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.

Special thanks also goes to The Oswego County Federal Credit Union, Mexico Branch, for helping to fund our Summer Art Camps

logo of the Oswego County Federal Credit Union

July & August
Monday - Thursday
Session 1: 9-11 am   &   Session 2: 1-3 pm


August Art Camps

July Summer Art Camp Classes

Summer Art Camp Draw It Real
  • 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.

Sumer Art Camps Creative Crafts
  • 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!

Summer Art Camp: Clay Creepy Crawlies
  • 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.