Create art and learn while having fun!
Let your child’s creativity soar in HYS’s Summer Art Camps, as they explore weekly themes in painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and clay. Campers ages 6-and-up develop new skills, friendships and lifelong memories. Each camp day includes pottery and two-dimensional art sessions. The lush surroundings of this historic village provide the perfect place to experience nature while creating art and pottery inspired by the locale’s natural beauty.
Building upon HYS’s rich history in the arts and many decades of Kids Summer Camp, the half-day Art Camps continue to focus on a love of the fine arts and the outdoors. Programs include learning color theory while creating beautiful paintings in watercolor and acrylics; exploring storytelling through printmaking, mosaics and puppetry; and sculpting animals while learning about the abundant wildlife in the region.
Kids love the exciting world of clay. Campers learn about hand-building, designing surfaces and glazing pottery. Children build their creative confidence while learning about pinch-pots, coil building and slab-built pottery. HYS campers have created many original clay masterpieces including bird houses and baths, frog houses, castles and crests, vases, platters, sushi dishes, bowls, mugs and more.
The children have two creative sessions each day with a break in between for their snack and a little time outdoors. Each child should bring a snack and a water bottle with them to camp. Please supply your child with a hat and/or bug repellent if you think they may need this while outside. We follow CDC guidelines, and if not vaccinated, masks are required in the studios.
WEEK 1: Nature Explorers!
Ages: 6-8 years, or 9-12 years
When: Mon.-Fri., July 11 - 15
Time: 9am–12:30pm
Meet: Lincoln Building, West Entrance
Before June 1: Tuition: $180 Member, $200 Non-member
After June 1: Tuition: $200 Member, $225 Non-member
The lush natural surrounds of Historic Yellow Springs inspire art in a variety of media, techniques and natural textures. Explore the native plants, learn about the wildlife, and create art that may be used outdoors at your own home or displayed to bring the beauty of nature inside.
WEEK 2: All About Animals
Ages: 6-8 years, or 9-12 years
When: Mon.-Fri., July 18 - 22
Time: 9am–12:30pm
Meet: Lincoln Building, West Entrance
Before June 1: Tuition: $180 Member, $200 Non-member
After June 1: Tuition: $200 Member, $225 Non-member
Learn about the Wide World of Animals as you draw and paint mammals, birds and reptiles from countries around the globe. Investigate the local wildlife and learn how to identify animal tracks. Design and create your very own birdhouse out of clay!
WEEK 3: Under the Sea
Ages: 6-8 years, or 9-12 years
When: Mon.-Fri., July 25 - 29
Time: 9am–12:30pm
Meet: Lincoln Building, West Entrance
Before June 1: Tuition: $180 Member, $200 Non-member
After June 1: Tuition: $200 Member, $225 Non-member
Explore the ocean depths as we use clay, paint and paper to create creatures and discoveries from Under the Sea!
WEEK 4: Forest Friends
Ages: 6-8 years, or 9-12 years
When: Mon.-Fri., August 1 – 5
Time: 9am–12:30pm
Meet: Lincoln Building, West Entrance
Before June 1: Tuition: $180 Member, $200 Non-member
After June 1: Tuition: $200 Member, $225 Non-member
Learn about the plants and animals that live in the forest. What are their habitats and life styles? How does the wildlife blend into their surroundings? When are you most likely to see them? Create art and clay art inspired by forest life!
Theme: Drawing and Painting
Ages: 10 to 16 years
Instructor: Rhona Candeloro
Date: Mon.-Thurs., June 13 – 16
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Chester Springs Studio
Tuition before May 15: $175 Member, $195 Non-member
Tuition after May 15: $195 Member, $215 Non-member
Tweens/teens who think creatively and would like to further develop their artistic skills—this camp is for you! Join our HYS Tween Art Camp for four days of drawing, painting and quality training from HYS faculty and professional artist. Each day includes a session in drawing, and a session in painting with a break in between to enjoy the inspiring scenery of the historic village. Learn skills that last a lifetime. The instructor works with each student at their own level.
A Materials List is provided below. Students are encouraged to draw in their sketchbooks prior to and during the camp. Bring the sketchbook to the camp each day to share with the instructor. This assists with developing student’s natural style and interests. Additional materials will be provided in the camp.
Tweens/teens have two creative sessions each day with a break in between for their snack and a little time outdoors. Please supply your tween/teen with a hat and/or bug repellent if you think they may need this while outside. We follow CDC guidelines, and if not vaccinated, masks are required in the studios and public areas.
Bring to Camp
Materials List
Help Send a Child to Camp!
Help to change a child’s life by contributing to the Historic Yellow Springs (HYS) Camp Sponsorship Fund.