 29 - July 10 (no class July 3) Session 2: July 17 - Aug. 21 Ages 10-16 $160/6-week session Focus on two ceramic techniques, slab and hand building with experienced K-12 teacher Ashley Welch. Creativity and craftsmanship will be put to work in creating whimsical fish, lanterns to light and more!
Comprehensive Art
Thursdays, 6-8pm Dates: May 2-30, June 6-27, July 11-25, Aug. 1-29 Ages 10-16 $60/monthly session This class with instructor Sharon Angelina advances older children into more mature drawing techniques such as perspective, portraiture, and expanded media.
Fairy & Gnome House Workshop & Tea
Saturday, June 8, 1-4 pm, ages 5+ Children $35 each, adults accompany for free Get on the good side of those sprites living in your garden by building them a home or a tiny garden of their own. Then it’s tea time with fairy cakes. Bring your creation to Gnomes Day Out on June 15!
