ArtStart’s Camp CREATE is geared for youth ages 13 years+ who want to explore their artist within as they work side- by-side with professional artists to create art inspired by a specific culture.

Camp Create is perfect for youth who want to explore their imagination through a variety of art media, learn about the arts of a culture, and gain new skills in making art. Designed to inspire creativity and gain insights about a specific culture, these classes encourage participants to think outside the box, see people and things with new eyes, and gain new art skills and techniques using different art media. The theme of Camp Create 2025 is Passport to India:  A Mosaic of Traditions. Camp Create includes 4 different arts experiences for the camp June 23-26, 2025.

Campers will participate in:

Mosaics and Herbal Lore with Laurie Witzkowski: 9:00-10:15am

Ancient India developed Ayurvedic medicine, which uses plants for healing…a practice that is still in use today! Working with artist and herbalist Laurie Witzkowski, learn about some of the plants and their uses, sample some teas and other preparations, and take home a syrup or salve made in our classroom. AND, using papers and found objects, create a beautiful plant mosaic, inspired by the gorgeous mosaics seen in the Taj Mahal, India’s most famous ancient temple!

Metal embossing with Gustavo Boada: 10:30-11:45am

Rajasthan in northern India is the main center for brass engraving. Traditional designs and floral patterns are hammered or embossed on the surface of the metal. Work with artist Gustavo Boada to learn the technique of embossing. Then incorporate traditional Indian designs and create a beautiful photo frame or box wrapped in metal.

Textiles with Julie Boada: 12:30-1:45pm

In India beaded embroidery, Moochi Aari or just Aari, is a popular way to decorate garments and other furnishings. Join artist Julie Boada as she teaches the technique of using a special needle to apply beads, pearls, and sequins to fabric. Then using the Aari technique create your own special Indian inspired design on fabric.

Lanterns with Tara Fahey: 1:45-3:00pm

India is known for its colorful paper and fabric lanterns. Get inspired by the beautiful star-shaped pieces commonly displayed during Diwali, and the fabric ones known in Rajasthan. Then work with artist Tara Fahey to create your own vibrant vessels of light to decorate your room.

For ages 13-17.

5% early bird discount until Feb. 1st. Use code CREATE25

Paying It Forward: Internship Program

One of the ways older ArtStart campers can turn their knowledge and skill learned in Camp CREATE into action, is to assist artists and staff as interns in ArtStart’s 2-week Passport to India camp for younger children ages 4-12 years. Interns work side-by- side with professional teaching artists to assist in the classroom.

The internship program is for youth ages 13 years & older. There are 16 openings for full-day internships this year. Interns receive a stipend each week. To be apply for an internship both new and returning interns should complete the following by April 25, 2025:

1. Fill out the application for interns by April 25. You will receive notification regarding the internship within one week.

2. Register for Camp Create offered June 23-26, 2024 from 9 am-3 pm.