Single-Day Camps
(Washington, Grayson, Russell, and Smyth County residents, only)
Animal & Wildlife Art Single-Day Camps (Washington, Grayson, Russell, and Smyth County residents, only)
June 1st-5th
This mini camp is a privately-funded Wildlife Art School strictly available to middle and high school students in Washington, Smyth, Russell, and Grayson counties. This is a fully-funded single-day-camp experience (BYO lunch). Camp content repeats each day, which runs 9:00AM-4:00PM. Choose the day that works best for you! Students will have the opportunity to meet and work with local artists and work in a variety of mediums while focusing on wildlife and naturalist art themes. If you are interested in this camp, please contact Kelsie Christian or Laken Bridges for registration and more information.
If inquiring about middle school students contact Kelsie Christian at kchristian@wkmuseum.org. If inquiring about high school students, contact Laken Bridges at lbridges@wkmuseum.org.
Week-Long Day Camps
(Our regular camps, open to all counties)
Alternative Process Photography
June 8th – 12th
In this camp, teens will learn from professional artist and photographer, Morgan Ford. Teens will learn darkroom etiquette and safety, exploring a variety of imaging techniques including: Lumen prints, photograms, cyanotypes, pinhole camera, and non-toxic “kitchen” film developing. Teens will also have the opportunity to work with digital photography via portraits, photo scavenger hunt and/or photo collage outside of the darkroom.
Morgan Morgan’s love of art & photography started at a very young age with a sketchbook always in hand, she took her first photography class in high school and fell in love with the process of light and catching brief moments in time. Morgan studied at Brooks Institute of Photography and went on to work in advertising in San Francisco after college. After leaving California and advertising behind she resumed her passion for film photography and working in the darkroom. Morgan has had exhibits all over the country showing her Fine Art B&W Photography of beautiful countrysides, wild horses, and dilapidated buildings. She currently resides in Abingdon, VA and has an art gallery on Main St. where she represents regional artists.
Note: This camp is ideal for the teen who loves photography and doesn’t mind working in a tight / small space or in the dark, and is eager to learn more technical aspects of art-making.
Functional Art & Wearable Art
June 15th-19th
In this camp, teens will embellish, transform, and construct functional art to be used or worn. We’ll learn some basics about fabric dyeing, printing, and machine sewing to create a zippered pencil pouch. Later, guest artists will guide teens through the process of hat painting and creating wearable cyanotypes! Time permitting (sorry, pun is intended) we’ll take an afternoon to design and assemble our own analog clocks. Finally, we’ll plan the designs for our own wooden campfire chairs (Viking chairs), which will be built from scratch or modified and embellished, depending on the participants maturity and ability to use tools safely. (Assessed and determined by WKMA staff). Additional mini projects in clay or printmaking may be included in the mix as we find the pace that works best for the group.
This camp is ideal for the teen eager to learn new tools and sharpen their skills in textiles/sewing, ceramics, and woodworking, as well as use rulers and basic math. It’s the camp where you get to brag, “Yeah, I made that and this is how it works.”
All the Art
June 22nd-26th
Do it all! This camp is a mixed media balance between guided projects and open activities to explore self-expression across traditional 2D and 3D art. First, we’ll start with the foundation of art-making: observational drawing. Then, we’ll dive deep to play with wet drawing media and pastels. Next, we’ll take a day to explore color theory, watercolor and gouache, and do some nature studies in plein air (weather permitting!). Midweek, we’ll get technical with encaustic painting and a little printmaking, then close out the week in the ceramics studio. Teens will learn projects from seasoned Art Lab educators and special guest artist-instructors. (Keep an eye on social media for guest instructor announcements!)
This camp is for the true art-loving teen who wants to develop foundational skills in painting, drawing, and printmaking, and who is interested in adding new skills for continued academic study in art.
Wildlife and Nature Art Camp
July 6th-10th
Explore the beauty and wonder of birds, beetles and beasts in this immersive animal art and nature art camp. Teens will learn projects and processes from seasoned Art Lab educators and special guest artist-instructors with animal and nature art expertise. (Keep an eye on social media for guest instructor announcements!). Teens can expect to work in drawing/painting, 3D mixed media, and clay or printmaking time permitting.
Note: This camp is for the animal and nature lover eager to explore this imagery through mixed media and outdoor exploration. Teens may be exposed to preserved insects, taxidermied or live animals for study, and/or work with plant materials. Bring your walking shoes and sunscreen!