On Monday June 1, we kicked off our 2026 Summer Camps with a creative, educational, and fun start! Twenty-seven students ages 6-13 enjoyed creating artwork inspired by the desert and learning about famous artists who lived in and were inspired by desert landscapes. Campers learned new skills and techniques in sculpture, painting, and drawing, creating one-of-a-kind artwork to share with their families at the Friday Art Show.
Week 1 artists with their instructors, Ms. Jenny (drawing), Ms. Amanda (painting), & Mr. Luke (sculpture).
Mr. Luke taught campers about three different handbuilding techniques: coil, slab, and pinch pots. Students then used their favorite method to create a flower pot for a desert plant.
In drawing class, Ms. Jenny taught students how to use value to create a realistic drawing of cacti.
In painting, campers used bright, contrasting colors to create a watercolor painting of chili peppers.
Campers used texture tools and slab building techniques to create rep”tiles” inspired by desert animals.
Campers had fun learning about famous artists like Georgia O’Keefe and making friends and art together!
Students practiced their observational drawing skills while drawing Camelback Mountain.
Before the art show on Friday, students each received an apron signed by all their new friends in camp.
Families were given a commemorative summer camp tote bag to take home all the art they created during the week.
Scratch board desert animals, created in drawing class, were displayed in the Friday Art Show!
Acrylic paintings of adobe houses and desert animals were also on display at the Friday Art Show.
Watercolor paintings completed the displays at the Friday Art Show.
Families had fun seeing and then taking home the amazing artwork created throughout the first week of camp!
