Summer Art Camp
Introduce your children to the world of art through Summer Art Camps at the DAI. Campers explore the museum with fun gallery games, new interdisciplinary art lessons, creative art projects and more. These half-day or week-long camps, taking place during June, July and August, are tailored to a variety of age groups and feature many different art activities.
Children will learn and get inspired by the museum’s collection and create their own masterpieces using 2D and 3D art-making techniques in our studios. Kids entering 1st grade through 5th grade will have fun all summer long in weekly, mixed-media art camps.
KIDS CAMP:
1st-2nd Grade
Campers entering grades 1 and 2 in the fall
June 9th – 13th
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Morning session: World Traveler
- Grab your sketchbooks and your passport! Campers will travel all over the globe, exploring some of the oldest and most unique cultures on Earth through art in the comfort of our museum. Make mixed media creations while being immersed in the exploration of Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa and more!
1:00-4:00 p.m. Afternoon session: Sweet!
- Want your art to look good enough to eat? This is the camp for you. We will look at artists who create artwork featuring sweet treats and satisfy your creative appetite while exploring materials and art-making techniques. Make your summer even sweeter at the DAI!
June 23rd – 27th
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Morning session: Mythical and Magical
- Unicorns, dragons and monsters, and more! Turn your dreams into reality through imaginative experiences and creations. After studying the features of animals through art and mythological stories, students will create their own fantasy creatures by combining their imagination and real-life animals.
1:00-4:00 p.m. Afternoon session: Cats and Dogs
- There are cat people and there are dog people, and we want all of you! This week, we will celebrate all things feline and K-9 through art exploration. Artfully capture all the reasons we love these friendly animals, from their furry textures, their adorable features and their unique behaviors. You’ve just cat to be here at this dog-gone art camp!
July 14th – 18th
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Morning session: Natural Wonders
- Calling all nature lovers! In this camp, students will discover natural wonders and animals on display in the museum to inspire their own artwork. From pencils to paintbrushes, we will go on a nature ARTventure!
1:00-4:00 p.m. Afternoon session: Trash to Treasure
- Reduce, reuse, recycle and reimagine! In this camp, we will give new life to recyclable materials and found objects in our artwork! Creativity steps up to a whole new level as we consider how unusual, nontraditional materials can lead to some of the cleverest and most unique art-making ideas.
YOUTH CAMP:
3rd-5th Grade
Campers entering grades 3rd, 4th and 5th grade in the fall
June 16th – 20th
9:00-12:00 Morning session: World Traveler
- Grab your sketchbooks and your passport! Campers will travel all over the globe, exploring some of the oldest and most unique cultures on Earth through art in the comfort of our museum. Make mixed media creations while being immersed in the exploration of Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa and more!
1:00-4:00 Afternoon session: Sweet!
- Want your art to look good enough to eat? This is the camp for you. We will look at artists who create artwork featuring sweet treats and satisfy your creative appetite while exploring materials and art-making techniques. Make your summer even sweeter at the DAI!
July 7th – 11th
9:00 a.m.–12 p.m. Morning session: Mythical and Magical
- Unicorns, dragons and monsters, and more! Turn your dreams into reality through imaginative experiences and creations. After studying the features of animals through art and mythological stories, students will create their own fantasy creatures by combining their imagination and real-life animals.
1:00–4:00 p.m. Afternoon session: Cats and Dogs
- There are cat people and there are dog people, and we want all of you! This week we will celebrate all things feline and K-9 through art exploration. Artfully capture all the reasons we love these friendly animals, from their furry textures, their adorable features and their unique behaviors. You’ve just cat to be here at this dog-gone art camp!
July 21st – 25th
9:00 a.m.–12 p.m. Morning session: Natural Wonders
- Calling all nature lovers! In this camp, students will discover natural wonders and animals on display in the museum to inspire their own artwork. From pencils to paintbrushes, we will go on a nature ARTventure!
1:00–4:00 p.m. Afternoon session: Trash to Treasure
- Reduce, reuse, recycle and reimagine! In this camp, we will give new life to recyclable materials and found objects in our artwork! Creativity steps up to a whole new level as we consider how unusual, nontraditional materials can lead to some of the cleverest and most unique art making ideas.
Frequently Asked Camp Questions
How soon should I register?
Early registration is encouraged to ensure space in the camp of your choice. Once camp sessions are full your child’s name can be placed on a waiting list. Online registration typically begins in April. Watch our website for updates and more information.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, there are a limited number of need-based scholarships available each year. You may call 937-223-5277, ext. 335 or email artcamp@daytonart.org with questions or for more information.
Can my child attend more than one session?
Yes, you may register your child for both the morning and afternoon sessions.
How old does my child need to be to attend camp?
Campers must be entering the grade level listed in the fall of that year to enroll in each camp.
What is the class size?
Each class is limited to 15 students.
Who teaches the classes?
Classes are taught by professional art teachers.
What is the Art Party?
Families are invited to join their child for cookies and punch to celebrate the artwork their child made during the week. The morning session art parties are on Fridays at 11:30 a.m. The afternoon session art parties are on Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Families with students in both sessions are welcome to come to both art parties.
What should my camper wear?
Dress for a mess!
Should I pack my child a lunch?
Children enrolled in both morning and afternoon sessions of Summer Art Camp should bring a sack lunch, a drink or water bottle. Students will be given a 45-minute lunch break in between sessions. Students attending only the morning or the afternoon sessions can bring a water bottle.
Where does camp take place?
All classes take place in the museum studios, classrooms and/or galleries.
Where will my child eat lunch?
Campers will eat lunch inside in classrooms or outside in the sculpture garden, weather permitting. Sunscreen is recommended!