Teens (12-17) - Summer Visual Art Camps

Photography isn't just about taking pictures—it's about telling stories. In this camp, teens will learn the fundamentals of photography and computer editing while discovering how images can communicate powerful stories. From epic landscapes to bold portraits, you’ll turn your photos into stories worth sharing. This hands-on camp will build your skills and confidence and give you the tools to develop your own personal style. Camp requirements: A digital camera or a cell phone with a camera and a laptop, tablet, or Chromebook. 

Week 2, July 6 – 10, M – F  
1:30 – 4:00 p.m. 
Ages 12+ 
Fee: $149 
Instructor: Nick Koss 

Make your mark! In this high-energy camp, teens learn how to design cool graffiti-style lettering using bubble letters, block letters, and 3D letters with shadows. Campers will explore what makes graffiti pop—overlapping letters, highlights, drop shadows, thick and thin lines, arrows, broken shapes, and drippy paint effects—while having fun and building their own unique style. 

Week 5, July 27 – 31, M – F 
1:30 – 4:00 p.m. 
Ages 12+ 
Fee: $149 
Instructor: Nick Koss 

Learn to throw on the wheel for the first time or build the skills that you have already developed. This class will cover basic bowls and more advanced forms for campers of all skill levels. All work will be fired with food-safe glazes. Look for an email from the Phipps when the pottery is ready for pick up, approximately two weeks after camp. Closed-toed shoes must be worn in the Ceramics Studio.

Week 1, June 22–26
Week 7, August 10–14
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. 
Ages 13+ 
Fee: $121 
Instructor: Ceramics Studio Instructor

This camp is a creative, hands-on experience designed for teens who love fashion, creativity, or learning new skills. Campers will learn the basics of sewing, pattern reading, and fabric selection while creating their own projects from start to finish. Throughout the camp, teens will build confidence using sewing machines, practice simple design techniques, and explore their personal style in a supportive and welcoming environment. Each participant will leave with completed handmade items, new sewing skills, and inspiration to keep creating long after camp ends. At the end of the week we will have a fashion show to show off our amazing runway looks! 

Week 3, July 13 – 17, M – F 
1:30 – 4:00 p.m. 
Ages 12+ 
Fee: $149 
Instructor: Erin Whitten

During this week of summer camp, teens will explore fascinating hands-on techniques for adding beautiful designs to clothing and fashion accessories. We'll create original designs on tote bags with a flour paste resist, preserve the summer with botanically printed bandanas, and take tie-dyed t-shirts to the next level with indigo dye and ancient Shibori techniques. This camp lives at the intersection of art and science—offering a glimpse into the world of textile dyeing and perfect for teens interested in fashion and design. 

Week 4, July 20 – 24, M – F 
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
Ages 12+ 
Fee: $149 
Instructor: Petra Guenthner-Johnson 

Ready to enter a world where art does the talking? In this fun, hands-on graphic design camp, you’ll learn how to use art to share ideas, design cool brands, create products, and tell awesome stories. Get ready to boost your creative skills as we make colorful posters, digital drawings, cartoon characters, logos, and more. Come with ideas, leave with designs. Camp requirements: laptop, tablet or Chromebook. 

Week 6, August 3 – 7, M – F 
1:30 – 4:00 p.m. 
Ages 12+ 
Fee: $149 
Instructor: Nick Koss 

Be creative, together with your child this summer! Learn about clay and how to throw on the potter’s wheel side by side in the ceramic studio. Create cups and bowls, and experiment with different techniques for adding finishing touches to your work. All work is fired with food-safe glazes. Look for an email from the Phipps when the pottery is ready for pick up, approximately two weeks after camp. Closed-toed shoes must be worn in the Ceramics Studio. Adult and child MUST register as separate students. 

Week 2, July 7 – 9, Tu-Th 
Week 4, July 21 – 23, Tu – Th 
Week 6, August 4 – 6, Tu – Th 
6 – 8 p.m. 
Ages 7+ with an adult 
Fee: $89 per person, adult and child register separately 
Instructor: Ceramics Studio Instructor