YAE (Young Artist Experience) Summer Art Camps
For children to explore art in a fun and supportive environment.
Young Artist Experience or YAE program (pronounced “yay”) are mindfulness-based art classes that help relieve stress and nurture the creative spirit! All classes are held at the Salmon River Fine Arts Center. These discounted classes are made possible with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and through the generous funding of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation.
July & August
Monday - Thursday
Session 1: 9-11 am & Session 2: 1-3 pm
New! Lottery pre-registration form! Click here.
Because space is limited, we are using a lottery registration system to ensure fair access for all families. Complete the pre-registration form to enter your child for a camp. Registration does not guarantee a spot, but lets us know you're interested. If selected, you will receive an email by June 20th, with instructions on how to finalize your registration and submit payment. Those not selected will be placed on a waitlist. If you have multiple children, a separate form must be filled out for each child.
Flexible Pricing: We believe everyone should have the opportunity to explore art— choose what works best for you at checkout ($5–$40 for all four days). Free Scholarships available. No questions asked—just email or call the Art Center.
July Art Camps
- Draw It Real: Ages 9-15
- Dates: July 13-16
- Session 1: 9-11 am
- Instructor Christine Fischer
Take your drawing skills to the next level in this 4-day class designed for aspiring artists ages 9–15! Students will learn the fundamentals of realistic drawing, including proportion, shading, perspective, and observation techniques. Using pencils, charcoal, and other drawing tools, they'll practice capturing still life objects, nature, and even portraits with increased accuracy and detail. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, this class will help you build confidence and sharpen your eye for the world around you—all in a supportive, creative environment.
- Scientific Art Adventure: Ages 6 & Up
- Dates: July 13-16
- Session 2: 1-3 pm
- Instructor: Antonia Cantu
Discover the exciting connection between creativity and discovery in our Science + Art Camp! Throughout this fun-filled Monday-Thursday class, students will explore hands-on experiments and artistic projects that combine science, technology, engineering, and art. Young creators will investigate topics like color reactions, nature, chemistry, engineering, and physics while using a variety of materials to create unique works of art inspired by the world around them. From bubbling paint experiments and sculpture building to creative inventions and mixed media projects, this camp encourages curiosity, imagination, problem-solving, and innovation in a playful and engaging environment. Perfect for kids who love to explore, experiment, and create!
- Paper Maché Monsters: Ages 5-11
- Dates: July 13-16
- Session 1: 9-11am
- Session 2: 1-3 pm
- Instructor: Jessica Wiggins
Get messy and creative in our Paper Maché Monsters class! Young artists will design and build their very own silly, spooky, or imaginative monster sculptures using paper mâché, paint, cardboard, and mixed media materials. Throughout the Monday-Thursday camp, students will learn how to construct forms, build layers, add texture, and bring their unique creatures to life with color and personality. From goofy one-eyed monsters to giant fantasy beasts, this hands-on class encourages creativity, problem-solving, and artistic exploration in a fun and supportive environment. Perfect for kids who love sculpting, storytelling, and making larger-than-life creations!
- Painting by the River—Plein Air: Ages 10-15
- Dates: July 20-23
- Session 1: 9-11 am
- Instructor: Brooke Morse
Join us for a 4-day En Plein Air painting class designed for young artists ages 10-15! Held from 9-11 am each day, this inspiring outdoor class takes place overlooking the beautiful Salmon River in Pulaski, where students will learn to capture the natural landscape using acrylic paint. Surrounded by fresh air and scenic views, participants will explore foundational painting techniques, practice observation skills, and develop their own creative style in an encouraging, small-group setting. All materials are provided—just bring your imagination and a willingness to explore the outdoors through art!
- Game Design—Board Game for Kids: Ages 6 & Up
- Dates: July 20-23
- Session 1: 9-11 am
- Session 2: 1-3 pm
- Instructor: Jessica Wiggins
Step into the world of imagination and strategy in our Board Game Design Camp! Throughout this creative Monday-Thursday class, students will invent, design, and build their very own original board games from start to finish. Young creators will brainstorm themes, develop characters and storylines, create game boards and pieces, and learn how rules, challenges, and gameplay mechanics work together to make a fun and engaging experience. Using drawing, painting, mixed media, and problem-solving skills, students will combine art and creativity with critical thinking and collaboration. By the end of the week, each student will have a unique playable game to share with family and friends!
- Catch & Create—Pokemon Art: Ages 5 & Up
- Dates: July 27-30
- Session 1: 9-11 am
- Session 2: 1-3 pm
- Instructor: Brooke Snyder
Catch creativity in our Pokémon Crafts Camp! Throughout this fun-filled Monday-Thursday class, young artists and Pokémon fans will create a variety of exciting Pokémon-inspired crafts using drawing, painting, sculpture, paper art, clay, and mixed media materials. Students will design their favorite Pokémon characters, invent their own creatures, make themed games and collectibles, and explore imaginative projects inspired by the Pokemon universe. This playful and creative camp encourages artistic exploration, storytelling, and hands-on making in a supportive environment where kids can truly "create 'em all!”
- Pottery/Clay Exploration: Ages 7 & Up
- Dates: July 27-30
- Session 1: 9-11 am
- Session 2: 1-3 pm
- Instructor: Antonia Cantu
Get your hands dirty and explore the world of clay in our Pottery Exploration & Clay Building class! Throughout this creative Monday - Thursday camp, young artists will learn a variety of handbuilding techniques such as pinching, coiling, slab construction, and texture carving while creating unique pottery and clay sculptures. Students will experiment with functional and imaginative projects like bowls, creatures, mugs, decorative pieces and more while developing their creativity and problem-solving skills. This hands-on class encourages artistic exploration, craftsmanship, and self-expression in a fun and supportive studio environment perfect for kids who love to build and create with clay!
August Art Camps
- Draw It Real: Ages 9-15
- Dates: August 3-6
- Session 1: 9-11 am
- Instructor: Christine Fischer
Take your drawing skills to the next level in this 4-day class designed for aspiring artists ages 9–15! Students will learn the fundamentals of realistic drawing, including proportion, shading, perspective, and observation techniques. Using pencils, charcoal, and other drawing tools, they'll practice capturing still life objects, nature, and even portraits with increased accuracy and detail. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, this class will help you build confidence and sharpen your eye for the world around you—all in a supportive, creative environment.
- Creative Crafts: Ages 5 & Up
- Dates: August 3-6
- Session 1: 9-11 am
- Session 2: 1-3 pm
- Instructor: Brooke Morse
Get ready to explore, create, and craft in our Creative Crafts Camp! Throughout the Monday-Thursday session, young artists will complete a variety of guided hands-on projects using different materials, tools, and artistic techniques each day. From painting and collage to sculpture, paper crafts, fiber arts, and mixed media creations, students will experiment with new skills while building confidence in their creativity. This fun-filled class encourages imagination, problem-solving, and artistic exploration in a supportive and engaging environment. Perfect for kids who love making things with their hands and trying something new every day!
- Clay Creepy Crawlies: Ages 7 & UP
- Dates: August 3-6
- Session 2: 1-3 pm
- Instructor: Jessica Wiggins
Step into the fascinating world of insects and imagination in our Clay Bugs & Creepy Crawlies class! Young artists will sculpt, shape, and design their own creepy critters using clay while exploring the textures, patterns, and details found in nature. From colorful beetles and butterflies to silly spiders and imaginative bugs, students will learn handbuilding techniques such as pinching, coiling, and carving to bring their tiny creatures to life. This hands-on class encourages creativity, problem-solving, and playful exploration while helping students build confidence in working with clay in a fun and supportive studio environment.