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Bog Garden Dig: Archaeology Camp
with Cara Conley
Ages: 9 - 12
Only Afternnoon Sessions Available
Calling all future Tomb Raiders, Treasure Hunters, and Indiana Jones's!
This course-- designed to mirror the structure of the field schools that all qualified archaeologists attend and incorporating anthropological techniques and theories in a digestable way-- will help introduce kids interested in "digging up the past" to the practical skills and concepts used in archaeology. Campers will have the opportunity to excavate real artifacts on the campus of Historic Yellow Springs and will learn about the techniques that archaeologists use to bring the past to life for us today. Whether they're passionate about watching old episodes of Time Team or have a an above-average appreciation for all things King Tut, this camp offers an excellent opportunity for the next generation of aspiring archeologists to experience what life is really like on a dig.
Each week will combine learning and hands-on exploration, allowing campers to learn sifting techniques, how to determine the age of artifacts, and how art and archeology have been intertwined for centuries.
Happy digging!
- We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
- Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the mission of HYS
Wild Waters Art Camp
Morning and Afternoon Available. For all day sign up for both sessions.
Designed for young artists, this camp will immerse participants in a variety of artistic activities, including fine arts and ceramics, all inspired by the vibrant world of native streams and the creatures that call them home. Campers will explore the ecosystem around them, learning about the animals and plants that thrive in these habitats, while creating their own artwork based on their discoveries. Whether they're beginners or budding artists, our camp offers a fun, supportive environment for creativity, exploration, and skill-building. With a mix of individual projects and group activities, every child will leave with a collection of their own artwork and lasting memories of their creative journey!
- We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
- Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the mission of HYS
Portraits in Practice
with Rachael Vince
This course breaks down the process of portraiture into manageable steps—from blocking in basic shapes, establishing accurate proportions using reference points, to building up value progressions. You’ll learn the best way to approach each stage of a portrait, from initial sketch to final details. We begin by working from photo references to develop your ability to capture likeness, culminating in a live model session. Whether you prefer to sketch loosely or render in detail, you'll learn techniques that adapt to your artistic goals. Model fee included
Click HERE for a materials list for this course.
- We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
- Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!
Clay Bird Vessel
with William Murray
Bring a touch of handmade charm into your home or garden with a pair of ceramic bird vessels crafted by you! In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will learn handbuilding techniques to create two unique bird-inspired forms that can be used as small planters or decorative dishes.
You’ll begin by shaping and texturing slabs of clay using stamps and hand tools to build expressive surface designs. Then, using simple handbuilding methods, you’ll construct and refine a matching pair of ceramic birds, exploring form, balance, and playful detail along the way.
All tools and materials are provided. Finished pieces will be fired and ready for pickup at a later date.
This class is held in a ADA accessable studio space
- We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
- Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!
Engaging with Nature and Self-Expression: DIY Patch Making
with Charlie Smirga
Be inspired by the natural world as we explore the grounds of Historic Yellow Springs and apply that inspiration to a major form of self-expression: clothing! Take what you have observed in our short walk through nature and apply it to your art in this beginner-friendly, one day printmaking/textile workshop. In this workshop, you will be guided in the techniques of block cutting and hand printing on a fabric of your choosing to make unique nature-inspired patches to adorn your jackets, jeans, bookbags, etc. Each participant will make and take home all of their unique fabric prints inspired by the flora and fauna of nature, as well as their single custom block that can be reprinted again and again!
Materials list provided upon registration.
- We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
- Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!
Vibrant Visions: Alcohol Ink Techniques
with Nina Yocom
Discover the vibrant world of alcohol ink in this fun and approachable beginner class! Guided by Nina, you'll explore the fluid, dynamic nature of this exciting medium through live demonstrations, hands-on practice, and personalized guidance. Learn a variety of techniques to harness the unpredictable beauty of alcohol ink and unlock your creative potential.
No experience? No problem! This class is perfect for anyone curious about experimenting with color and flow. You’ll create your own abstract masterpiece and a custom switch plate cover, watching your designs come to life with mesmerizing effects. At the end of the session, we’ll apply a finishing varnish so your pieces are ready to display and enjoy.
Bring your curiosity and leave with two unique creations — and plenty of inspiration to continue your artistic journey!
$30 materials fee payable to the instructor day of the workshop
- We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
- Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!
Reignite Your Excitement for Color!
with Jackie Kane
Master the SECRETS to mixing accurate colors and values that will take your paintings to the next level.
Presented in a power packed yet relaxed format, you will gain a new understanding of color logic and professional techniques rarely taught in traditional classes. Experience the confidence shift as you transition from "guessing and checking" to mixing with intentional, effortless precision. Join us for a day of interactive demos and “light bulb moments" designed to break through your blocks and reignite your excitement for oil painting!
Click HERE for a materials list for this workshop!
- We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
- Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!
Sky Explorers Art Camp
Ages: 6 - 12
Morning and Afternoon Available. For all day sign up for both sessions.
Designed for young artists, Sky Explorers invites campers to look up and let their imaginations soar. Through fine art and ceramics projects inspired by the sky above us, campers will explore clouds, weather, birds, and planets. Hands-on activities encourage curiosity about the natural world beyond the ground, blending observation, creativity, and artistic expression.
Whether beginners or budding artists, children will enjoy a fun, supportive environment that fosters creativity, exploration, and skill-building. With a balance of individual projects and collaborative activities, every camper will leave with a collection of original artwork and lasting memories from their sky-high creative journey.
- We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
- Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the mission of HYS