Teen Art Camps

Teen Camps in Ann Arbor

Register or Join the Waitlists Today!

REGISTER FOR SPRING TEEN CAMP

REGISTER FOR SUMMER TEEN CAMP

You must be the parent or guardian to register a teen for camp.

READ: IMPORTANT CAMP INFO | NEW Refund Policies

READ: IMPORTANT CAMP INFO | Waitlist Policies

READ: Learn more about our Registration System

About Teen Art Camps

Discover and develop new avenues of artistic expression at A2AC's newly expanded Teen Art Camps!

Teen Art Camps offer an enriching balance of creativity and skill-building art educational experiences for beginner and aspiring teen artists. Throughout the week, campers dive into exciting projects that ignite imaginations and hone creative expressions within the designated art discipline. Experienced instructors and practicing artists will guide teen campers in traditional art methodologies enriched by contemporary practices to provide foundational and advanced skills.

Held in either the inspiring setting of A2AC's Main Gallery, or our other prestigious spaces in the A2AC, Teen Camp cultivates an atmosphere ideal for both personal creative exploration and collaborative learning with peers. To close each camp week, campers celebrate with a private group showing in the Main Gallery, and engage in positive, supportive, structured critiques. Teens will develop skills in articulating observations and interpreting feedback, equipping them with language and analytical tools to navigate and grow within the creative process and creative world. Students hoping to pursue art professionally can expect to come away with an updated portfolio of work and new resume talking points.

This program is for teens ages 13-17 years old. *Please note: We do not make exceptions to the minimum age required to be in a given group.
Camps run Monday through Friday, from 9am - 4pm
Drop-off Time | 8:40am - 9:00am
Pick-up Time | 4:00pm - 4:20pm
View Frequently Asked Questions

Tuition: $465/week

Tuition for Teen Clay Camp weeks: $465/week

*Clay focused weeks for Teen Camp are March 30 - April 3 and June 15 - June 18*

*The A2AC reserves the right to cancel a teen camp due to insufficient enrollment. In the event of a cancellation due to low enrollment, parents/guardians will be notified no later than 1 week before the start of the camp week.

2026 TEEN ART CAMP THEMES

SPRING BREAK: WHEEL THROWING & FUNCTIONAL WARES

MARCH 30 - APRIL 3

Explore the intersections of art and utility in this exciting week of Teen Clay Camp! Teen campers will dive into the fundamentals of wheel throwing in the mornings and hand-building in the afternoons to design and craft uniquely inspired functional wares. Led by an experienced ceramics instructor, this camp welcomes participants of all skill levels and ensures all campers gain confidence while expressing their creativity through clay.

Teen campers will blend form and function as they:

Find inspiration from contemporary ceramic artists who redefine functional pottery as art
Use hand-building techniques to design a functional yet artistic cookie jar.
Create a cohesive wheel-thrown planter and saucer set.

WEEK 1: WHEEL THROWING & SCULPTURAL FIGURES

JUNE 15 - JUNE 18

In this dynamic 4-day week of Teen Clay Camp, participants will explore the art of storytelling and self-expression through ceramic sculpture. From character figurines to expressive ceramic busts, campers will discover how to transform their creative visions into three-dimensional works of art. Led by an experienced ceramics instructor, this camp welcomes participants of all skill levels.

Teen campers will create sculptures that are both imaginative and skillfully crafted as they:

Gain inspiration from sculptural ceramic artists who explore narrative and identity through clay
Design and sculpt an original storybook creature that blends two animals or an object with an animal.
Experiment with texturing and surface techniques to add personality and depth to their sculptures

*Week 1 is a 4-Day camp due to the Juneteenth holiday. Adjusted tuition for this camp is $405.

WEEK 2: JEWELRY & METALSMITHING

JUNE 22 - JUNE 26

Discover the art of jewelry design and metalsmithing! Held in A2AC's fully equipped jewelry studio, this camp introduces essential techniques such as cutting, forming, texturing, stone setting, and torch soldering. Led by an experienced instructor, teen campers will enjoy hands-on demonstrations, personalized feedback, and expert guidance to confidently and safely create works of art with metal.

Teen campers will design and craft their own unique jewelry and metalwork pieces while:

Learning foundational metalsmithing techniques to create stamped or etched cuff bracelets.
Drawing knowledge and inspiration from historical and contemporary metal artists
Exploring soldering basics to create stacking rings.

WEEK 3: SCULPTURE

JUNE 29 - JULY 3

Join us for a fun and creative journey into the world of three-dimensional art! Guided by an experienced instructor, teen campers will explore a variety of materials and techniques to create unique sculptures that shape and showcase their personal artistic expressions.

Teen campers will:

Create works of art using materials such as wire, papier-mâché, modeling clay, cardboard, metal, and styrofoam
Learn additive, subtractive, and assemblage techniques to bring creative visions to life
Draw inspiration from historical and contemporary sculptors who explore themes of culture, identity, and self-expression to create their own sculpture

WEEK 4: DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION & ANIMATION

JULY 6 - JULY 10

Using iPads and Procreate, teens will learn the fundamentals of digital illustration. Held in A2AC’s fully equipped ArtLab studio, campers will develop essential digital skills that bring their artistic visions to life. From mastering brush techniques to layering and blending, teens will develop essential digital skills that bring their artistic visions to life.

Teen campers will:

Create zoom art, an image that zooms out or in to create entirely new images.
Produce a collaborative stop-motion animation
Design unique character illustrations using Procreate tools and techniques

WEEK 5: PRINTMAKING

JULY 13 - JULY 17

Unleash your creativity in this hands-on, week-long printmaking camp where you’ll learn the fundamentals of multiple printmaking techniques! From carving and inking relief prints, to exploring the intricate world of intaglio, and the playful process of using gelli plates, you'll discover how to turn your designs into striking, tangible works of art. Through guided projects and personalized instruction, you'll build a strong foundation in these versatile methods and develop your own unique artistic voice. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this camp will give you the skills and confidence to create dynamic prints and discover the endless possibilities of this expressive medium. Campers will:

Explore relief printmaking by carving linoleum blocks
Investigate intaglio printmaking using drypoint techniques
Learn more about screen printing with hands-on techniques

WEEK 6: JEWELRY & METALSMITHING

JULY 20 - JULY 24

Due to popular demand, we added a second session! Discover the art of jewelry design and metalsmithing! Held in A2AC’s fully equipped jewelry studio, this camp introduces essential techniques such as cutting, forming, texturing, stone setting, and torch soldering. Led by an experienced instructor, participants will enjoy hands-on demonstrations, personalized feedback, and expert guidance to confidently and safely create works of art with metal

Teen campers will design and craft their own unique jewelry and metalwork pieces while:

Learning foundational metalsmithing techniques to create textured pendants and keychains
Drawing knowledge and inspiration from historical and contemporary metal artists
Exploring torch-firing to create small enamel charms

WEEK 7: PORTRAIT & FIGURE DRAWING

JULY 27 - JULY 31

Portraits and figure studies have been a cornerstone of visual art for centuries, offering endless ways to convey human emotion, identity, and narratives. In this exciting camp, teen artists will draw from clothed figure models and photographic references to develop observational skills, technical abilities, and their own creative voices. Led by an experienced instructor and artist with expertise in figure drawing, participants will receive personalized guidance that will advance skills, build confidence, and assist in bringing creative visions to life!

Teen campers will:

Experiment with a variety of drawing materials such as charcoal, graphite, pastels, ink, and colored pencils
Observe proportions of the human face and body, and learn methods of how to capture emotion and posture in a work of art
Create a self-portrait that expresses their unique identity and creative voice

WEEK 8: ZINES & COMICS

AUGUST 3 - AUGUST 7

Zines and comics are powerful tools for self-expression, storytelling, and sharing ideas. In this three-day camp, teens will explore the world of visual narratives, discovering how to create unique, hand-crafted zines and comics that reflect their personal style, voice, and ideas. This camp is perfect for teens who love to draw, write, or simply have something to say! Campers will leave with finished zines and comics, new skills in visual storytelling, and tools to continue sharing their unique perspectives.

Teen campers will:

Experiment with materials such as pens, markers, collage, and mixed media to create zines and comics
Create an 8-page zine folded from a single sheet of paper
Trade zines and comics with peers in a collaborative, community building exchange

WEEK 9: LANDSCAPE & URBAN SKETCHING

AUGUST 10 - AUGUST 14

Explore downtown Ann Arbor like never before, turning real-life sights into personal works of art! This camp combines outdoor plein air sketching in the vibrant area of downtown Ann Arbor with focused studio practice in A2AC’s inspiring Main Gallery. Teen campers will learn essential techniques for capturing the beauty of our surrounding landscapes and urban environments through observational skills and creative expression. Led by an experienced instructor with a BFA and background in interior design and urban planning, this camp offers specialized insight into the art of rendering both urban and natural landscapes.

‘Inspiring opportunity to grow as an artist while connecting with the world around you’

Teen campers will:

Explore the fundamentals of plein air sketching within the downtown blocks surrounding the A2AC
Apply knowledge of atmospheric perspective to create depth and realism in a landscape drawing
Utilize perspective techniques to draw both cityscapes and natural landscapes

WEEK 10: PAINTING

AUGUST 17 - AUGUST 21

Dive into the world of color, light, and texture in this immersive painting camp! This camp invites teens to gain foundational understanding of painting while experimenting with vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and expressive techniques. From bold acrylics, to delicate watercolors, and versatile water-based oils, young artists will learn how each medium can unlock new creative possibilities. With a focus on painting techniques, color theory, and the interplay of light and shadow, this camp will help young artists develop a deeper understanding of how to utilize these tools to express their own, unique creativity.

Teen campers will:

Apply knowledge of color theory and color mixing to create harmonious color palettes
Explore different techniques add depth and texture
Combine realistic painting techniques with imaginative elements to create a surrealist painting

FAQ

What days and times do the camps run?

We offer full-day camps. All camps run from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

What times are drop-off and pick-up?

Morning drop-off is from 8:40am - 9:00am.

Afternoon pick-up is from 4:00pm - 4:20pm.

Can teens have the option to walk, bike, and sign themself into camp?

Yes. The Medical/Release Form will list an option whereby you may give permission for your teen to arrive and sign themself into camp independently. Teens may not sign themselves out of camp until 4:00pm.

Parents will also have the option of selecting to be responsible for signing their teen in and out of camp.

What do the teens need to bring to camp?

Wear old clothes & old shoes that can get dirty. Many art materials do not wash out of clothes.
Shoes must be closed-toed. No flip-flops, sandals, etc.
A labeled water bottle with their name clearly marked.
The A2AC requests that all packed lunches be nut-free. Please note that microwave and refrigerator facilities are not available.
Teens may bring 1-2 snacks, but are not required to.
Sunscreen in the event class goes outside for an activity. Sunscreen application is encouraged before arriving to camp.

When will I receive an e-mail containing the Teen Art Camps Handbook and Medical Form?

Families will be sent an e-mail containing the Teen Art Camps Handbook and the Teen Art Camps Medical Form 3 weeks before the start of the camp week.

If your teen is enrolled in multiple camp weeks, you will receive an email for each week they are attending. Please review each email carefully, as it may contain essential information tailored to that specific camp week.

Notes:

Only one medical form is required per participant, which we will retain on file throughout the summer. There's no need to complete additional forms for subsequent weeks of camp.

How big are the camp groups?

Each camp week can accommodate a 7:1 or lower camp-to-staff ratio.

*Please note: we do not make exceptions to the minimum age required to be in a given group.

When is the lunch time? Does my child need to bring a lunch?

Lunchtime is from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Teens will need to bring a nut-free/peanut-free lunch. No refrigerator or microwave is available.

Teens are welcome to bring 1-2 snacks if they would like, but it is not required.

Do teens go outside at all during the day?

Teens do not go to the nearby Montessori School Play Yard, like our Youth Art Camp does. The instructor will provide short breaks during the day. Per the instructor, teens may occasionally take a break to view artwork in the Gallery Shop, Spotlight Gallery, Exhibitions Gallery, or Aquarium Gallery.

At the discretion of the Camp Director and Instructor, teens may also engage in outdoor activities within the nearby area.