Summer Art Camp

SUMMER ART CAMP IS A TIME FOR IMAGINATIONS TO RUN WILD. CAMPERS WILL HAVE THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES CREATING ART AND WORKING ALONGSIDE PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS. EACH WEEK BRINGS A DIFFERENT ARTIST WITH NEW THEMES AND PROJECTS.

REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 10, 2024!

Cost: $250/session or $200 for Museum Members

The registration button will take you to Active.com. You may wish to register with Active prior to camps opening. 

MEMBERSHIPS

Memberships at the Household level and higher allow families to receive early priority registration, discounted rates to Summer Art Camps and many other Museum benefits. Become a member before you register.

BECOME A SUMMER ART CAMP SPONSOR

Your donations are directly used in two ways:
Keeping camp fees reasonable while providing high quality art experience and to provide scholarships for those in financial need. Your contributions help keep camp accessible for all.

Call 701-777-4195 to help keep art alive in our community!

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Museum is dedicated to making art accessible to all children in our community. To meet this goal the Museum provides scholarships to those in need. Although we would like to assist everyone, scholarships are limited, and early applications are encouraged. Please submit your application as soon as possible.

IMPORTANT CAMP INFORMATION

Camp Location: Hughes Fine Arts Center, Room 111

Drop Off Time: 8:45 – 9:00 am
Pick Up Time: 3:00 – 3:15 pm

Ages 6 – 13

Parking is located in the Hughes Fine Arts Center lot

Lunches and Snacks:
Each camper must bring their lunch.
Please note there is no access to refrigeration or heating appliances. Campers cannot be allowed to use vending machines. Snacks will be provided by the Museum once a day, e.g., a juice box and serving-size bag of chips.

We appreciate that some parents offer to supply snacks for the day. If you wish to do this, please let us know a day in advance.

Suggestions to Pack:
Ask your camper(s) to wear appropriate clothes that can get stained. After all, this is an art-making camp and we’ll be getting messy.

Each camper is assigned a locker. You may wish to consider packing a sweater or light jacket (air conditioning in the building can get cool), comfortable shoes for standing, walking, and playing outside, hat or sunglasses, and sunscreen. Please mark all items. Leftover items are donated at the end of each camp.

Receptions:
On Fridays at 2:00 pm the campers design and hold a brief reception and art show for parents, friends, and family. Park in the same area that you drop them off in the morning. The campers are proud of their week’s work. We encourage you to show your support by attending the reception. This is also a time for you to meet the teaching artist, Museum staff, and all the other campers and families that make camps possible. Please prepare to take home the artwork at 3:00 pm, after the reception. You will want to bring your camera.

Thank you to our Reception Sponsor
for providing a pizza party at the end of every week!

2024 SPONSORS

Special thanks to the UND DEPARTMENT OF ART AND DESIGN for over 25 years of support!

Individual Sponsorships:

Jay Matthews
Mara Jiran
Robin Landwehr
Kate and Chris Douthit
Annika and Radomir Mitic
Connie Nelson

Laura and Brandon Cobb
Kristi and Brent Hall-Jiran
Mathew Torgerson
Sandra and Richard Van Eck
Sadie and Jay Gilbraith

2024 SUMMER ART CAMP SCHEDULE

June 10 – 14, 2024

1A – JEANNE O’NEIL

Press, Mesh, & Sculpt: Adventures in Art

Dive into a world where your child can press, mesh, and sculpt their way through summer! Join Jeanne O’Neil, an experienced printmaker and versatile artist, at our unique camp designed to explore the exciting realms of printmaking, sculpture, and weaving. Using an eclectic mix of materials from wood scraps to yarn, and everything in-between like good glue, sculpture wire, beads, paint, and more, campers will unleash their creativity and bring their imaginations to life.

Jeanne O’Neil is an artist specializing in printmaking. She has also worked in fiber arts and as a professional mural artist. Jeanne is a musician and dance caller, playing banjo and concertina, and is co-founder of the North Country Fiddle and Dance community organization. She taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grade art as an Artist in the Classroom in the Grand Forks elementary schools. Jeanne currently teaches printmaking at the University of North Dakota.

1B – JAMIE WORDEN

Canvas & Clay: A Summer of Color and Creation

Step into the vibrant world of Jamie Worden this summer at “Canvas & Clay,” where art meets the great outdoors in a spectacular fusion of color and texture! Choose between two thrilling paths: “Wild Watercolor,” where campers will paint stunning watercolor scenes on ceramic tiles, or “Shades of Self,” a journey into graphite photorealism that begins with professional portraits taken by Suzanne Irwin. Both paths promise an adventure that blends Jamie’s expertise with exciting external elements, like a nature walk near the museum to explore the intricate details of leaves and insects that inspire our creations.

Whether your child is sketching the delicate veins of a leaf or mixing watercolors under the summer sky, Jamie ensures that creativity knows no bounds. If weather permits, we’ll take our easels outside, allowing the natural beauty of our surroundings to steer our artistic expressions. This camp isn’t just about art; it’s about experiencing the world through a creative lens, learning from seasoned artists, and making every stroke of the brush or pencil count. Join us at “Canvas & Clay” for a summer where your child can paint their world with wonder and detail!

JUNE 17 – 21, 2024

2A – SAM SHARPE

Rhythm & Rhymes: A Musical Journey

Unleash the sound of summer at “Rhythm & Rhymes,” where Sam Sharpe invites young musicians to embark on a tuneful journey filled with a symphony of sounds! From the melodic chimes of Orff xylophones and metallophones to the rhythmic beats of elementary music drums, and the quirky tunes of kazoos, every child will find their musical voice. Whether tapping a cowbell or exploring the keys of a piano, Sam’s primary goal is to have students actively participating in music through a variety of playing and singing activities. Sam is thrilled to help campers discover their inner musicians, using instruments to enrich their experience.

While indoor sessions will be vibrant and energetic, Sam also hopes to take our music-making outdoors when the weather allows, blending natural inspiration with our joyful noises. Join “Rhythm & Rhymes” for a summer where music fills the air and every child can strike a chord and sing their heart out in an unforgettable ensemble of fun and learning!

 2B – MEGAN JOHNSON

Nature’s Palette: North Dakota Landscapes and Botanicals

Embark on a visual journey through North Dakota’s breathtaking landscapes with Megan Johnson at “Nature’s Palette,” where art and nature intertwine in an inspiring summer adventure. This camp offers young artists the unique opportunity to capture the essence of the region’s flora and picturesque vistas through botanical illustration and landscape painting. Campers will spend a special day devoted to outdoor painting and sketching, allowing them to draw inspiration directly from the natural world, enhancing their observational skills and artistic expression under Megan’s expert guidance. Megan’s approach encourages campers to explore a variety of mediums and techniques to vividly portray the beauty of local landscapes and plant life. This immersive experience not only fosters a deep appreciation for the environment but also equips students with the skills to render their natural surroundings with precision and creativity.

Whether it’s through the delicate details of a leaf or the sweeping expanse of a prairie, “Nature’s Palette” promises a summer filled with growth, discovery, and the joy of creating art en plein air. Join us for a creative exploration that celebrates the rich tapestry of North Dakota’s natural wonders. Megan’s approach encourages campers to explore a variety of mediums and techniques to vividly portray the beauty of local landscapes and plant life. This immersive experience not only fosters a deep appreciation for the environment but also equips students with the skills to render their natural surroundings with precision and creativity. 

JUNE 24 – 28, 2024

3A – CARRIE CONNELL & MICHELLE KARST

Wild Things Unleashed: Art Meets Theater

Dive into the imaginative world of “Where the Wild Things Are” with a unique camp experience led by Carrie Connell and Michelle Karst, blending the vibrant realms of art and theater to bring wild fantasies to life! This special camp will host 30 creative campers, engaging them in an integrated journey of drama and sculpture. Under the guidance of Michelle and Carrie, with thier rich backgrounds, campers will create dramatic “screamers” — expressive sculptures with wide-open mouths crafted from newspaper and plaster gauze, inspired by Dan Reeder’s “Simple Screamers.”

The adventure doesn’t stop at sculpture-making; it extends into the theater where campers will act out scenes from the beloved story “Where the Wild Things Are.” This holistic approach ensures that each child not only learns to craft intricate art pieces but also gains the confidence to perform on stage. To support their theatrical debut, Carrie and Michelle plan to incorporate theater flats and minimal yet impactful costuming, alongside papier-mâché masks and props made by the campers themselves. This cross-curricular effort aims to culminate in a final showcase where art and performance beautifully converge, allowing campers to display their creations and talent. Join us for a summer where every day is an opening night, and every creation tells a story!

3B – MOLLY MCLAIN

Mosaic Magic

Join Molly McLain for a summer of vibrant color and imagination in “Mosaic Magic,” where campers transform a variety of simple materials into stunning mosaic creations. Throughout the week, Sarah will guide the young artists as they dive into the world of mosaics, drawing inspiration from their favorite summer memories and personal visions. Campers will work with an array of materials such as colored stones, beads, buttons, and other small, colorful objects to bring their artistic ideas to life. Safety and creativity are prioritized throughout the camp, with campers using safe materials like glue and easy-to-handle pieces to ensure a fun and secure artistic process.

Campers will learn techniques such as arranging and adhering materials to create unique mosaics on various surfaces. The week will culminate in a collaborative mural project, followed by an outdoor gallery exhibit on Friday where family and friends can admire the campers’ beautiful mosaic creations. “Mosaic Magic” is not just about crafting eye-catching mosaics—it’s about exploring the joy of artistic expression, building lasting memories, and celebrating each camper’s unique creativity!

JULY 8 – 12, 2024

4A – LYDIA WELLE

Collage Creations: Crafting Summer Dreams

Join Lydia Welle for a summer of cutting, pasting, and dreaming in “Collage Creations,” where campers transform simple materials into spectacular works of art. This camp begins with each camper creating their own sketchbook, setting the stage for a week filled with personal expression and artistic exploration. From there, Lydia will guide the young artists as they dive into a world of collage, drawing inspiration from their very own summer bucket lists. Whether it’s the fierce competition of the Summer Olympics, the vibrant life of animal portraits, or other exciting themes the campers choose, the possibilities are as limitless as their imaginations.

Throughout the week, campers will utilize an array of materials such as magazines, cardstock, Mod Podge, beads, yarn, and even glitter glue to bring their visions to life. Safety and precision are key, so cutting mats, Exacto blades (with accompanying band-aids for safety!), and scissors will be on hand. The week will climax with a festive sidewalk decorating session using chalk, celebrating their creations before culminating in a pizza party and reception on Friday where family and friends can marvel at their artistic achievements. “Collage Creations” isn’t just about making art—it’s about creating memories that stick as firmly as the glue on their masterpieces!

4B – CARRIE SAPA

From Sea to Shining Sea: Artwork Inspired by America & American Artists

Join Carrie Sapa for a summer celebration of American art and culture in **”From Sea to Shining Sea: Art Inspired by America & American Artists.”** Campers will embark on a patriotic journey, exploring the diverse landscapes, iconic symbols, and rich artistic traditions of the United States. Throughout the week, Carrie will guide campers as they draw inspiration from American artists and movements, spanning from traditional landscapes to contemporary pop art. From the majestic mountains to the bustling city streets, campers will have the opportunity to express their creativity in various media, including sculpture, painting, collage, and more. Campers will delve into the techniques and styles of renowned American artists, exploring everything from realism to abstraction. They will experiment with different materials and methods, honing their skills and discovering new forms of artistic expression.

Whether creating a sculpture of the Statue of Liberty, painting a vibrant cityscape inspired by New York City, or crafting a mixed-media collage celebrating American culture, campers will immerse themselves in the spirit of Americana. The week will culminate in an art exhibition showcasing the campers’ diverse interpretations of America’s beauty and vitality. Family and friends will have the opportunity to admire the campers’ artwork and celebrate their creative achievements. “From Sea to Shining Sea: Art Inspired by America & American Artists” is not just about creating art—it’s about embracing the rich tapestry of American identity, fostering creativity, and honoring the legacy of American artistry!

JULY 15 – 19, 2024

5A – EVA BRANVOLD

Page to Palette: Artistic Explorations

Dive into the colorful world of children’s book illustrations with Eva Branvold in “Page to Palette,” a camp where art and literature blend seamlessly to spark creativity and imagination. Drawing on over 30 years of experience as a children’s librarian and elementary art teacher, Eva is excited to introduce campers to the techniques of renowned illustrators like Eric Carle. The week starts with a captivating video of Carle in his workshop, setting the stage for a hands-on exploration of artistic creation.

Campers will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of projects, utilizing large tables spread across the room as individual stations of vibrant color. These stations will not only facilitate the creation of colorful artworks using techniques such as painting on filters but also provide ample space for these pieces to dry overnight. Eva plans to display a collection of inspiring books, creating a visually rich environment that connects the dots between storytelling and visual art. Whether recreating scenes from beloved books or inventing their own illustrated stories, campers will leave with a deeper appreciation for the art of illustration and skills that extend beyond the canvas. Join Eva for a summer adventure where every page turned is a new color discovered!

5B – EMILY DENCKER

Canvas & Color: A Painter’s Playground

Welcome to “Canvas & Color,” a dynamic art camp led by Emily Dencher, where young artists are invited to dive into the vibrant world of painting. Emily, armed with her extensive palette of acrylic and watercolor paints, aims to inspire and educate campers through the expressive and versatile mediums of canvas and paper. Throughout the week, campers will explore the subtleties of watercolor techniques on high-quality watercolor paper and the bold, expressive possibilities of acrylics on canvas.

This painter’s playground is perfectly equipped with all the tools young artists need to unleash their creativity: brushes of all sizes, colorful markers, and colored pencils for detailed work, and even cardboard for crafting and mixed media projects. Each session is designed to not only develop technical skills but also to encourage personal expression and creativity. Whether your child is a budding artist or an experienced painter looking to refine their technique, “Canvas & Color” offers a nurturing environment to explore, create, and shine. Join Emily for a summer filled with color, creativity, and the joy of painting!

JULY 22 – 27, 2024

 

6A – KASANDRA GREGOIRE

Threaded Tales: Yarn Painting and Fiber Arts

Step into the textured world of “Threaded Tales,” where Kassandra Gregoire weaves a summer camp filled with the beauty and versatility of yarn and fibers. This unique camp invites young artists to discover the intricate art of yarn painting and fiber crafts, using an array of materials like colorful yarns, ribbons, and looms. Under Kassandra’s expert guidance, campers will learn to manipulate these materials to create vibrant textile art that tells a story. Each participant will have access to individual kits containing Elmer’s glue, plastic containers customized with holes for dispensing yarn, sharpies for adding details, and various sizes of needles for sewing and weaving.

The camp environment is designed to inspire creativity and foster a sense of community among the campers as they explore the limitless possibilities of fiber arts. From creating their own loom-woven masterpieces to intricate yarn paintings that burst with color, campers will develop not only their artistic skills but also their ability to express themselves through the medium of textiles. Join Kassandra for “Threaded Tales” and spin your own summer story through the art of yarn and fibers!

 

6B – EMMA SCHREIBER

Art Across Cultures: Creative Explorations

Embark on a global journey with Emma Schreiber in “Art Across Cultures,” a vibrant summer camp that celebrates the rich tapestry of the world’s traditions through art and storytelling. Emma introduces young campers to the colorful festivities of Indian and Chinese New Year celebrations, using children’s literature like Take Me to Laolao by Kelly Zhang and The Light Within You by Namita Mehra as gateways to these vibrant cultures. Each session begins with an engaging discussion about what culture means, encouraging students to explore and share their own cultural backgrounds.

Following the story time, campers will dive into themed crafts that reflect the traditions and symbols discussed in the books, further enhancing their understanding and appreciation of each culture. If time permits, Emma encourages students to channel their newfound inspirations into writing their own stories, capturing their interpretations and reflections on the cultural elements they’ve explored. This camp not only fosters artistic skills but also cultivates empathy and global awareness, providing a space where young minds can learn, create, and appreciate the diversity of the world around them. Join Emma for a summer of learning, creativity, and cultural exploration in “Art Across Cultures.”