Ages 8 to 12
Art Classes and Camps for Kids & Tweens
We help young creators ages 8-12 build confidence, independence and creative problem-solving skills through hands-on arts experiences. Our programs encourage students to explore new ideas, develop their unique artistic voice, collaborate with peers, and take on creative challenges in a supportive environment where they can grow, make friends and learn new skills.
HOLIDAY CAMPS: THANKSGIVING
Join us for the annual Creature Horse Races, a fantastical Thanksgiving tradition at Creature Academy! This camp celebrates imagination, teamwork, and a little friendly competition.
Campers will dream up original characters, create creature and horse masks, craft trophies, bake delicious treats for the concession stand, and transform Clouet Gardens into a race track! The session culminates in the Creature Horse Races at Clouet Gardens, where students will team up in pairs and race for the chance to take home 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place!
DATES:
Nov 23 - 25
8:30-3:30 p.m.
Extended hours: 8:00-5:30pm
AGES: 6-13
HOLIDAY CAMPS: WINTER CAMP
Over 8 days, students will transform the Creature Academy into a Mardi Gras wonderland, creating a brand-new large-scale art installation inspired by our 2026–27 theme. They’ll also help plan the ultimate celebration with party games, entertainment, centerpieces, treats, and more!
🎉 Save the party date: Saturday, January 9!
Students can also choose from Mardi Gras-inspired projects like costume design, throws, shoebox floats, and more.
DATES:
Dec 18 - Jan 4, Drop In Registration Available
8:30-3:30 p.m.
Extended hours: 8:00-5:30pm
AGES: 6-13
HOLIDAY CAMPS: SPRING BREAK
We’re filming the next official Art Camp 504 music video! Our student rock stars will be involved in every part of the filmmaking process—designing costumes, creating props, hair & makeup, animation, choreographing, filming, and editing.
We’ll record the chorus together, and students will even have the opportunity to bring their instruments to camp on recording days! And, of course, every Friday we’ll be cooking lunch together!
DATES:
March 22 - April 2, Drop In Registration Available
8:30-3:30 p.m.
Extended hours: 8:00-5:30pm
AGES: 6-13
FALL EVENTS: DREAM night
Dream Night is a creative community hangout where students can make art, play games, connect with friends, relax, or work on personal projects. Each event offers hands-on activities like jewelry, costume design, clay, mending, and more in a welcoming studio environment.
Modeled after Teen & Tween Nights, we are excited to welcome our youngest campers for Dream Night!
FALL EVENTS: tWeen night
Tween Night is a monthly creative community hangout where tweens can make art, play games, connect with friends, relax, or work on personal projects. Each event offers hands-on activities like jewelry, costume design, clay, mending, and more in a welcoming studio environment.
Family Ceramics: Make an ornament
Join us for a special two week ornament making class! Family members and students join in the fun together! Artists will explore a variety of clay tools, experiment with underglazes, and complete beautiful kiln-fired pieces to take home at the end of the session.
DATES: Dec 3 & 10
Thursdays, 5:15-6:45 p.m.
AGES: Adults and ages 6+
SPRING Semester: Film Club
Students explore the history of filmmaking while creating their own original films. Through analyzing iconic movie clips, they learn storytelling, scriptwriting, cinematography, acting, and production design, using tools like CapCut, Stop Motion Studio, Canva, and more. Student films premiere at the Art Camp 504 Summer Film Festival at the Broad Theater!
SPRING Semester Studio Art: Drawing & Painting
Students build drawing and painting skills while exploring a variety of traditional art materials and techniques. Through guided lessons, creative projects, individualized support, and group critiques, young artists develop confidence, strengthen their artistic voice, and showcase their work in a final art exhibition.
DATES:
Tuesdays 5:15-6:45 p.m.
AGES: 10-14
SPRING Semester: YOUNG ARTISTS SOCIAL CLUB
In Young Artists Social Club, students choose a personal project to pursue - such as writing a novel, painting a series, designing a game, composing music, creating digital art & more. They learn how to set goals, develop a project plan, and stay motivated with the support of their peers. Students build confidence & presentation skills, creative discipline and make new friends!
DATES:
Wednesdays, 5:15-6:45 p.m.
AGES: 10-14
SPRING Semester: Dungeons & Dragons
Open to beginners and experienced players alike, this Dungeons & Dragons class invites students to embark on epic adventures while building teamwork, creativity, storytelling, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Players work together to overcome challenges in one of our most popular classes.
SPRING Semester: Mixed Media Visual Art
Offered in multiple age groups (ages 5-7 and 7-9), this hands-on visual arts class introduces students to drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printmaking, and more. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction, creative exploration, and projects inspired by each student's interests. Classes meet weekly and culminate in a final art show!
DATES:
Tuesdays: 5:15-6:45pm
Wednesdays: 5:15-6:45pm
Thursdays: 4:00-5:30pm
AGES: 5-9
