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.

A Start With the Arts meets daily Monday-Friday and offers 4-5 year-olds the opportunity to work with an art educator  to explore the art, culture and wildlife of India through movement, drama, art making and other hands-on activities. The program for pre-schoolers parallels the school-age program in theme and content.

 For ages 4 – 5.

8:30am

Tanjore painting is one of the most popular art forms of Southern India. An ancient art, Tanjore painting incorporates semi-precious stones, glass and gold into the painting. Work with artist Melodee Strong create your own Tanjore inspired painting complete with jeweled cabochons, gold foil and more.

10:15am

Pulikkali is a traditional art form in which people dress up as tigers. The word Pulikkali means “tigerplay” or “tiger dance” and is part of the Onam Festival, a harvest festival, celebrated in the state of Kerala, southeast India. Join artist Gustavo Boada and create your own tiger mask, costume, and dance. For ages 9-12.

8:30am

Pulikkali is a traditional art form in which people dress up as tigers. The word Pulikkali means “tiger play” or “tiger dance” and is part of the Onam Festival, a harvest festival, celebrated in the state of Kerala, southeast India. Join artist Gustavo Boada and create your own tiger mask, costume, and dance.

10:15am

Tanjore painting is one of the most popular art forms of Southern India.An ancient art, Tanjore painting incorporates semi-precious stones,glass and gold into the painting. Work with artist Melodee Strong create your own Tanjore inspired painting complete with jeweled cabochons, gold foil and more.

For ages 6 – 8.

8:30am

Pulikkali is a traditional art form in which people dress up as tigers. The word Pulikkali means “tigerplay” or “tiger dance” and is part of the Onam Festival, a harvest festival, celebrated in the stateof Kerala, southeast India. Join artist Julie Boada and create your own tiger mask, costume, and dance.

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!

For ages 6 – 8.

8:30am

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!

10:15am

Pulikkali is a traditional art form in which people dress up as tigers. The word Pulikkali means “tiger play” or “tiger dance” and is part of the Onam Festival, a harvest festival, celebrated in the state of Kerala, southeast India. Join artist Julie Boada and create your own tiger mask, costume, and dance.

For ages 9-12.

8:30am

India has a rich history of shadow puppetry. Discover the gorgeous world of color shadow puppets working with artist Kallie Melvin. Explore many stories of the Hindu God Ganesh, the little boy with a baby elephant head. Then learn how to make your own batik-like puppets and create a shadow show!

10:15am

Join artist Tara Fahey to learn how to hand-paint and block print on cotton fabric. Inspired by the traditional art of Kalamkari from southern India, create colorful wearable art that incorporates images of elephants, tigers, peacocks and more, along with traditional patterning. Additional materials fee of $10

For ages 9-12.

8:30am

Join artist Tara Fahey to learn how to hand-paint and block print on cotton fabric. Inspired by the traditional art of Kalamkari from southern India, create colorful wearable art that incorporates images of elephants, tigers, peacocks and more, along with traditional patterning. Additional materials fee of $10.

10:15am

India has a rich history of shadow puppetry. Discover the gorgeous world of color shadow puppets working with artist Kallie Melvin. Explore many stories of the Hindu God Ganesh, the little boy with a baby elephant head. Then learn how to make your own batik-like puppets and create a shadow show!

For ages 6 – 8.