We were going to include a little bio about each Lead Artist, but it made these course descriptions a bit long! Suffice it to say, we are truly blessed with EXPERTS in each of these fields!!! Some are professionals, many are college educated in their art, just about all have been teachers of their art…there are years and years of experience here! They are all very good with kids and find joy in inspiring kids and passing on a passion for their art. The only hard part for you is choosing!
- Cake & Cookie Decorating (Juniors Only)
Have you ever looked in the window of a bakery and wondered how they make those fancy cakes? Well, this is the class for you - The Art of Cake and Cookie Decorating! In this class we’ll be working with three different kinds of frosting, learn how to fill and use piping bags, and decorate with various tips and colors. We’ll learn several fun borders, how to make flowers and leaves, and even write with frosting. We’ll practice the skills, and then design and decorate cupcakes and cookies. We’ll finish the week with a beautifully decorated cake that would rival any bakery. So, if you love those fancy cakes, sign up for “The Art of Cake and Cookie Decorating."
- Ceramics
Get ready to get your hands dirty! In this class we will create pinch or coil pots like the ancients did, make a stamp, explore slab or tile work, carve words and designs in clay tiles, build and decorate a mug, create sculptures, and experience throwing on a potter’s wheel! All pieces will be displayed “green” at our Friday Night Showcase but will be professionally fired and glazed after that so you will get these masterpieces back a few weeks later…a beautiful transformation!
- Creative Lettering (Varsity only)
In this fun class, we will learn how to artistically write letters in several different styles: Bubble, Cursive, Gothic and more! We’ll also experiment with various types of paper and techniques with your chosen lettering style. You will then create some neat projects to give away or keep for yourself!
- Culinary Arts
In this yummy class, we will be cooking our way around the world! We will be whipping up tasty treats that are simple and fun, sweet and savory. The kids will learn about cutting, measuring, and kitchen tools, and by the end of the week they will come away with some goodies and a recipe book of favorite treats. From elegant to effortless, we will enjoy this experience together! “The more you know, the more you can create. There’s no end to the imagination in the kitchen.” -Julia Childs
- Dance
Intro to Ballet: This class will provide fundamentals of ballet technique for beginners and how dance can be used in worship, praise, and ministry. Dancers will learn the structure of standard ballet class like the 5 standing positions, some ballet vocabulary, proper warm up exercises at the barre, center floor and across the floor routines. We will emphasize the importance of health and safety while stretching and trying new tricks. We will explore musicality, choreography and improvisation and how they can be utilized at any skill level in worship or storytelling. Students will learn a special piece to present on Friday evening.
- Drama
Aaaand…Action! Our drama class will perform the final evening’s on-stage play. Students will learn expression, voice projection, and stage presence. Taking direction is also an important life skill! The drama is a simple and fun production tied into the week’s theme and is an excellent introduction to the world of acting, as well as a huge confidence booster. These kids will shine on stage at our Friday Night Showcase!
- Drawing
In this elective we will be exploring line, shape and color through the use of graphite pencils and coloring pencils. Students will learn a combination of contour drawing, blending and shading, 1-point and/or 2-point perspective, and facial proportion. We hope you can join us!
- Fabric Arts
In Fabric Arts we will make simple fabric items that are fun and appropriate for each artist’s skill level. We will learn about different types of fabric and their best use, as well as how to use a sewing machine. What’s a pattern? Measuring, marking, and other general sewing terms will help prepare young needle crafters to begin their own sewing journey. There will be a variety of creative projects to choose from, including a drawstring backpack!
- Jewelry
In this class, we will be learning several different jewelry-making techniques as we create finished pieces to keep. We will learn basic wire-wrapping, various knotting styles and their purposes, and how to use findings in the design and completion of our projects. Each student will be able to create several lovely items to keep or use as gifts!
- Little Crafters
This class is for all 3-year-olds through entering kindergarten. The children will all be in two classrooms, with less moving around for safety, and have this one choice. However, they will be creating multiple crafts throughout each day! This will include handprint art projects, painting, clay, drawing, planting seeds, building with wood and glue…coming away with a number of keepsakes you will treasure! Send your kids in their play clothes!
- Mixed Media (Juniors Only)
If you just can’t decide which kind of art class you want to take, try Mixed Media. In this class we combine different mediums to create unique works of art, like watercolor with tissue collage and raised painting with glue. With a variety of mediums mixed together, we’ll make textured pictures, three dimensional sculptures, and more. So, if you want to try it all, Mixed Media is the class for you!
- Outdoor Adventure
In this elective, the kids will be diving into the world of fly fishing! They will make personalized fly-fishing lanyards and their own flies, including wooly buggers, pheasant tail nymphs, and chironomids, all on barbless hooks (we can also remove the tips if a parent prefers). Students will also learn knot tying, fly rod assembly, and fly casting. The kids will come home with their flies, rope, educational coloring book, lanyard, laminated information pages, and the Varsity Crafter will receive a fly-fishing tool kit! The kids will demonstrate their fly-casting skills at our Friday Night Showcase!
- Painting
In our painting class, students will get a crash course in learning about the elements of art, color theory, blending and mixing paints, along with painting from a still life. Younger students get to play with watercolors while older students will get a chance to work with acrylics. Kids will definitely come away with pieces you will want to hang on your walls, whether on canvas or on paper that can be framed. No experience is necessary to enjoy this fun-filled course!
- Percussion
In this Percussion Class, students will learn how to use different percussion methods to praise God in worship. We will learn to play along with music, utilizing different rhythms. We will even build our own percussion instruments from household components. Instruments that may be used: drum set, djembe, cajon (box drum), sand shakers, and more! This course is meant to be fun and have a creative style each day. It is an introduction meant to bring excitement to percussion, utilizing it to praise God.
- Photography (Varsity Only)
In this class, the kids will be exploring the art of capturing beautiful photographs with a focus on nature, portraits, action shots, landscapes, and close ups. They will learn about framing within the photograph, matting, and presentation. They will also be contributing to the end of the week slideshow! It is highly encouraged that kids bring their own digital camera or smartphone.
- Self Defense
Kaizen Martial Arts will be working on the basics of self-defense that will give kids confidence of protecting themselves from situations against a stranger. They will be talking the “3 T’s” of self-defense. Classes will be taught by 5th degree black Anthony Hanks and his daughter 2nd degree black belt Nevaeh Hanks.
- The Art of Weaving and Macrame
Macrame is the ancient art of tying knots to create a unique textile. A century ago, the medium used was often fishing line, which was a strong thin cord. Everything from the woven edges on Persian carpets, to men’s belts and ladies’ purses, to full curtains were made of macrame. Macrame uses four simple basic knots, the square knot, the spiral knot, the double half hitch, and the lark’s head. In this class we’ll learn and practice these knots, and then use these skills to make a plant holder and a wall hanging. Come join this class and learn this ancient, but very popular art form - The Art of Macrame!
Exciting news! Our Macrame class has been upgraded to …
The Art of Weaving and Macrame
Not only will we be learning the popular ancient Art of Macrame, which is creating textiles with knots, we will also be learning the Art of Weaving! We’ll discover four kinds of knots and three design elements - design, texture, and color. Using a frame loom we’ll create a woven tapestry. Weaving and Macrame combine to make beautiful woven and knotted works of art from cords and yarns. Come join us! You’ll be amazed at what a knot can make!
- Video Arts (Varsity Only)
Join us as we learn basic filmmaking skills using the camera on a smartphone or tablet. We will learn specific skills each day and then practice those skills by filming different aspects of Creative Arts Camp. At the end of the week, these video clips will be included in a highlight video to be shown at the showcase event with parents. REQUIRED: smartphone or tablet that has a camera and is Wi-Fi or Bluetooth compatible.
- Voice
Come enjoy learning the foundations of voice—God’s design for you as a singer—and how to be a vocal athlete. We will teach you warming up, posture, breathing, dynamics and other skills…Discover simple techniques that will help you grow as a singer and preserve your voice for years to come. Our singers will learn a special song for our Friday Night Showcase! Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do!!
- Welding (Varsity Only)
Fire up your torches! This activity will teach you the safety rules and the techniques required to weld pieces of metal. You will create fun projects using these newly developed skills, whether yard art or functional but artistic household items! Welding is a lot of fun and a skill you can use all your life. It can also become a well-paying career!
- Wood Arts
Creating artwork on wood is a unique form of artistic expression. With such tools as pens, ink, stamping, drawing, paint pens, and wood burning we’ll be putting our designs on wood. We’ll be working with beads, leather, and split rings, and we’ll learn stitching, gluing, and drilling. Then we’ll give it a professional touch with finishing skills, such as sanding, stains, and varnishes. Some of our projects include inspirational refrigerator magnets and plaques, wooden cross pendants for necklaces, even personalized walking and hiking sticks (kids may bring their own special stick). Come explore artistry on wood in our Creative Wood Art class.
- Woodworking
It is our desire that a love for Woodworking design and development be kindled in the youth of our community. Hobby woodworking is a lifelong endeavor that develops focus of mind, satisfaction of heart, self-confidence, and pride in craftsmanship. Age-appropriate projects will be cut, assembled, and finished using an assortment of hand and power tools. Safety is always of primary concern. Our time together will include instruction from two career Jr High wood shop teachers as well as the constant watchful eye of several other experienced woodworkers as your child learns proper usage of these tools. We hope to see you in our class.