YAE Summer Art Camps

Young Artist Experience

4-day morning camps designed for children to explore art in a fun and supportive environment.
Monday - Thursday 9 am - 11 am, July - August

Sorry! Registration is now closed.

Thank you to The Oswego County Federal Credit Union, Mexico Branch,
and to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for helping to fund our Summer Art Camps.

YAE Summer Art Camps

photo of a girl holding up a drawing of an eye

Draw It Real Ages 10-15
Dates: July 7-10
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Instructor Christine Fischer
Cost: Pay what you can*
Ages:10-15
Class size limit: 8 students

Take your drawing skills to the next level in this 4-day class designed for aspiring artists ages 10–14! 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. Snacks and materials provided.

*FEES: Select the amount you can pay when registering ($5 - $40) for all 4 days. Free scholarships are available for those with financial needs. YAE summer camps are made possible thanks to funding from the Oswego County Federal Credit Union and many of our generous members.

Colorful Creations:
A Fiber Arts Adventure Ages 7-15
Dates: July 7-10
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Instructor Judith Whitney
Cost: Pay what you can*
Ages: 7-15
Class size limit: 8 students

Join us for a fun and creative Fiber Arts class where students will explore the wonderful world of textiles and handmade crafts! In this class, we’ll learn different techniques like basket weaving, basic weaving on a loom, simple embroidery stitches, and even create colorful felted landscapes. We’ll also try out exciting projects like tie-dye and other fabric crafts. This class is all about using our hands, trying new materials, and expressing ourselves through texture, color, and pattern. It’s perfect for anyone who loves being creative and wants to learn fun, hands-on skills! Snacks and materials provided.

Bobble Head Buddies: Ages 6-11
Date: July 14-17
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Instructor: Destiny Urquart
Cost: Pay what you can*
Ages: 6-11
Class size limit: 8 students

In this fun and hands-on clay class designed for kids ages 6–11, young artists will tap into their imaginations to create their very own ceramic bobble head characters! Using kid-friendly techniques like pinching, coiling, and attaching with slip and score, students will learn how to sculpt a playful figure that’s both creative and functional.

From whimsical creatures to quirky self-portraits, each child will bring a unique character to life—complete with a bouncing bobble head! All projects will be kiln-fired and available for pickup after class. No experience needed—just come ready to play with clay and let your creativity bounce! Snacks and materials provided.

a photo of a girl painting a landscape outside

Painting by the River:
Plein Air for Ages 10–15
Dates: July 21- 24
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Instructor Lily Sama
Cost: Pay what you can
Ages: 10-15
Class size limit: 8 students

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! Snacks and materials provided.

a photo of minecraft characters and scene

Minecraft Makers: TWO SESSIONS
Crafting Fun for Kids! Ages 4-12
Dates: July 28-31
Times: 9-11 am & 12:30-2:30 pm
Instructor Brooke Snyder
Cost: Pay what you can*
Ages: 4-12
Class size limit: 8 students

Does your child love Minecraft? Join us for a creative, hands-on art class inspired by the world of blocks and imagination! In this fun-filled class, young builders will bring their favorite game to life through real-world crafting. We'll make colorful collages of pixelated landscapes, build cardboard swords worthy of a Minecraft warrior, and design our own paper doll Minecraft characters to spark storytelling and imaginative play.

Perfect for all ages and skill levels, this class is all about creativity, exploration, and fun—no screen time required! Let’s craft, cut, glue, and build our way into the world of Minecraft—one block at a time! Snacks and materials provided.

a photo of a colorful seashore with seashells at the edge

Under the Sea: Ages 5-11
Dates: August 4-7
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Instructor: Destiny Urquhart
Cost: Pay what you can*
Ages: 5-11
Class size limit: 8 students

Dive into creativity in this ocean-inspired art class for kids ages 5–11! In Under the Sea, young artists will explore a variety of fun and engaging materials as they create tissue paper jellyfish that float and sway, magical watercolor and salt seascapes that mimic the ocean’s texture, and vibrant undersea collage paintings full of color and imagination. Each day brings a new project and a chance to explore the wonders of the deep blue sea through art. Perfect for curious, creative kids who love the ocean and making art with their hands! Snacks and materials provided.

a photo of someone shaping pottery on a pottery wheel

Wheel Throwing Bootcamp: Ages 11-15
Dates: August 11-14
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Instructor: Brooke Morse
Cost: Pay what you can
Ages: 11-15
Class size limit: 8 students

Get your hands dirty and your creativity spinning in this 4-day wheel throwing class designed for ages 11–15! Students will learn the basics of working on the pottery wheel, including centering clay, forming cylinders, and shaping simple forms like cups and bowls. With step-by-step guidance and plenty of time to practice, young potters will gain confidence and skill while exploring the fun (and challenge!) of throwing on the wheel. All materials are provided, and pieces will be kiln-fired and ready for pickup after the course ends. No experience needed—just bring a positive attitude and clothes you don’t mind getting messy! Snacks and materials provided.

Wild about Art:
Animals in 2D, Ages 5-12
Dates: August 18-21
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Instructor: Brooke Snyder
Cost: Pay what you can
Ages: 5-12
Class size limit: 8 students

Step into the wild world of art in our 2D Painting and Mixed Media Animal Adventures class! Young artists will explore their love of animals while experimenting with a variety of materials like watercolor, tempera, collage, and oil pastels. Each session focuses on a different animal or habitat, encouraging creativity and imaginative thinking. Students will learn how to layer textures, mix colors, and bring their favorite creatures to life on paper. This fun and engaging class is perfect for kids who love animals and want to grow their artistic skills in a playful, supportive environment. Snacks and materials provided.