Creative Summer Workshops

Young Artists Getting Started [Sections A & B]

Bring your creative skills and get ready to discover your inner artistic voice! Young artists are challenged to play with a wide variety of media while learning basic theory on shape, color, and design thinking. This class is great for those wishing to provide young artists with a gently structured creative environment where art and learning intersect.

Offered weeks 1-6 (morning only).

Young Artists Finding Their Voice

Develop your unique artistic voice and hone creative skills! Young artists are challenged to explore different media while focusing on self-expression and personal artistic processes. This class is great for those wishing to provide young artists with a gently structured creative environment where art and learning intersect.

Offered weeks 2, 3, and 6.

(Re) Imagination Station

This course will challenge students to innovate using common everyday items such as drinking straws, cardboard, and recyclable materials. Students will brainstorm, sketch, prototype, test, and reflect, revise, and construct original designs in this innovative workshop. Inventors will study industrial and product design to make their own toys, vehicles, and more!

Offered weeks 1, 2, and 4.

Behind the Mask

Whether designed for protection, disguise, performance, or entertainment, masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes. Explore the history and uses of masks throughout the ages. Use a variety of materials and techniques to create your own masks for costume or decoration.

Offered week 1 (morning only).

Summer STEAM Series: Creepy-Crawly Insect Art

Iridescent wings and crunchy carapaces have excited artists and scientists throughout history. Inspired by the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, this class explores the forms of insects and how they can inspire our artwork. Studying silk, wax, and dyes made from insects, students will pursue projects based on their study of the creepy crawlies around them!

Offered weeks 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Summer STEAM Series: Cosmic Creativity

Artists, designers, scientists, writers, film directors, and explorers have all looked to the sky for inspiration! From planetary bodies to swirling galaxies, measured in mathematical spirals, to flying machines and sustaining life on Mars, we encourage young artists, designers, and inventors to join us as we blast off on a creative voyage. 2D and 3D projects inspired by outer space will engage students' interest in the cosmos through visual art and hands-on making.

Offered weeks 2, 3, 5, and 6.

Drawing & Color Theory

Hone your technique in this expressive art form through figure studies, color mixing, illustration, and other approaches. This course allows artists to explore color theory as a foundational skill as well as an expressive choice. Young artists will explore materials such as pastels, paint, and papercraft.

Offered weeks 3, 5, and 6.

Expressive Drawing

Take drawing techniques to the next level by creating personal narrative works. Delve into a study of the variety of materials you can use to express yourself through drawing. You’ll explore pastels, ink, and toned papers while practicing silhouette and shapes. Learning when and how to combine drawing techniques and materials for your own desired effect will help reveal your aesthetic voice.

Offered weeks 1, 3, and 4.

Flipbook Animation

Long before films were animated with computers, illustrators used flipbooks to provide the illusion of continuous motion. Make your drawings come to life by experimenting with this early form of animation. Standard animation elements such as character development, storyboarding, and concept will all be used to organize and plan your unique narrative work. Flipbooks are versatile, easy to create, and a great way to explore animation techniques.

Offered weeks 1, 4, and 5 (morning only).

Character Design

Learn the basics of character design in this exciting class! Artists will consider shape, expression, and even species while creating characters inspired by the world around them. Study movies, television, and video games to learn how the professionals create memorable characters we know and love.

Offered weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Digital Art

Can you draw, paint, or even sculpt with a computer? Yes, you can! Computer technology merges traditional illustration with the digital world. Learn to illustrate using industry-standard tools and software for a contemporary twist on traditional arts.

Offered weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6.

Summer STEAM Series: DaVinci Inventor’s Studio

Taking inspiration from famed Renaissance inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci, students in this class will bring original designs to life! Explore the intersection of art, science, and design as you create concept sketches and build 3D objects using everyday materials in this new course. Let your curiosity and innovation take flight!

Offered weeks 1, 3, 4, and 6.

Drawing & Color Theory

Hone your technique in this expressive art form through figure studies, life drawing, illustration, and other approaches. This course allows artists to explore color theory as a narrative practice as well as an expressive choice. Young artists will explore materials such as pastels, acrylic paint, and papercraft.

Offered weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Expressive Drawing

Develop your technique in this expressive art form through still life, contour drawing, perspective drawing, and other illustrative approaches. This course allows artists to explore different media, all grounded in the foundational skill of drawing.

Offered weeks 2, 3, 4, and 6.

Manga & Comics Creation & Appreciation

Dive into the history of manga, comics, and related media through the works of iconic artists such as Naoko Takeuchi (Sailor Moon), Goscinny and Uderzo (Asterix), and Marvel’s Stan Lee. In addition to viewing and reading real-world examples of this genre, students will apply various techniques found in this dynamic art form to their own characters, illustrations, and stories.

Offered weeks 3 and 6.

Illustrated Comics

Learn how to design imaginative characters for children's books, comic books, and animation through a variety of fun drawing projects and exercises. This workshop will cover the necessary skills to bring your written stories and characters to life.

Offered weeks 4 and 5.

Behind the Mask

Whether designed for protection, disguise, performance, or entertainment, masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes. Explore the history and uses of masks throughout the ages. Use a variety of materials and techniques to create your own masks for costume or decoration.

Offered week 5 (morning only).

Puppetry: Design & Storytelling

Puppetry is an ancient art form, thought to have originated about 4,000 years ago with forms like Bunraku and Chinese shadow puppets. In modern times, creators like Jim Henson (The Muppet Show) and George Lucas (Star Wars) have used puppets to tell dramatic, humorous, or action-packed stories. Learn more about the history of puppets as you create your own characters out of a variety of materials.

Offered week 5 (afternoon only).

2D Animation

Traditional animation meets technology with the use of digital animation tools. Learn to animate objects and characters using basic walk and morph cycles. Fundamentals of animation, including character design, timing, and movement, will be introduced along with skill-building exercises for drawing and animating the human body. Mastering 2D animation basics lays a foundation for continued work in creating the illusion of movement.

Offered weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6.

Digital Comics

Computer technology merges traditional comics illustration with the digital world. Learn to illustrate using industry-standard tools and software for a contemporary twist to this popular platform. Storytelling and character design will be emphasized while reviewing the history of digital comics. Utilizing digital tools allows for faster changes to panels and a format that makes it easy to share finished work.

Offered weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6.

Expressive Drawing

Take drawing techniques to the next level by creating personal narrative works. Delve into a study of the variety of materials that can be used to express yourself through drawing. You’ll explore charcoal, conte, ink, and toned papers while practicing silhouette and shapes. Learning when and how to combine drawing techniques and materials for your own desired effect will help reveal your aesthetic voice.

Offered weeks 1, 4, and 6.

Experimental Illustration: From 2D to 3D

Formerly titled “3D Illustration”, this class teaches foundational drawing techniques that take images from the page to 3D objects. Experiment with mixed media techniques, collage, clay, and more as we learn and bend the rules of developing characters and artistic storytelling.

Offered week 1 (afternoon only).

Character Design

Learn the basics of character design in this exciting class! Artists will consider shape, expression, and even species while creating characters inspired by the world around them. Study movies, television, and video games to learn how the professionals create memorable characters we know and love.

Offered weeks 1 and 3.

Sewing & Mending 101: Teen Workshop

Learn about visible mending traditions and techniques and hone your skills to transform or extend the life of a garment. This workshop series will cover the basics of hand and machine sewing to help you understand the construction and care of your favorite fabrics. Students will leave with a foundational understanding of garment construction, care, and mending techniques.

Offered week 2 (morning only).

Foundations of Painting

Foundations of painting expands students’ understanding of color and technique through a variety of paint materials. Traditional painting techniques as well as experimentation are used to guide students toward greater confidence in their medium and in their ability to create unique, expressive works.

Offered weeks 2, 4, and 6.

Introduction To Digital Painting

In this workshop, students will utilize computer-based drawing programs and techniques to create digital paintings. Projects that demonstrate the process of creating concept art and painted illustrations will allow students to grow in their ability to create dynamic compositions and lighting while exploring the expressive powers of colors and perspective. This workshop will have a strong focus on more niche digital techniques, like blending, photo-bashing, keyboard shortcuts, and photo editing skills.

Offered weeks 2 and 4.

Fashion (Re)style

It’s time to give clothing an upgrade. Design and construct totally new, one-of-a-kind garments and accessories from existing clothing. Using the latest fashion trends as inspiration, projects will include altering basic T-shirts and thrift store finds with surface design, construction techniques, and embellishments. You’ll develop skills in this workshop that will allow you to give your own wardrobe a makeover.

Offered weeks 2, 4, and 5.

Summer STEAM Series: FabLab Exploration

Unleash your inner maker! This workshop will offer an introduction to our campus fabrication studio hub through dynamic projects that will have students learning how to use tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, spray booths, or routers. Through hands-on training, students will learn how to bring their designs to life!

Offered weeks 3 and 5.

Intro to Game Art & Development

This course provides a project-oriented introduction to game development and design, including concept development, elements of games, flowcharts, level design, and character/environment design. Students will be introduced to working with game engines and 3D programs, learn basic programming, and keep documentation through game docs. Polygon count, optimization, prototyping, and testing will be stressed, with students learning the full game pipeline to develop a playable level.

Offered week 2, 3, and 5.

Intro To Costume & Cosplay Crafting *NEW*

Students will begin by researching existing or developing original characters through material research, sketching, and model making. From there, students can craft costume elements such as props, jewelry, or wearable clothing using materials and techniques from the world of cosplay.

Offered week 5 (morning only).

Digital Art

Can you draw, paint, or even sculpt with a computer? Yes, you can! Computer technology merges traditional illustration with the digital world. Learn to illustrate using industry-standard tools and software for a contemporary twist on traditional arts.

Offered week 3 (afternoon only).

Dragons, Dice, & Design

Young artists and designers will learn about character and creature design, world-building, and game strategy. Students will develop design thinking skills and foundational art skills as they learn—and have fun!—through game design. Perfect for fans of fantasy, science fiction, and role-playing games!

Offered weeks 4 and 6.

2D Animation

Traditional animation meets technology with the use of digital animation tools. Learn to animate objects and characters using basic walk and morph cycles. Fundamentals of animation, including character design, timing, and movement, will be introduced along with skill-building exercises for drawing and animating the human body. Mastering 2D animation basics lays a foundation for continued work in creating the illusion of movement.

Offered week 2 (morning only).

Stop Motion Animation Studio

Life is full of movement! You’ll learn how to capture it in this unique hands-on animation workshop. Students will work with experimental forms (think claymation, 2D paper forms, or other forms of animation made with unexpected materials) and industry-grade software to develop unique characters and animated shorts. Students will have the incredible advantage of making these works using state of the art Animation facilities, with the support of an expert instructor.

Offered week 2 (afternoon only).

Digital Portfolio for Artists & Designers

Today’s artists use digital portfolios to share their work with the world. Learn to create a professional web presence using industry-standard software. Design skills such as type, graphics, and color theory will be explored while editing and preparing images for use online. Creativity and personalization are emphasized to achieve a unique representation of your artistic voice.

Offered week 4 (afternoon only).

Digital Forge

In this class, students will focus on making an original fantasy or sci-fi prop sword design! After research and sketching, students will bring their ideas to life in digital illustration software and then form their unique creations using our on-site Fabrication Lab. Each student can walk away with a full-scale sword model of their creation!

Offered weeks 3 and 4.

Intro to Fashion Design

It’s time to give clothing an upgrade. Learn to design and construct totally new, one-of-a-kind garments and accessories from patterns, scratch, and out of existing clothing. Using the latest fashion trends as inspiration, skills learned in this workshop will allow you to give your wardrobe a makeover. This workshop may also touch on fashion illustration and moodboarding.

Offered week 3 (afternoon only).

Comic Book Development

Take a trip through comics history and bring your own original stories to life! Students will explore character design, paneling, dialogue, and more while learning about the production pipeline that brings comics from an idea to a finished product.

Offered week 4 (morning only).

Concept Art - Exploring Fantasy & Science Fiction

The most elaborate Science Fiction and Fantasy worlds often start with concept art. Bring your creative vision to life using a variety of mediums and learn how artists take their concepts from first sketches to fully-realized projects. A great fit for those interested in storytelling, character design, environment design, and the fantastical intersection between art and technology.

Offered weeks 1 and 5.

Art & Storytelling

Participants will explore visual storytelling through narrative art, visual poetry, and solo and group story creation. Using drawing, painting, graphic novel design, and basic bookmaking, participants will create both quick and multi-session projects. Artists will experiment with logical and illogical/surreal art and practice skills like asking questions, imagining narratives, critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem solving.

Offered week 3 (morning only).

Printmaking Studio

With a focus on block-printing, this 5-week course introduces students to the rich world of printmaking. Carve your own designs in linoleum and explore layers, colors, and texture as you produce one-of–a-kind prints in CCAD’s specialized printmaking lab.

Offered week 5 (afternoon only).

Ceramics: Grades 10–12 & Adults

This course provides a foundational exploration of design and structure, wheel throwing techniques, hand building, and sculpture. Artists will experience exercises designed to encourage creativity and craftsmanship while developing a repertoire of methods for working with clay.

Offered weeks 1 and 4.

Figure Drawing: Grades 10–12 & Adults

This foundational course offers the opportunity to learn how short-term speed drawings and sustained life drawing studies can develop your skills as an artist. Explore different artistic media and objects while gaining confidence in anatomy, expression, and gesture with life models, reference drawing, and challenges that strengthen artists at all levels. Live, clothed figure models will attend many class sessions, but not all lessons will make use of a live model.

Offered weeks 2, 3, and 5.

Oil Painting: Grades 10–12 & Adults

Learn to create vibrant, colorful paintings using a limited palette. Artists will experience the power and versatility of primary colors while creating beautiful landscape paintings and still life paintings in the studio. Exercises designed to expand knowledge of color theory and painting with oils are included.

Offered weeks 1, 2, and 6.

Watercolor Painting: Grades 10–12 & Adults

Learn to create vibrant, colorful paintings using a limited palette. Artists will experience the power and versatility of primary colors while creating beautiful landscape paintings on location and still life paintings in the studio. Exercises designed to expand knowledge of color theory and painting with watercolor paints are included.

Offered weeks 4 and 5.

Sewing & Mending 101: Grades 10–12 & Adults

Learn about visible mending traditions and techniques and hone your skills to transform or extend the life of a garment. This workshop series will cover sewing basics, by hand and sewing machine, to help you understand the construction and care of your favorite fabrics. Students will leave with a foundational understanding of garment construction, care, and mending techniques.

Offered week 1.

Introduction To Digital Photography

In Digital Photography, students will investigate photographic techniques and aesthetic principles of subject, light, and composition. Students will learn fundamental techniques of photographic artmaking for still photography. They will have a deeper understanding of how to use the settings of their DSLR or smartphone camera to create successful images, be able to composite aesthetically pleasing images, and edit images in their own artistic style.

Offered week 6.

Sustainable Artmaking & Materials *NEW*

With a focus on natural materials and sustainable artmaking practices, students will explore practices like making their own paper, working with natural fibers, altering fabric using natural dyes, exploring pigments found in nature, and/or nature journaling.

Offered week 5 (morning only).

Bookbinding & Art Journaling

Whether it’s full of doodles, observational drawings, poems, or unstructured musings, a journal can become a valued piece of an artist’s creative practice. Learn how to construct and bind your own journal or sketchbook using a variety of traditional bookbinding techniques and embark on your own art journaling journey.

Offered weeks 3 and 5.

Intro to Film Photography

Prepare to create original images with meaning as you develop your technical skills in traditional film photography! In addition to exploring how essential elements of art like composition, line, value, and space help artists capture more dynamic images, this course will teach you all the basics from start to finish, including 35mm camera controls, B&W film processing, and darkroom processing techniques. Designed for students new to film photography, as well as more experienced photographers looking to reconnect with traditional practices.

Offered weeks 3 and 4.

The grade levels listed with each class correspond to the grade the student will enter in Fall 2026.

If your young artist is under the age of 18 and plans to remain on campus between a morning and afternoon class, they must register for lunchtime care.

No. Registrants are responsible for bringing their own meal if they are registered for lunchtime care. Please avoid bringing meals with nuts.

No. Registrants are responsible for bringing their own snack/ beverage. Beverages should be contained in a resealable container (i.e. thermos) to avoid spills. Also, note that some lab spaces may not allow snacks - the instructor will advise accordingly. Please avoid bringing snacks with nuts.

No. All required materials are included in the cost of the class. Students are welcome to bring any favorite artmaking supplies such as a sketchbook. Some digital classes require students to create a free Adobe ID or Google Drive account, but no software purchase is needed.

Many classes, especially our Grades 1-4 courses have activities that involve being outdoors for short periods of time on our campus green spaces. We recommend that students wear clothes they feel comfortable moving and creating in, and bring sun protection. Staff and instructors are not permitted to assist with applying lotions, sunscreens, chapstick, etc.

Please contact [email protected] to request changes to your enrollment.

Yes. CCAD's Department of Safety and Security is on campus 24/7, including over the summer. If you need to contact them for late entry into a locked classroom building or for another matter, please call 614-222-6165.