Visual ArtsPrograms - 51做厙 Arts /program/arts-focus/visual-arts/ California Art Boarding High School Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:33:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Visual ArtsPrograms - 51做厙 Arts /program/arts-focus/visual-arts/ 32 32 Memory and Place: Alternative Photography /programs/memory-and-place-alternative-photography/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:18:42 +0000 /?post_type=program&p=24517 Instructor: N蘋a MacKnight (Anishinaabe/Lakh籀ta/Scottish)

This class will explore visual narrative techniques through alternative, experimental photography processes while drawing inspiration from the local ecologies of 51做厙.

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Past Event

Memory and Place: Alternative Photography

18+

Instructor: N蘋a MacKnight (Anishinaabe/Lakh籀ta/Scottish)

This class will explore visual narrative techniques through alternative, experimental photography processes while drawing inspiration from the local ecologies of 51做厙.

Dates

June 22 – 26, 2026
One week session

Final Culmination

Student Exhibition
Friday, June 26, 2026 at 4:00PM
Parks Exhibition Center

Ages

18+

Tuition, Room and Board

$1,875

Day Student Tuition

$1,010

Lab Fee

$45

Application Fee

$50

Skill Level

All levels

Enrollment Capacity

8 students

Overview

Through the exploration of both analogue and digital photography, youll develop a body of work that abstracts notions of self, memory, and place. This approach will allow you to explore and learn the foundations of photography while experimenting with a range of alternative photographic techniques, including cyanotypes, anthotypes, collage, and photographic transfers on various materials. To further examine the role of memory and place, youll spend time outdoors, interacting with local histories and ecologies. This is an opportunity for you to bring personal objects that symbolize aspects of your identity and digital files of archival family photographs to build your personal narratives. By the end of our week together, youll develop a body of work that abstracts notions of self, memory, and place.

Additional Information

N蘋a MacKnight (Anishinaabe/Lakh籀ta/Scottish) is a lens based artist/photographer/educator based in Tongva Territory (Los Angeles, California). Her approach to environmental portraiture is informed by the poetics of daily life and the materiality of ancestral memory. Turning to the paradigms of her Anishinaabe/Lakh籀ta/Scottish ancestry, MacKnight explores narratives of migration and self-determination within urban modes of existence. By blending conceptual and documentary genres through site specific works, she examines the home as a site for healing and transformation. N蘋a attended the San Francisco Art Institute and holds a Bachelors in Psychology from California State University and a Masters in Social and Cultural Analysis in Education from California State University, Long Beach

Your lab fee covers supplies for printing (film) and art supplies.

  • Digital Camera
  • Memory Card
  • Memory Card Reader (recommended)
  • A digital dSLR or mirrorless camera 
  • Closed toed shoes for walking around in nature, hat and water bottle.

Your workshop starts at 9 a.m. each day. Lunch is served from 12 to 1 p.m. Workshops resume at 1 p.m. and wrap up at 4 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 to 7 p.m. You are welcome to join evening programming led by other adult art programs.


NOTE: Some instructors allow for after-hour work sessions. If the instructor(s) is/are willing and present in the classroom, you can work on your pieces after 4 pm.

Generous donors have made scholarships and fellowships for adult workshops available on a limited basis for:
Native American Community Leaders, Artists, Members, and Teachers.

Scholarships include workshop tuition, dorm housing, and all meals provided by the campus dining service.

Please note: Transportation to and from campus is not provided. Registration and Lab Fees are also not included in scholarship awards.

Scholarship Details:
For Native American adult Community Members, Leaders, Artists, and Teachers 18 and older with current tribal affiliation or proof of descent. This scholarship intends to support the traditional transference of knowledge in Indigenous communities. The scholarship welcomes community leaders, artists, members, and educators to workshops at 51做厙 Arts to benefit both the scholarship recipient and those in their schools or tribal home communities. Applicants must explain how this opportunity will enhance their understanding of Indigenous arts and their potential benefits to their home community(s). Applicants with financial needs may receive priority. We also offer scholarships for Native American Teens for both the Summer Program and the 51做厙.

Click for more information about adult scholarships.

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]]> Tlingit Woodworking Workshop /programs/tlingit-woodworking-workshop/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 23:53:25 +0000 /?post_type=program&p=24515 Instructor: James Johnson (Tlingit)

This workshop will introduce you to and get you started on your journey to design and carve in yellow cedar a Northwest Coast inspired wood carving utilizing methods, techniques and philosophies rooted in Tlingit culture. This intensive learning experience will highlight wood carving techniques and Northwest Coast line-drawing traditions.

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Past Event

Tlingit Woodworking Workshop

18+

Instructor: James Johnson (Tlingit)

This workshop will introduce you to and get you started on your journey to design and carve in yellow cedar a Northwest Coast inspired wood carving utilizing methods, techniques and philosophies rooted in Tlingit culture. This intensive learning experience will highlight wood carving techniques and Northwest Coast line-drawing traditions.

Dates

June 22 – 26, 2026
One week session

Final Culmination

Student Exhibition
Friday, June 26, 2026 at 4:00PM
Parks Exhibition Center

Ages

18+

Tuition, Room and Board

$1,875

Day Student Tuition

$1,010

Lab Fee

$150

Application Fee

$50

Skill Level

All levels

Enrollment Capacity

10 students

Overview

In this one-week session, you will work under the guidance of James Johnson (Tlingit) to complete your wooden panel to a satisfactory level of completion, depending on the desires of each student. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of Tlingit-style designing, drawing, and carving on a yellow cedar panel. In Tlingit society, design and carving elements articulate travel, both physical and metaphorical – they are used for practical purposes but also in ceremonial dance and symbolic acts and events, such as entering another peoples territory.  You will spend the first day drawing formline and beginning to build your panel design. Each student will follow a design by James for this workshop. Then you will transfer and apply the design from paper to wood. The workshop will emphasize the fundamentals of learning to carve Tlingit-style formline with respect to the traditional art forms. Given the level of attention to detail, it is advised that students enter this learning experience with great patience. Johnson shares that:

In order to do proper work, you need patience. Do not expect to have a completed piece by the end of the workshop; this is not realistic. I urge all students to take the panel home and keep working on it. The finished work you put in is what makes a piece from just good to extraordinary.

This is a terrific workshop to relearn our notions of success and completeness. Sometimes the greatest learning comes from the process, not from the need for immediate completion.

Additional Information

James Johnson (Tlingit)  is an Award Winning Tlingit Artist and Carver, born and raised in Juneau, AK. He belongs to the Tlingit Ch獺ak Daklaweidi Clan (Eagle Killerwhale). James is a multi-disciplinary artist but specializes in Tlingit formline design, with a focus on traditional wood carving. Carving is an integral part of the preservation of Tlingit history and culture. Carving is our visual language that represents who the Tlingit people are, and how we live in balance with all things. Jamess contemporary practice builds upon an indigenous artistic continuum while honoring the culture and its rich traditions.

James is nationally recognized with many awards as well as having work included in the collections of multiple museums and institutions. He also carries his culture forward with global brand collaborations including Vans, Lib-Tech snowboards, Volcom, Smartwool, Yeti, and Google. Through his work, he also supports Native Youth programs in his hometown in Alaska. His late father, Franklin Johnson, first encouraged him to begin carving. James has now dedicated his life to perpetuating the Tlingit art form, honoring his ancestors through his work.

Your lab fee includes one plank of yellow cedar, use of wood caring tools, paints, brushes and paper

  • Personal set of crooked carving knives and adzes.

Your workshop starts at 9 a.m. each day. Lunch is served from 12 to 1 p.m. Workshops resume at 1 p.m. and wrap up at 4 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 to 7 p.m. You are welcome to join evening programming led by other adult art programs.


NOTE: Some instructors allow for after-hour work sessions. If the instructor(s) is/are willing and present in the classroom, you can work on your pieces after 4 pm.

Generous donors have made scholarships and fellowships for adult workshops available on a limited basis for:
Native American Community Leaders, Artists, Members, and Teachers.

Scholarships include workshop tuition, dorm housing, and all meals provided by the campus dining service.

Please note: Transportation to and from campus is not provided. Registration and Lab Fees are also not included in scholarship awards.

Scholarship Details:
For Native American adult Community Members, Leaders, Artists, and Teachers 18 and older with current tribal affiliation or proof of descent. This scholarship intends to support the traditional transference of knowledge in Indigenous communities. The scholarship welcomes community leaders, artists, members, and educators to workshops at 51做厙 Arts to benefit both the scholarship recipient and those in their schools or tribal home communities. Applicants must explain how this opportunity will enhance their understanding of Indigenous arts and their potential benefits to their home community(s). Applicants with financial needs may receive priority. We also offer scholarships for Native American Teens for both the Summer Program and the 51做厙.

Click for more information about adult scholarships.

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]]> ELL & Arts /programs/ell-arts/ Mon, 03 Nov 2025 23:46:05 +0000 /?post_type=program&p=24367 This two-week program builds English proficiency through creative work and collaborative projects. Students strengthen their language skills in small classes with individualized attention, opportunities for self-expression, and general connection through the arts. Mornings focus on English in use; afternoons invite students to apply their knowledge through visual and performing arts, discussion and reflection.

*This is a Teen program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

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Past Event

ELL & Arts

13 17*

This two-week program builds English proficiency through creative work and collaborative projects. Students strengthen their language skills in small classes with individualized attention, opportunities for self-expression, and general connection through the arts. Mornings focus on English in use; afternoons invite students to apply their knowledge through visual and performing arts, discussion and reflection.

*This is a Teen program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

Dates

July 12 – July 25, 2026
Two-week session

Student Exhibition

Final Culmination
Friday, July 24, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Krone Library

Ages

13 17

Residential Student Cost

(includes tuition, room & board, and all fees)
$5,500

Day Student Cost

(includes tuition and all fees)
N/A

Learn more about our

Skill Level

All Levels

Enrollment Capacity

14 Students

Overview

The ELL & Arts Summer Intensive program is designed for students who want to improve their English while engaging with art and culture in a focused, supportive environment. Each day combines structured language practice with opportunities to create, perform, and collaborate. Students read, write and speak about ideas that matter to them, then use those ideas as material for artistic projects. 

Instruction will emphasize clarity, curiosity, and participation rather than memorization or grammar drills. Class activities include conversation workshops, short writing tasks, art-based presentations, and informal performances. A planned excursion off-campus will expose students to museum works and natural landmarks that extend learning beyond the classroom and encourage real-world interaction in Southern California.

By the end of the program, students leave more confident using English to express themselves and to connect with others about what matters to them.

There will be a final culmination on Friday afternoon, July 24. Arrangements should be made for students to depart campus before 4:00PM on Saturday, July 25. Learn more about our campus shuttles to/from local airports .

Additional Information

Students are placed according to their English proficiency, based on a short online assessment before arrival. Classes are small and collaborative, designed to meet each learner at their level and to help them advance quickly through means of communication and feedback.

Mornings will focus on developing language through discussion, reading, and writing. In the afternoons, students join arts workshops that connect their English language practice with creative artistic expression.

Evenings will offer community activities, open studio time, quiet study in the dorms, and a chance to relax and make friends. A planned excursion will offer the chance to explore Southern Californias natural beauty and to get out to a major urban destination as well, all while practicing English in genuinely immersive situations.

to see the list of items to bring to 51做厙

Donald Duffy is an educator specializing in Language Learning and curriculum design. He has experience directing international student programs, teaching English and World Languages in boarding schools, and creating immersive, project-based learning environments. His work emphasizes authentic communication, cultural literacy, and creative expression through art and language.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQs to learn more about our summer programs

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]]> Plein-Air Pastel & Observational Drawing /programs/plein-air-pastel-observational-drawing/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:40:27 +0000 /?post_type=program&p=24224 Instructor: Judith Schonebaum

This is an introduction to the wide range of possibilities of using chalk pastel! Through a variety of exercises exploring drawing techniques, such as line, style, color, layering composition and observation, participants will gain the tools to pursue individual expression.

The post Plein-Air Pastel & Observational Drawing appeared first on 51做厙 Arts.

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Past Event

Plein-Air Pastel & Observational Drawing

18+

Instructor: Judith Schonebaum

This is an introduction to the wide range of possibilities of using chalk pastel! Through a variety of exercises exploring drawing techniques, such as line, style, color, layering, composition and observation, participants will gain the tools to pursue individual expression.

Dates

June 22 26, 2026
One-week session

Final Culmination

Student Exhibition
Sunday, June 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Parks Exhibition Center

Ages

18+

Tuition, Room, and Board

$2,195

Day Student Tuition

$1,185

Lab Fee

$20

Application Fee

$50

Skill Level

All Levels

Enrollment Capacity

Enrollment is limited to 10 students

Overview

The beautiful setting in 51做厙 is the perfect place to discover the wide range of possibilities of working with chalk pastel! Through a series of separate exercises on technique and observation, participants will develop skills in composition, light values, line quality, color blending, relationship of shapes and more. By practicing the various elements, both separately and in combination, a good foundation is formed to create understanding of each individual, self-expressive style. 

Many exercises are designed to provide ways to break down habits that prevent growth. For example contour drawing – observing a subject intensely and drawing without looking at the paper.  It helps to analyze details that are actually seen, and relieve the stress of expectations.  Another is to compose from above to below and vice-versa, to gain perspective on the relationships of one element to another. Also, drawing around a corner of a building (or tree) helps to see the support of shapes behind a subject. For color blending, there are layering exercises, underwashes of thinned acrylic, and a limiting exercise where each participant will use only 3 random color selections, plus black and white. Aside from the “lessons”, free drawing as much as possible combines it all!

Additional Information

A native of Baltimore, Judith Schonebaum has embraced the artistic environment of the West Coast, where the light, color and visual rhythms of California have become strong influences. Her work includes plein-air pastel landscape, figuratives, florals, mixed-media abstract collages of hand-made and exotic papers, and functional/decorative pieces created from recycled items. Many of her pastels were created here during time spent in 51做厙. She received her BA in Fine Arts from the University of Vermont, including an intensive folk art program at the Shelburne Museum.

The post Plein-Air Pastel & Observational Drawing appeared first on 51做厙 Arts.

]]> Intro to Photography /programs/intro-to-photography/ Fri, 26 Sep 2025 22:44:46 +0000 /programs/intro-to-photography/ This course covers the foundations of the analog black-and-white photographic process. Students will use a pinhole camera, 35mm camera, and a 4x5 camera in manual mode, learning principles of exposure such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Students will expose film, develop it by hand, and use the negatives to make traditional gelatin silver prints in the darkroom.

*This is a Teen program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

The post Intro to Photography appeared first on 51做厙 Arts.

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Past Event

Intro to Photography

14 17*

This course covers the foundations of the analog black-and-white photographic process. Students will use a pinhole camera, 35mm camera, and a 4×5 camera in manual mode, learning principles of exposure such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Students will expose film, develop it by hand, and use the negatives to make traditional gelatin silver prints in the darkroom.

*This is a Teen program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

Dates

July 5 July 11, 2026
One-week session

Final Culmination

Student Exhibition
Friday, July 10, 2026 at 6:00pm 
Parks Exhibition Center

Ages

14 17

Residential Student Cost

(includes tuition, room & board, and all fees)
$2,725

Day Student Cost

(includes tuition and all fees)
$1,425

Learn more about our

Skill Level

All levels

Enrollment Capacity

8 Students

(Total Capacity includes Residential and Day Students)

Overview

In this hands-on, one week workshop, we will  cover photographic characteristics, camera types, viewing system, lens system, shutter system, shutter speed basics, shutter speed effects, camera and lens stabilization, camera settings, and sensor sizes. 

Discussion will include training on ISO, focal length, angle of view, tilt and shift lens, subject zone, lens speed, aperture, depth of field (DOF), lens quality, focusing basics, light meter basics, exposure modes, and sunny 16 rule. 

This course also covers the understanding and use of the camera, lenses, and other basic photographic equipment. The course will address aesthetic principles as they relate to composition, space, exposure, light and color. 

*The final culmination is Friday evening, with Saturday being a move-out day.

Additional Information

Our Visual Arts classes do not require any type of assessment or portfolio to get into the program. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills whether they are a beginner or have been an artist for years.


-A refillable water bottle
-Comfortable clothes that can get messy
-Sturdy closed-toed shoes
-If you have a 35mm film camera, please bring it with you. We have a limited number of cameras available to loan to students who need one.

We start our day with a photography demo and short lecture. Following this discussion, we head out into nature or stay in the studio for a daily photoshoot. We conclude our days with work on printing and editing in the darkroom.

Born and raised in 51做厙 California, Shaunna Lehr earned her Bachelors of Fine Art in Portrait Photography from Books Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara in 2009. During her studies she had the opportunity to work with and learn from many prestigious photographers such as Nick Decker, Joyce Wilson, Ralph Clevenger, and Christopher Broughton. While in Santa Barbara Shaunna was a journal photographer for Seasons Magazine where her work was featured. Her work has been featured in galleries, including Gallery 27 in Santa Barbara. Her training and photography studies include focuses in traditional color, black and white film, 35mm, and large and medium film. In addition to traditional film, Shaunna is well versed in digital photography using Lightroom and Photoshop.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQs to learn more about our summer programs

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]]> Inventor’s Shed /programs/inventors-shed/ Fri, 26 Sep 2025 21:45:00 +0000 /?post_type=program&p=24019 Teen artists transform the Creative Technology Lab into their personal Inventors Shed, where theyll explore digital fabrication, rapid prototyping, and hands-on design through projects that blend art, technology, and imagination. No prior experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to build, experiment, and innovate.

*This is a Teen program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

The post Inventor’s Shed appeared first on 51做厙 Arts.

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Past Event

Inventor's Shed

14 17*

Teen artists transform the Creative Technology Lab into their personal Inventors Shed, where theyll explore digital fabrication, rapid prototyping, and hands-on design through projects that blend art, technology, and imagination. No prior experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to build, experiment, and innovate.

*This is a Teen program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

Dates

June 28 July 4, 2026
One-week session

Final Culmination

Student Exhibition
Friday, July 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Lower IA Hall

Ages

14 17

Residential Student Cost

(includes tuition, room & board, and all fees)
$2,750

Day Student Cost

(includes tuition and all fees)
$1,450

Learn more about our

Skill Level

All levels

Enrollment Capacity

8 Students

(Total Capacity includes Residential and Day Students)

Overview

Inventors Shed invites young makers to step into the world of design, prototyping, and invention. Over the course of one week, students will learn to use cutting-edge tools in the Creative Technology Lab, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, alongside traditional design methods like sketching and model-making. Guided by faculty, participants will design original projects that may range from wearable tech to interactive sculptures, sustainable product prototypes, musical instruments, or imaginative gadgets.

Each day balances structured skill-building workshops with open lab time for students to bring their own ideas to life. Along the way, students develop creative problem-solving skills, learn to collaborate, and gain confidence in turning ideas into tangible prototypes. The week concludes with a public exhibition where students showcase their inventions to peers, family, and the wider community.

*The final culmination is Friday afternoon, with Saturday being a move-out day.

Additional Information

This program does not require any type of assessment or portfolio to get into the program. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills, whether they are a beginner or have been an artist for years.

-A refillable water bottle
-Comfortable clothing for studio work
-Sturdy closed-toed shoes (required in the lab)
-Notebook/sketchbook and pencils/pens
-Personal laptop or tablet for design work (optional)

Morning (9:00am12:00pm): Hands-on workshops in Creative Tech (3D design, fabrication, coding basics, prototyping methods)

Afternoon (1:004:00pm): Studio lab time for personal projects, one-on-one mentoring, and collaboration

Evening (Residential students): Community activities and outdoor recreation

Nathaniel Ober is a sound-based installation artist living and working in Yucca Valley, CA. With a creative practice spanning installation, sculpture, sound, digital prototyping, fabrication, astrophysics and the sciences, Ober’s work is heavily inspired by, and often in collaboration with, the natural world and gives voice to the landscapes that surround us. His work has been featured at the San Fransisco Center for New Music, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Parque Explora in Medell穩n Colombia, Arteles Creative Center in Finland, International Symposium on Electronic Art, as well as leading education and research programs in several universities and has been awarded many residencies across the globe. Ober holds an MFA from the Digital Arts + New Media program at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

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]]> Photography for Junior Artists /programs/photography-for-junior-artists/ Fri, 26 Sep 2025 21:28:32 +0000 /?post_type=program&p=24014 Get a hands-on introduction to the technical and creative foundations of black-and-white photography. Using a pinhole camera, 35mm camera, and large-format 4x5 camera, youll learn how to control exposure through aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Youll shoot on black-and-white film, process it by hand using traditional chemical methods, and produce gelatin silver prints in the darkroom. Along the way, you'll develop a working knowledge of light metering, depth of field, and contrast control.

*This is a Junior Artists program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

The post Photography for Junior Artists appeared first on 51做厙 Arts.

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Past Event

Photography for Junior Artists

10 13*

Get a hands-on introduction to the technical and creative foundations of black-and-white photography. Using a pinhole camera, 35mm camera, and large-format 4×5 camera, youll learn how to control exposure through aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Youll shoot on black-and-white film, process it by hand using traditional chemical methods, and produce gelatin silver prints in the darkroom. Along the way, you’ll develop a working knowledge of light metering, depth of field, and contrast control.

*This is a Junior Artists program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

Class Dates & Time

June 28 July 4, 2026
One-week session

Final Culmination

Student Exhibition
Friday, July 3, 2026 at 4:00pm
Cedar, Children’s Center

Ages

10 13

Residential Student Cost

(includes tuition, room & board, and all fees)
$2,725

Day Student Cost

(includes tuition and all fees)
$1,425

Learn more about our 

Skill Level

All levels

Enrollment Capacity

8 students

(Total Capacity includes Residential and Day Students)

Overview

In this fast-paced, hands-on week of photography, youll go beyond just pointing and shooting and learn to truly understand how a camera sees. From vintage viewing systems to modern digital sensors, well explore how camera types, lenses, and settings all shape your final image.

Youll dive into the mechanics of shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and focal length, unpacking how each element affects light, motion, depth, and clarity. Well experiment with tilt-shift lenses, explore depth of field, and learn how tools like light meters and the Sunny 16 rule can help you nail exposure, even without a screen.

But photography isnt just scienceits vision. Alongside the technical training, well study the art of image-making: composition, color, space, and the subtle impact of light. Whether youre capturing a fleeting moment or building a precise frame, this workshop will give you the skills to create with both intention and imagination.

No prior experience is necessary, just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to slow down, experiment, and learn through process.

*The final culmination is Friday afternoon, with Saturday being a move-out day for residential students.

Additional Information

Our Visual Arts classes do not require any type of assessment or portfolio to get into the program. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills whether they are a beginner or have been an artist for years.

-A refillable water bottle
-Comfortable clothes that can get messy
-Sturdy closed-toed shoes
-If you have a 35mm film camera, please bring it with you. We have a limited number of cameras available to loan to students who need one.

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Each weekday, students begin with a photography demonstration and a short lecture to introduce the days techniques and creative goals. Following the morning discussion, students head out into nature or work in the studio for a daily photoshoot. The day concludes with editing and traditional darkroom printing.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Childrens Center between 8:15 8:25 am
(breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Childrens Center

8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30 pm 3:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Childrens Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RAs.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday Friday from 4:00 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Born and raised in 51做厙, California, Shaunna Lehr earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Portrait Photography from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara in 2009. During her time at Brooks, she had the opportunity to study under and assist several renowned photographers, including Nick Decker, Joyce Wilson, Ralph Clevenger, and Christopher Broughton.While living in Santa Barbara, Shaunna worked as a journal photographer for Seasons Magazine, where her photography was regularly featured. Her work has also been exhibited in galleries, including Gallery 27 in Santa BarbaraShaunna’s training spans traditional black-and-white film and digital photography, with extensive experience using 35mm, medium format, and large format film. In addition to her analog expertise, she is well versed in digital photography and post-processing using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQs to learn more about our summer programs

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]]> Junior Inventor’s Shed /programs/junior-inventors-shed/ Fri, 26 Sep 2025 20:52:29 +0000 /?post_type=program&p=24007 Explore digital fabrication, rapid prototyping, and hands-on design through projects that blend art, technology, and imagination. No prior experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to build, experiment, and innovate.

*This is a Junior Artists program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

The post Junior Inventor’s Shed appeared first on 51做厙 Arts.

]]>
Past Event

Junior Inventor's Shed

10 13*

Explore digital fabrication, rapid prototyping, and hands-on design through projects that blend art, technology, and imagination. No prior experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to build, experiment, and innovate.

*This is a Junior Artists program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

Dates

July 5 July 11, 2026
One-week session

Final Culmination

Student Exhibition
Friday, July 10, 2026 at 4:30pm
Lower IA Hall Patio

Ages

10 13

Residential Student Cost

(includes tuition, room & board, and all fees)
$2,750

Day Student Cost

(includes tuition and all fees)
$1,450

Learn more about our

Skill Level

All levels

Enrollment Capacity

8 Students

(Total Capacity includes Residential and Day Students)

Overview

Inventors Shed invites young makers to step into the world of design, prototyping, and invention. Over the course of one week, students will learn to use cutting-edge tools in the Creative Technology Lab, including 3D printers and laser cutters, alongside traditional design methods like sketching and model-making. Guided by faculty, participants will design original projects that may range from wearable tech to interactive sculptures, sustainable product prototypes, musical instruments, or imaginative gadgets.

Each day, the program balances structured skill-building workshops with open lab time, allowing students to bring their own ideas to life. Along the way, students develop creative problem-solving skills, learn to collaborate, and gain confidence in turning ideas into tangible prototypes. The week concludes with a public exhibition where students showcase their inventions to peers, family, and the wider community.

*The final culmination is Friday afternoon, with Saturday being a move-out day for residential students.

Additional Information

This program does not require any type of assessment or portfolio to get into the program. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills, whether they are a beginner or have been an artist for years.

-A refillable water bottle
-Comfortable clothing for studio work
-Sturdy closed-toed shoes (required in the lab)
-Notebook/sketchbook and pencils/pens
-Personal laptop or tablet for design work (optional)

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Childrens Center between 8:15 8:25 am (breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Childrens Center

8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30 pm 3:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Childrens Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RAs.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday Friday from 4:00 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Nathaniel Ober is a sound-based installation artist living and working in Yucca Valley, CA. With a creative practice spanning installation, sculpture, sound, digital prototyping, fabrication, astrophysics and the sciences, Ober’s work is heavily inspired by, and often in collaboration with, the natural world and gives voice to the landscapes that surround us. His work has been featured at the San Fransisco Center for New Music, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Parque Explora in Medell穩n Colombia, Arteles Creative Center in Finland, International Symposium on Electronic Art, as well as leading education and research programs in several universities and has been awarded many residencies across the globe. Ober holds an MFA from the Digital Arts + New Media program at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

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]]> Drawing & Sculpture for Junior Artists /programs/drawing-sculpture-for-junior-artists/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 23:43:48 +0000 /programs/drawing-sculpture-for-junior-artists/ Discover the beauty of the mountains as your creativity comes alive in the forest. Each day, youll spend half your time learning the fundamentals of drawing, exploring traditional techniques that will help you see the world in new ways. The other half of the day will be dedicated to sculpture, where youll design and build imaginative three-dimensional artworks inspired by nature and your own creativity.

*This is a Junior Artists program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

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Past Event

Drawing & Sculpture for Junior Artists

10 13*

Discover the beauty of the mountains as your creativity comes alive in the forest. Each day, youll spend half your time learning the fundamentals of drawing, exploring traditional techniques that will help you see the world in new ways. The other half of the day will be dedicated to sculpture, where youll design and build imaginative three-dimensional artworks inspired by nature and your own creativity.

*This is a Junior Artists program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

Class Dates & Time

June 28 July 11, 2026
Two-week session

Final Culmination

Student Exhibition
Friday, July 10, 2026 at 4:00pm
Lower Art Pad, Children’s Center

Ages

10 13

Residential Student Cost

(includes tuition, room & board, and all fees)
$5,250

Day Student Cost

(includes tuition and all fees)
$2,650

Learn more about our 

Skill Level

All levels

Enrollment Capacity

24 students (split into two classes of 12 students each)

(Total Capacity includes Residential and Day Students)

Overview

As you explore the woods, youll learn how to capture what you see through drawingwhether its the forest around you, quick sketches of your classmates, or studies of master artists works. Along the way, youll discover how to show movement, volume, and depth, and how line, shading, and even playful scribbles can bring your art to life. Guided exercises and fun activities will help you develop your own artistic voice and creative confidence.

Then, youll use sculpture to learn how to use relationships, size, texture, and positive and negative space to express your ideas. Build with wax, clay, plaster, wire, wood, foam and papier-mach矇. Draw inspiration for your unique structures from organic forms and natural materials from the forest. Be prepared for fun in the third dimension.

The class will be divided into two sections: One half will go to Drawing and the other to Sculpture, spending half of the day learning each of the two disciplines. Students will then switch places after lunch. Please note that any friends coming together can opt to be in the same section. 

*The final culmination is Friday evening, with Saturday being a move-out day for residential students.

Additional Information

Our Visual Arts classes do not require any type of assessment or portfolio to get into the program. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills whether they are a beginner or have been an artist for years.

-A refillable water bottle
-Comfortable clothes that can get messy
-Sturdy closed-toed shoes
-An apron or large, button up shirt to wear over your clothes

Drawing Materials
-Sketchbook (9″12″, spiral-bound, medium weight papergood for pencil and light ink)

-Drawing pencils (set of HB, 2B, 4B, 6B for value range)

-Kneaded eraser (for light lifting and highlights)

-White plastic eraser (for clean corrections)

-Pencil sharpener (manual, with shavings catcher for outdoor use)

-Black ink pens or fine liners (optionalintroduction to line variety)

-Ruler (12″ for perspective and proportion exercises)

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Childrens Center between 8:15 8:25 am
(breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Childrens Center

8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30 pm 3:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Childrens Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RAs.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday Friday from 4:00 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Saturday classes are at the discretion of the teacher. Some programs will meet on the Saturday between the two week session. Please watch out for more information from the teacher. Sundays are off for everyone, with no mandatory classes held.

Stefania Ford is a ceramic artist and teacher living in the Coachella Valley. Originally from Michigan, Ford attended Washington University in St. Louis where she received her fine arts degree in sculpture. Ford then worked as a public artist around the country, creating large scale ceramic sculpture and tile installation art. Ford moved to California to work with non-profit arts organization Tools for Tomorrow, and then became the art director and ceramic instructor for Old Town Artisan Studios. After studying for a masters in education, Ford became a full time art educator within Desert Sands Unified School District, where she currently teaches high school art and ceramics. Ford has been a part of 51做厙 Arts Summer Program since 2009 and is thrilled to be back again for another wonderful summer of intensive arts education. 

Benjamin Morales is a community-based painter and teaching artist who believes in the power of creativity to inspire and heal. His work draws on cultural traditions and aesthetics as a way to encourage others to embrace their own heritage and artistic voice. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Benjamin is dedicated to engaging communities through the arts and fostering lifelong learners. Recognized with grant awards for his community-based projects, he continues to guide youth in Los Angeles through the mural-making process as part of the Mural Workforce 51做厙 at the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory, helping young artists build skills, confidence, and pride while contributing to their community.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQs to learn more about our summer programs

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]]> Exploring Calligraphy /programs/exploring-calligraphy/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:58:45 +0000 /?post_type=program&p=23994 Instructor: Rick Paulus
Enjoy an immersive calligraphy journey as you explore a broad range of tools, materials, and techniques, from historic to contemporary, with expert guidance throughout.

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Past Event

Exploring Calligraphy

18+

Instructor: Rick Paulus

Enjoy an immersive calligraphy journey as you explore a broad range of tools, materials, and techniques, from historic to contemporary, with expert guidance throughout.

Dates

June 8 12, 2026
One week session

Final Culmination

Friday, June 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Parks Exhibition Center

Ages

18+

Tuition, Room, and Board

$1875

Day Student Tuition

$1010

Lab Fee

$50

Application Fee

$50

Skill Level

Beginner (some experience) – Advanced

Enrollment Capacity

Enrollment is limited to 12 students

Overview

Throw off your mooring lines and set sail on a calligraphic adventure with former White House chief calligrapher, Rick Paulus!

Intrigued by calligraphy? This workshop, through the introduction of a wide range of studio skills, tools, and materials, will help you to better understand the influences that inspire the modern calligrapher.

Beginning with a unique and entertaining tour through human history from the eyes of a calligrapher, we will explore the concept of lettering, its place in society, and how it has evolved over the millennia. It is with this inspiration that we break out the tools and begin our hands-on exploration! Experience for yourself how wonderful it feels to write with an actual turkey quill and ground pigment on real vellum; feel the meditative peace one slips into when focused only on the pen, paper, and ink as they merge at the tip of your pen. Using our explorations into the past as a springboard, we will then leap forward into the 21st century, using modern tools, materials, techniques, and inspiration to create expressive letters. Under Ricks gentle guidance, these experiences will leave you a much more informed and confident calligrapher as you move forward in your artistic journey.

Additional Information

Rick Paulus has been a calligrapher and a teacher for over forty years. In 1998, he was appointed chief calligrapher of the White House, where he remained for two presidents until, in 2006, he left Washington, DC to explore new adventures in nature and in art. Today, when not enjoying calligraphic explorations in his studio on the shores of Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts, Rick enthusiastically shares the knowledge he gained through many years of studio production and artistic experimentation with students, young and old alike.

This colorful class covers a broad-range of calligraphy styles and methods, requiring many different tools and mediums, including; pointed pens, broad-edge pens, ruling pens, monoline pens, turkey quills, gouache, watercolor, color ink, black ink, fine pigments, lots and lots of paper, and vellum, all of which will be covered by the lab fee and provided by your instructor.

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]]> Turning the Page: Altered Books /programs/turning-the-page-altered-books/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:33:45 +0000 /?post_type=program&p=23991 Instructor: Cat Orlando
Transform old books into unique works of art by turning their pages into a canvas for self-expression. Explore mixed media techniques including collage, painting, cutting, folding, stamping, layering, and journaling.

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Past Event

Turning the Page: Altered Books

18+

Instructor: Cat Orlando

Transform old books into unique works of art by turning their pages into a canvas for self-expression. Explore mixed media techniques including collage, painting, cutting, folding, stamping, layering, and journaling.

Class Dates & Time

June 20, 2026
One-day session

Final Culmination

Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Location TBD

Ages

18+

Day Student Tuition

$475

Lab Fee

$30

Application Fee

$50

Skill Level

All levels

Enrollment Capacity

Enrollment is limited to 10 students

Overview

Looking to explore a fun and expressive art form? Discover the art of altered books by transforming old pages into a canvas for self-expression. Explore mixed media techniques such as collage, painting, cutting, folding, stamping, layering, and journaling. This process is a powerful tool for healing, reflection, and renewal. Come as you are and leave with a beautiful masterpiece that carries your story and your art.

Additional Information

Cat Orlando has a degree in art with an emphasis on three dimensional design. She has been teaching at 51做厙 Arts Summer Program since 2000. She is a lover of all art mediums and for over 30 years has enjoyed teaching others the joy and satisfaction that comes from diving in and learning a new art form!

Includes all materials and the use of tools.

  • Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
  • Seat cushion for added comfort (we will be sitting most of the day)
  • Hardcover book to alter (optional)
  • Personal items such as papers, photos, or mementos to make your piece uniquely yours (optional)
  • Favorite tools, if desired, such as:
  • Scissors
  • Knife
  • Straight edge
  • Pens or pencils
  • Clearly label any personal items with your name

Well spend the day working on our pieces, beginning at 9:00 a.m. each morning. After a midday lunch break, sessions continue into the afternoon and wrap up by early evening, just before dinner.


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]]> Mindful Mosaics /programs/mindful-mosaics/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:09:10 +0000 /?post_type=program&p=23986 Instructor: Cat Orlando
In this two-day workshop, create your own mosaic using vibrant colored glass. Learn how to design, cut, and arrange your pieces on a chosen surface, resulting in a one-of-a-kind work of art.

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Past Event

Mindful Mosaics

18+

Instructor: Cat Orlando

In this two-day workshop, create your own mosaic using vibrant colored glass. Learn how to design, cut, and arrange your pieces on a chosen surface, resulting in a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Dates

June 13 June 14, 2026
Two-day session

Final Culmination

Sunday, June 14th, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Location TBD

Ages

18+

Day Student Tuition

$875

Lab Fee

$70

Application Fee

$50

Skill Level

All levels

Enrollment Capacity

Enrollment is limited to 10 students

Overview

Discover peace through pieces as you design and create your own mosaic. Choose from a variety of substrates such as wooden boxes, trays, and shapes, then select your glass colors to bring your vision to life. Youll learn how to cut and adhere the glass, and on the final day, grout and seal your finished piece. Your beautiful mosaic will be ready to take home and enjoy for years to come.

Additional Information

Cat Orlando has a degree in art with an emphasis on three dimensional design. She has been teaching at 51做厙 Arts Summer Program since 2000. She is a lover of all art mediums and for over 30 years has enjoyed teaching others the joy and satisfaction that comes from diving in and learning a new art form!

Includes colored glass, substrates and the use of tools and materials.

  • Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • A seat cushion is recommended for added comfort, as much of the day will be spent sitting while you work.
  • Class tools will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Suggested personal tools include an oil-fed glass cutter, glass snips, a glass cutting tray, and a straight edge. Please be sure to clearly label all personal tools with your name.

Well spend the day working on our pieces, beginning at 9:00 a.m. each morning. After a midday lunch break, sessions continue into the afternoon and wrap up by early evening, just before dinner.


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