Slow down and experience art in a new way. This guided workshop introduces reflective looking practices that deepen your connection with artwork beyond first impressions. Through focused observation and simple exercises, participants will explore how patience, attention, and openness can reveal new layers of meaning.

In dialogue with Radical Compassion: Art as Social Action, this session invites you to consider how sustained looking can foster empathy, challenge assumptions, and strengthen awareness of our shared human experience. Participants will engage with selected works in the gallery, alternating between individual reflection and small group discussion.

Registration is encouraged to ensure an accurate headcount. This is a pay-what-you-can experience, with contributions collected at the door.

Calling all teens and tweens eager to enhance their artistic abilities! Join the Teen Drawing and Painting Class to sharpen both your eyes and hands while delving into a variety of drawing and painting techniques. Learn essential principles such as composition, values, shading, color mixing, and traditional methods using pencils, pastels, and acrylic paints. Enroll now to unleash your creativity, with personalized instruction at your own pace and all materials provided for in-class exploration!

• 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!

Welcome to the learning opportunity where you'll start with simple drawing lessons and transition to painting with oils or acrylics when you're ready. Whether you choose from provided still life setups, bring your own objects, or work from photos using a tablet, you'll explore traditional techniques, studying how light defines shape and color, allowing form to emerge. No prior experience is required, and you'll progress at your own pace – seize this opportunity to unleash your creativity! Enroll now and let the artistic journey begin!

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!

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

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

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!

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

Two different days are available.

Jump into the Fun and Functional Ceramics class to discover basic ceramic techniques like pinch, slab, and coil pots. Add your personal touch to each piece with stamps, textures, and colored slips.  Enroll now and let the creative journey begin!

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!