2025 Summer Studio Camps

Verge Center for the Arts Summer Kids Studio Camp runs for six weeks from June to July. We have camp weeks for two different age groups, 6-9 year olds and 10-13 year olds. Every week is themed in relation to a current and interdisciplinary art practice, in addition to some having culturally rooted projects. 

Camp runs from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Campers may be dropped off after 9:30am in the morning and picked up between 3:00-3:30pm. Snacks are provided but please send your camper with a cold lunch.

Story&Book

We tell stories to live.

In this camp, we will create original stories and storybooks. We will discuss what makes our favorite stories stay with us like a memory.

We will begin by sharing objects and what they mean to us. We will use our connection to these objects to carve out narratives, characters, plots and fantasies. We will explore not only the book as an object to open and read, but also ask ourselves whether all stories belong in books and think about the value of oral storytelling and performance.

Hands-on, we will be experimenting with illustration, calligraphy, collage, sculptural books and paper-making. We will also be practicing language skills, creative thinking and grammar. The goal is to complete a story/artwork, created by a single author or in collaboration with others; for example, one writer and one illustrator, by the end of the week. We will be sharing our works-in-progress as they are being created.

This camp is highly participatory and will ask participants for generosity when we share with one another and sensitivity when we listen to stories.

WHEN: June 9-13, 10-13 year olds

PRICE: MEMBER $325 GENERAL $375

INSTRUCTOR: Orlando Tirado

REGISTER FOR STORY&BOOK HERE

FUN WITH CLAY

Get ready to play in the mud with Verge’s Summer Clay Camp! Each day campers will be introduced to the basics of hand-building, proper use of tools, and adding vibrant colors with underglaze. The final two days of the 10-13 camp will be dedicated to teaching students how to throw on the wheel and giving them ample time to practice. We will fire all of the ceramic pieces made by your camper and you will be notified via email when they are ready for pick up.

WHEN: June 16-18, 6-9 year olds | July 14-18, 10-13 year olds

PRICE: MEMBER $200 GENERAL $225 | MEMBER $325 GENERAL $375

INSTRUCTOR: Rachel Monterrubio

REGISTER FOR FUN WITH CLAY 6-9 HERE

REGISTER FOR FUN WITH CLAY 10-13 HERE

DECORATIVE IMPRESSIONS

This camp is a one week introduction into printmaking techniques mixed with projects inspired by the Decorative Arts Movement that emerged in the 19th century and focused on creating objects with craftsmanship, beauty, and functionality. We will tie the two art ideas together by using our printmaking techniques to embellish handmade objects throughout the week.

This camp is meant to be a holistic approach to art, and treats art-making as an essential human need. No experience is necessary.

Here are some of the activities you can look forward to:

• Printmaking: collagraph, styrofoam “intaglio,” linocut, flower-stamping, and stencil making.

• Decoupage, paper making, and paper-mache sculpture.

• Decorating frames to hold our original artwork

WHEN: June 23-27, 10-13 year olds

PRICE: MEMBER $325 GENERAL $375

INSTRUCTOR: Andrea Lunetta

REGISTER FOR DECORATIVE IMPRESSIONS HERE

PAINTING THROUGH THE PERIODS

Join us for an inspiring week-long summer camp where students will learn the fundamentals of painting and drawing while uncovering their own unique artistic voice through the lens of different art periods! Each day, young artists will embark on a creative journey, drawing inspiration from both historical and contemporary masters. From painting serene deep-sea creatures inspired by Wyland to exploring the bold, dynamic brushstrokes of Kandinsky, every session will be a fun and educational exploration of artistic techniques.

Under the guidance of Nishat, students will delve into key concepts such as color theory, form and shape, lighting, and brushwork. Using materials like watercolor, acrylics, or oil pastels, they’ll experiment with various styles and mediums to create their own masterpieces. By the end of the week, participants will have gained confidence in their skills and a deeper appreciation for the art world.

WHEN: July 7-11, 6-9 year olds

PRICE: $325 for Verge members, or $375 for non-members

INSTRUCTOR: Nishat Ahmed

REGISTER FOR PAINTING THROUGH THE PERIODS HERE

EXPLORATION INTO WATERCOLOR

Join us to explore the creative arts through land, sea, sky and space!  Strap on your most adventurous, explorer’s attitude as we scout out artistic tools and methods that capture the imagination.  We will be unleashing the potential of watercolor and acrylic paints by utilizing various materials and top secret techniques.  Each day you’ll learn a new technique while painting different landscapes. Will you be able to catch your exotic sea creature from the salty depths?  Will you achieve reaching the tippy top of the highest mountain or tallest building on your journey by land?  Will you accomplish making it across the big blue yonder to the farthest reaches of the galaxies?  We certainly think so and we will be leading you along your color fueled artistic exploration to make sure you make it back with a proper souvenir!

WHEN: July 21-25, 6-9 year olds

PRICE: $325 for Verge members, or $375 for non-members

INSTRUCTOR: Rachel Monterrubio

REGISTER FOR EXPLORATION INTO WATERCOLOR HERE

If you’re interested in signing up for 2 or more weeks, reach out to Hannah at hannah@vergecontemporary.org for a discount code. Sibling discounts are automatically applied with your second registration.

Scholarships

Financial aid scholarships are available for students in the Sacramento area those who qualify. If you know someone who would like to attend camp at Verge using a full or partial scholarship please contact education@vergecontemporary.org.

Cell Phone Policy

Campers are not allowed to use cell phones or electronic devices during camp at any time. They may bring them to camp as long as they are kept in their bags. If a parent needs to contact their child please call Verge at (916) 448-2985.

Lunch Break/Snack Policy

Campers get an hour break for lunch between 12:00pm-1:00pm. During this time our outdoor space will be available for them to eat and play. Games and toys are provided. Campers may bring snacks for themselves to be eaten during free time before and after camp. Water is provided but please send your camper with a water bottle.

Community Standards

Cancellation and Refunds Policy

Verge Center for the Arts reserves the right to cancel classes, to change instructors, and to make other changes that may become necessary to ensure a quality experience for participants. In the event that a class is canceled, we will contact all registrants and offer the option of transferring to another available session, or receiving a full refund.

If a participant wishes to withdraw from a class, they must do so in writing at least seven days prior to the first class meeting to receive a full refund, less a $25 processing fee. Withdrawals occurring within seven days prior to the first class meeting will receive a refund of 50% of the total class fee or may transfer to a class of equal or lesser value. Participants are only eligible for one transfer per registration and must get it approved by Verge staff. No refunds or transfers are given to withdrawals that occur 24 hours or less before the class begins. Membership fees are non-refundable. Please note we are unable to issue cash refunds.

NOT A MEMBER YET? REGISTER TODAY!