Girdwood Fine Arts Camp announces summer session

Girdwood Fine Arts Camp, which was established in 1987, is excited to announce this summer’s session. We’re going to the dogs this year, by planning our art projects around a theme of dogs. The staff is finalizing the schedule of guest artists and preparing for this summer’s Art extravaganza for children ages 5-15. It is always such an awesome experience for everyone involved. The dates for Arts Camp are July 23-Aug 3.

Arts Camp is a fast-paced introduction to, and exploration of, a variety of art media and professional artist styles. We take pride in offering a program with a 1:6 teacher / student ratio, and an intensive drawing foundation.

The guest artists change every year, so there are different young and old artists working with the kids every day, with one exception: Our beloved James Kaiser, who has taught at arts camp since 1987. He will be opening up his studio again this summer for, one of the kids’ favorites, stained glass projects.

We have invited the following artists to join us: Shomon Ryan teaching Japanese calligraphy techniques, Allison Polowy, and Shoko Takahashi, multimedia, Michael Conti, traditional photography, Chris Cupp, Digital photography, Vlad Smolken, mural painting, and Rebecca Zerby silkscreen printing.

The two-hour per day primary camp is $200 for two weeks, and the four-hour per day Intermediate camp for is $300 two weeks. (You may also register for just one week). Registration happens by calling 783-CAMP.

The primary-aged camp is suited for 5-8 year olds. There are two sessions to choose from for primary kids: 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m.

The Intermediate camp meets from 1-5 p.m. each day. The 9-11 year olds are in one group, and the 12-15 year olds are in another group.

Each group is exposed to two different professional artists each day, and the staff and adult volunteers are there to facilitate and assist. Volunteers are welcome. Please call Thalia Wilkinson (783-1965) if you are interested in helping in any way, or have questions.

Even if you don’t attend the camp, you are welcome to come to the student art show on Aug. 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Challenge Alaska building. Everyone is welcome to come to the reception.