Posts in Art
Body Art: Henna & Face Paint

Ages 7+ (Will be assigned with kids of similar ages)

Gretchen Fitzpatrick

Unleash your creativity in this fun and artistic class exploring the world of body art! Campers will have the chance to try either henna or face painting, with options tailored to their age group. You'll learn simple designs, from swirling patterns to playful motifs, while discovering tips for applying them with ease. This hands-on session encourages self-expression and lets your imagination run wild. By the end of class, you'll walk away with your own unique creation or the skills to share your art with others!

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Clay Play

Ages 7+ (Will be assigned with kids of similar ages)

Ella Brown Dunn

Come and see why clay has been an honored art form for thousands of years! Students will have time for both group projects as well as free expression time. We will use special clay that will allow you to take your masterpieces home the same day you create them! Bring a box to transport your treasures!

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ArtConcentric DesignMinor
Finger Knitting Fun

Ages 7-10

Julia Schwass

In this playful and creative class, younger crafters will learn the simple art of finger knitting. This is a fun, hands-on way to create colorful yarn projects using just their fingers! Perfect for beginners, this class introduces children to the basics of knitting without the need for needles. Through easy to follow steps, they’ll discover how to make long, stretchy chains of yarn that can be turned into bracelets, necklaces, keychains or even scarves. Along the way, kids will develop fine motor skills, enhance their hand-eye coordination, and spark their imaginations with endless possibilities for customization. With a focus on creativity, fun and a relaxed pace, this class encourages young learners to explore the joy of crafting while using recycled materials, helping them appreciate accomplishment, a beautiful handmade creation, and a love for the art of finger knitting!

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Art, CultureSharon OberyMinor
Knitting in Nature

Ages 10+

Julia Schwass

In this fun and engaging class, young learners will discover the exciting world of knitting! Perfect for beginners, this class introduces children to the basics of knitting, where they’ll learn to cast on, knit, and bind off using soft, colorful yarn and needles. Through hands-on instruction, they’ll create their very own small practice swatch, as well as receive instructions for other small projects such as cozy scarves, simple fingerless gloves, or playful patterns. As they learn, kids will develop important skills like patience, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor control, all while building confidence in their ability to create something beautiful from scratch. With a focus on creativity and fun, this class encourages children to explore their imagination and experience the satisfaction of making something by hand. By the end of the class, kids will leave with new knitting skills, a completed learning swatch, their own yarn and needles to keep, and a newfound love for the art of knitting—perfect for sparking their crafting journey!

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ArtConcentric DesignMinor
Paint and Flow

Ages 7+ (Will be assigned with kids of similar ages)

Aareon Boyd

In this fun and creative class, kids will design and paint their own custom fabric bandanas! Using techniques like stenciling, freehand drawing, and sponge painting, they’ll create colorful, unique designs on the fabric. After sketching their ideas, they’ll bring their designs to life with vibrant fabric paints. The finished bandanas make great wearable accessories or gifts, and kids will love showing off their creative creations! Perfect for young artists who enjoy expressing themselves through art.

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ArtConcentric DesignMinor
Printmaking

Ages 7-10

Leigh Klein

Students will create stamps using cardboard and styrofoam stickers. Then using their stamps will print on fabric to make patterns. They will learn about artists and cultures who use this type of printmaking. The ultimate goal being to create and have fun!

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Art, CultureSharon OberyMinor
Sculpt and Draw Nature

Ages 7+ (Will be assigned with kids of similar ages)

Sharon Bladholm

This class will be a shorter version of the Major class, we will work from both dry and wet natural history specimens preserved in jars, such as  frogs, fish, turtles, mud puppies, as well as dry, specimens, such as bones, skulls, dried plants, seeds, and marine collections such as starfish, shells and seahorses. In each session, we will begin with drawing, add watercolors to our drawings and the last hour will be working with self -hardening clay, making small sculptural forms inspired by our natural history collections. Ages 7+

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Splat!

Ages 7+ (Will be assigned with kids of similar ages)

Adam Maas

This class offers students an opportunity to explore splatter painting techniques. Participants will engage in creative expression through dynamic and spontaneous painting methods, emphasizing experimentation and fun!

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ArtConcentric DesignMinor
Budding Artists

Pee Wee • Ages 5-7

Amy Schroeder

In this class, students will create our very own masterpieces, trek though nature and explore science in the outdoors. We will use clay, paint, and other art materials to create art. Join us as we explore the marsh, forest, and trails on this exciting adventure. Gear up for a week of games, play-based learning, and fun while we capture the beauty around us!

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Clay Creations

Ages 10+

Ella Brown Dunn

Students will experience various techniques specific to clay with both guided and free expression time as well. Students will leave with a foundation of how to make both sculptural as well as functional ceramic art this is glaze fired. All experience levels are welcome!

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ArtConcentric DesignMajor
Drawing & Sculpting from Nature

Ages 8 - 12

Sharon Bladholm

We will explore immediate diverse habitats, such as the woods, prairie, marsh and river. We’ll take our sketch books with us making nature notes and then return to our barn to explore the amazing forms and colors of nature. We will also work from a diverse set of scientific specimens including preserved turtles, frogs, fish, mud puppies, and crayfish We take them out of their jars and can get up close and personal using them as inspiration for both drawing, watercolors and sculptural work in self-hardening clay. We will also have other natural history specimens such as bones, skulls, dried plants, seeds and pods, and marine specimens to provide inspiration

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Fiber Arts in the Forest

Ages 10+

Julia Schwass

Students will use a variety of fiber arts with an emphasis on the importance of reducing pollution by repurposing materials from “trash” and using natural and non-polluting dyes. The class will learn about the power of the slow arts – not just as a technique, but as a philosophy that fosters patience, connection and mindfulness. Students will be encouraged to slow down, engage with their materials thoughtfully, and make something both beautiful and purposeful from the world around them. By the end of the week, students will have various projects to bring home and we will work on a class project together, often inspired by the class itself as their mindful moments often allow for expanded creativity!  Ages 10+

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ArtConcentric DesignMajor
Little Explorers

Pee Wee • Ages 5-7

Sue Robertson

This class is an introduction to the Sun Foundation. Children will develop an appreciation for nature’s beauty and an understanding of their connection with the environment. Students will complete fun art projects, learn about nature, hike, play games, visit the marsh and look for fossils in the dry creek bed.  

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Mixed Media Makers

Leigh Klein

Ages 7-10

Students will work in a variety of mixed media: drawing, painting, printmaking, weaving, paper mache, clay, cardboard and natural materials to create 2D & 3D art. They will learn about other mixed media artists and cultures who use these methods for creating art. The ultimate goal being to create and have fun! 

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ArtSharon OberyMajor
Mural, Mural, Mural!

Ages 10+

Adam Maas

This class offers students the opportunity to collaborate on creating a large-scale mural. Participants will learn various mural-making techniques, including design planning, surface preparation and painting methods. The class emphasizes teamwork, creativity and the practical aspects of bringing a mural from concept to completion.

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Mythological Forest Creatures

Ages 7–11

Gretchen Fitzpatrick

Have you ever wondered if fairies, gnomes, Bigfoot or other mythological creatures really exist? In this class we believe! Campers will spend the week exploring the many mythological creatures that live deep in the forest. Students will make art in clay, painting and found objects. They will also learn basic skills of tracking, camouflage and wild edible herbs through games and stories. Of course, camp wouldn’t be complete without some games, songs and creating a mythological creature of their own.

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Patchwork and Flow

Ages 10+

Aareon Boyd

Discover the art of patchwork and bring your creative ideas to life! In this class you can design custom patches, create a patchwork hat, dye and personalize a T-shirt, or craft a unique bandana. Feel free to tackle one project or explore them all! We’ll start with a simple sketch to plan your design. From there, you’ll use fabric paint and hand sewing techniques to make your vision a reality. This class is open to all skill levels – whether you’re a beginner or experienced, there’s something for everyone.

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Portraits - Draw & Sculpt

Ages 10+

Connie Andrews

You will be guided in drawing and sculpting the different features of the face in the first couple days. Then we will put what you have learned together and you’ll get to create a portrait sculpture that you’ll be able to take home. We will take nature breaks to explore the area and visit the sites that Sun Foundation has to offer as well.

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ArtSharon OberyMajor
Small Wonders, Big Adventures

Pee Wee • Ages 5–7

Jessica Laughlin

The youngest among us often notice the WONDER-full details of the natural world. This major is for those who love to make amazing discoveries right before their eyes! Join us as we explore the forest, marsh, grassland and creek. We’ll draw big inspiration from small wonders, like a caterpillar’s stripes or water flowing over pebbles – to sketch, paint and sculpt artistic treasures. There’ll be lots of games too. Come play and create with us!

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