Young Artists, fun opportunities: Summer at the Center for Creative Exploration
Wednesday, July 14th, 2021
From clay classes for the youngest artists just out of kindergarten to an esports camp for middle- and high-school-age artists that introduces them to that field’s careers and creativity, the Center for Creative Exploration’s summer classes and camps for young artists offer a huge range of experiences designed to spark creativity and skills.
The late summer schedule of classes is broken down below by age ranges — all of these classes are in-person, held on the downtown Lancaster campus of Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Pick just one course, or combine several with complementary times and dates for a “build your own summer camp” experience. Wondering how to fit in your work day while the kids are in class? The Candy Factory, a co-working space two blocks from campus, is offering an exclusive discount to any parents who need a place to work while their students are in classes. Five-day passes are $40 — a $10 discount, and they never expire. You’ll have business -grade, secure wifi and unlimited coffee and tea. You can learn more about the PCA&D/Candy Factory arrangement here, and go here to learn more about The Candy Factory.
- One more bonus to this summer’s schedule? At the end of class, many of the students will have the opportunity to see their work become part of CCE’s Online Art Exhibition — click the link to see exhibits from past CCE classes.
Interested in CCE’s full summer lineup for all ages? Visit here!
Grades 1-3
- Clay Creations, July 26-30 with instructor Lisa Wilson: Students will sketch out their ideas and then, using clay and wire, learn hand-building techniques to bring their creatures to life. Wilson is a longtime instructor in the CCE youth program, and also works as therapeutic staff support in a Life Skills classroom.
- Young Artist Academy I, July 26-30, with instructor Lisa Wilson: Young students will focus on a wide range of artmaking techniques and materials, and enjoy personalized instruction in drawing, painting, and sculpture
Grades 1-4
- Explore Cultures Through Craft, July 26-30 with instructor Stephanie Mowery: Students will use a variety of media and techniques to explore arts and crafts from placers such as Australia, India, and Mexico, as well as Native American art. Mowery is a School District of Lancaster elementary art teacher. Her favorite medium is watercolor, and she also enjoys drawing in pencil and mixed media collage.
Grades 4-5
- Watercolor Painting, July 26-30, with instructor Stephanie Mowery: Students will create masterpieces using a variety of subject matter such as still lives, portraits, mandalas, zentangles, and more, as well as mixed-media works combining watercolor with collage and black glue texture.
- Young Artist Academy II, July 26-30, with instructor Abigail Sauerbaugh: This class focuses on personalized instruction in a wide variety of artmaking techniques and materials to explore their individual creative talents. Sauerbaugh is a former youth studio class assistant at PCA&D and a Friendship Heart Gallery collaborator, and is a student teacher earning her degree in Art Education, with a minor in psychology, from Millersville University.
Grades 5-7
- Let’s Print! Exploring Printmaking, July 26-30, with instructor Shelby Young: Students will explore printmaking techniques like relief block printing, cyanotype, monotype, and more! This class is open to students of all skill levels, and everyone will come away with a vast portfolio of prints at the end of the week. Young is an Illustration alumnus of PCA&D, and recently earned his Master’s in Art Education from Millersville University.
Grades 5-9
- Comics with Imagination, July 26-30 with instructor Shelby Young: Students will learn how to take their comic ideas from concept to finished piece, developing interesting characters, plotting their adventures, and learning the importance of page layout.
- Ultimate Art Camp, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design and the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, Aug. 2-6, multiple instructors: This full-day in-person camp includes morning instruction at PCA&D followed by afternoon lessons at the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. Locations are two blocks apart in downtown Lancaster. Go here to learn more about the skills and techniques featured at the camp, and for more information.
Grades 6-9
- Young Artist Academy III, July 26-30, with instructor Shelby Young: Using principles of design and art history as a foundation, pre-teen and teens will learn the significance of thinking like an artist with lessons that will inform and enhance their personal development. Students will learn a variety of artmaking techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and more. This program is open to all skill levels, and provides an atmosphere for self-discovery, camaraderie, and small-group learning.
Grades 7-9
- Urban and Public Art, July 26-30, with instructor Adam Serrano: An exploration of creating dynamic mural designs and learning about different applications. Students will study well-known muralists and graffiti artists and will draw inspiration from their work, designing and cutting their own stencils, illustrating on poster boards, and participating in a group mural design that will be displayed in PCA&D’s Art Garden at the corner of Prince and Chestnut streets. Students can also apply their designs to items brought from home. Serrano (you can check out his Keys for the City piano in the Art Garden now!) has dedicated his career to providing affordable digital art for performers, non-profits, and local businesses, and supports youth outreach programs through arts education and mentorship.
Grades 7-10
- Peacock Esports Camp, Aug. 2-6, with instructor Teal Farrell: Under the supervision of facilitators and members of PCA&D’s collegiate esports team, the Peacocks, students will receive hands-on instruction and dive into the needs of live production and online broadcasting. We’ll also explore the career opportunities and possibilities within other aspects of esports, such as game design and management. Afternoons will be dedicated to guest speakers and practicing techniques with PCA&D Peacock team members. Game play will focus on gamer fitness, understanding the game, refining your mechanics, teamwork, communication, and improving ability by leaving your comfort zone. You can learn more here about the camp, guest speakers, and instructor Farrell.