June 16 – August 14, 2025
Give your budding young artist a summer of creative exploration at the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center’s 2025 Summer Art Camps! Designed for children and teens ages 5–14, our camps, held in the Torggler’s state-of-the-art building, offer unique, hands-on art experiences led by experienced art educators. Campers will explore an exciting variety of art media, techniques, and processes through classes in ceramics, painting, and drawing as well as digital art and photography, Procreate, and even 3D Printing!
Camp Schedule:Morning Camps: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PMAfternoon Camps: Monday–Thursday, 1:00 PM–4:00 PMNote: There will be no camp from June 30 – July 3, 2025.Lunch Break:Campers attending both morning and afternoon sessions will be supervised by camp staff during their lunchbreak. Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire your child’s creativity this summer!Cost:$160 per camp (four classes) including a tee shirt and all supplies.Optional aftercare is available for an additional $25 per week.Membership Perks:Become a Patron of the Arts to enjoy priority registration and a discounted rate on all camps.
Course Offerings
3D Art Creations!
Description
Let's make some cool 3D art! We'll explore different ways to build sculptures, including freestanding and hanging works, and even mobiles that move! We'll learn fun techniques and use a variety of materials to create amazing art you can take home.
Details
- Age: 5 - 7
- Dates: Monday, August 11 - Thursday, August 14
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Rachel Lehner graduated from Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, WV, with a BA in K-12 art education. She is currently retired, having taught art at Hampton City Public Schools for the past 32 years.
A Smashing Good Time: Paper Mache Pinatas
Description
Let's make some piñatas! This camp is all about creating colorful and exciting piñatas from start to finish. We'll make animal piñatas, monster piñatas, star piñatas, and even design our own unique creations! We'll build the shapes, layer on the paper mache, decorate them with bright colors, and see what surprises we can put inside!Details
- Age: 8-10
- Dates: Monday, August 11 - Thursday, August 14
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Maria Carter holds a BA in art education and a BFA in 3D-design from Old Dominion University. She has taught art to all grade levels from Pre-K through 12th grade. Currently, Maria is an art educator in York County Public Schools where she teaches ceramics, 3D-design and AP 3-D design portfolio. Outside of the classroom, Maria cherishes time with her family and friends.Adventures in Acrylic
Description
This camp is perfect for kids who love to paint and experiment. Step-by-step lessons covering the basics of acrylic painting, including mixing colors, brush techniques, layering, and interesting effects will be covered. Get ready to make some beautiful artwork!
Details
- Age: 8-10
- Dates: Monday, July 21 - Thursday, July 24
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Erin Akamine brings 16 years of art education experience to her work, including 14 years teaching elementary and two years at the high school level. Her BFA in art education from VCU, combined with her upbringing as a "military kid" living in numerous locations, has deeply shaped her artistic perspective. Painting is her passion, and she shares her home with her husband, stepson, two dogs, and three cats.
Bound to Create!
Description
Tell your story through art and the written word! This camp focuses on bookmaking as a means of self-expression. Using watercolor and mixed media, campers will learn to create unique handmade books that showcase their watercolor paintings, personal narratives, poetry, or any other form of visual and written expression. Campers will learn to create covers, pamphlet stitch, and collages, while exploring watercolor washes, layering, wet-on-wet, and dry-brush techniques.
Details
- Age: 8-10
- Dates: Monday, July 14 - Thursday, July 17
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Jill Candusso currently teaches ceramics at two York County schools. She has a passion for painting, and taught drawing, sculpture and painting for many years at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center.
Ceramic Ocarinas
Description
Explore the art of hand-building ceramic instruments! This camp guides participants through the process of creating ocarinas from clay. We’ll cover everything from basic construction techniques to tuning and sound design. Learn to shape, refine, and personalize your own playable instrument.
Details
- Age: 11 - 14
- Dates: Monday, August 4 - Thursday, August 7
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Kayla Gaddy, a 2025 CNU graduate with a BA in fine arts, is passionate about fostering a love of art in others. Her experience teaching children's classes and assisting adult programs at the Torggler has honed her ability to create fun, exciting, and educational learning environments.
Clay Adventures
Description
From mud to masterpiece! Campers will transform clay into amazing containers using rolling, pinching, and decorating techniques. Their unique ceramic creations will be glazed and fired, ready to be taken home and enjoyed for years to come.
Details
- Age: 5 - 7
- Dates: Monday, July 14 - Thursday, July 17
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Maria Carter holds a BA in art education and a BFA in 3D-design from Old Dominion University. She has taught art to all grade levels from Pre-K through 12th grade. Currently, Maria is an art educator in York County Public Schools where she teaches ceramics, 3D-design and AP 3-D design portfolio. Outside of the classroom, Maria cherishes time with her family and friends.Clay Copycats!
Description
Master the art of ceramic replication! This camp teaches teens hand-building techniques to create realistic clay versions of existing objects. Learn to analyze form, create accurate measurements, and meticulously recreate details, from the curves of a soda can to the textures of a shoe.
*Please note: We require a week to fire all works, so your camper’s creations must be picked up following the class. Specific instructions for doing so will be provided.
Details
- Age: 11 - 14
- Dates: Monday, July 14 - Thursday, July 17
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Matthew Mulvihill is a CNU Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program alumnus ’20, and currently teaches art at Warhill High School in Williamsburg, specializing in ceramics, graphic design, 3D art, and digital photography.Comic Crafters: Procreate Your Story
Description
Ready to make some comics? This camp is all about bringing your comic book ideas to life using the Procreate app on classroom-provided iPads. Learn to draw characters, design panels, and add all the finishing touches to create mini-comics that pop! We'll cover sketching, inking, coloring, lettering, panel layout, storytelling techniques, and using Procreate's brushes, layers, and other features.
Details
- Age: 11 - 14
- Dates: Monday, August 11 - Thursday, August 14
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Kayla Gaddy, a 2025 CNU graduate with a BA in fine arts, is passionate about fostering a love of art in others. Her experience teaching children's classes and assisting adult programs at the Torggler has honed her ability to create fun, exciting, and educational learning environments.
Creative Constructions
Description
Let's build in 3D! This camp invites kids to explore the exciting world of sculpture. We'll create freestanding objects, design reliefs that pop out from surfaces, build mobiles that dance in the air, and construct unique assemblages. A wide range of materials will be used to bring campers’ creative visions to life.
Details
- Age: 8-10
- Dates: Monday, August 4 - Thursday, August 7
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Rachel Lehner graduated from Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, WV, with a BA in K-12 art education. She is currently retired, having taught art at Hampton City Public Schools for the past 32 years.
Digital Photography: Capture and Create
Description
Explore the artistic possibilities of digital photography! This camp blends technical instruction with creative exploration, teaching participants how to use digital cameras and free online editing software to express their unique artistic vision. Students will take their work home on a flash drive to edit further or print.
Digital cameras are provided for use during the camp.
Details
- Age: 11 - 14
- Dates: Monday, August 4 - Thursday, August 7
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Sheila Scotti has taught painting in Newport New Public Schools for 13 years, and currently teaches at Warwick High School.
Feathered and Finned: Sculptural Wall Art
Description
Design and build a unique piece of art for your space! This camp gives you the tools to transform paper-based materials into textured fish or bird sculptures. Learn how to build an armature, manipulate paper to create texture, and finish your piece with acrylic painting to create a personalized wall hanging. Will your creation swim or fly across your room?
Details
- Age: 11 - 14
- Dates: Monday, August 11 - Thursday, August 14
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
TBA
Fiber Fun!
Description
Let's explore the wonderful world of fibers! This camp is all about creating fun and colorful projects using yarn and felt. We'll learn how to weave, wrap, sew, and more! Campers will go home with a variety of projects!
Details
- Age: 8-10
- Dates: Monday, July 21 - Thursday, July 24
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Debbie Moore has lived in Newport News for the past 48 years. She has worked in several different art mediums, sewing, quilting, painting, clay, wool and yarn for over 50 years. Debbie has taught quilting classes and crochet classes. She finds crocheting to be very relaxing.Global Threads: Exploring Cultural Weaving
Description
Discover the world's stories through weaving! This camp explores diverse cultural weaving traditions, teaching participants the techniques and cultural significance behind these unique art forms. Create woven masterpieces inspired by global traditions.
Details
- Age: 11 - 14
- Dates: Monday, July 21 - Thursday, July 24
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Rachel Lehner graduated from Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, WV, with a BA in K-12 art education. She is currently retired, having taught art at Hampton City Public Schools for the past 32 years.
Glue, Batik and Beyond!
Description
Ready for a colorful art adventure? We'll explore the exciting world of glue and batik painting! From creating stained glass-like designs to painting them in vibrant colors, we'll have lots of fun making unique and textured artwork.
Details
- Age: 5 - 7
- Dates: Monday, July 21 - Thursday, July 24
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Dakota Van Houten is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in art education. She has about 9 years of experience working with K-12 students and currently teaches art foundations and drawing at Warhill High School. Her creative special interests include observational drawing and painting as well as textile art.
Hats Off!
Description
Hats, hats, and more hats! Get ready for a week of creative hatmaking! We'll be diving into a treasure trove of materials – colorful paper, sparkling glitter, fluffy feathers, yarn, fabric scraps, buttons, and more. Imagine crafting a majestic crown fit for a king or queen, a pointy wizard hat brimming with magic, a festive birthday hat bursting with color, or even a crazy animal hat that's sure to make everyone smile. It's a hat-making party you won't want to miss!
Details
- Age: 5 - 7
- Dates: Monday, August 4 - Thursday, August 7
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
TBA
Watercolor Worlds
Description
Get ready to paint your own magical worlds! In this exciting camp, young artists will explore the wonders of watercolor painting through the creation of imaginative scenes. We'll learn how to mix colors, create beautiful washes, and paint fantastical landscapes, whimsical creatures, and underwater adventures.
Details
- Age: 8-10
- Dates: Monday, July 14 - Thursday, July 17
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Alexis Walker graduated from the Governor’s School for the Arts and is currently an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech, majoring in graphic design and minoring in advertising and marketing. Alexis enjoys sharing her passion for the fine arts with kids!Wheel-Thrown Luminaries
Description
Create glowing works of art! This camp teaches participants the basics of wheel throwing, focusing on crafting beautiful and functional luminaries. Learn to shape clay, create intricate cutouts, and bring your creations to life with light.
*Please note: We require a week to fire all works, so your camper’s creations must be picked up following the class. Specific instructions for doing so will be provided.
Details
- Age: 11 - 14
- Dates: Monday, July 14 - Thursday, July 17
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Matthew Mulvihill is a CNU Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program alumnus ’20, and currently teaches art at Warhill High School in Williamsburg, specializing in ceramics, graphic design, 3D art, and digital photography.Sweet Art!
Description
Get ready for a feast for the eyes! In this camp, we'll transform delectable desserts into dazzling works of art. Campers will sketch cakes, cookies, donuts, and pies, then use a variety of mediums – clay, plaster, watercolor, gouache, collage, and mixed media – to create their sweet masterpieces. We'll also take inspiration from the delightful art of Wayne Thiebaud and Eric Carle.
Details
- Age: 5 - 7
- Dates: Monday, July 21 - Thursday, July 24
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Elizabeth Bahl-Moore teaches at Lafayette High School in Williamsburg and has 15 years' experience teaching levels K-12. She specializes in printmaking and mixed media art.
Print Your Story: Printmaking Exploration
Description
Develop your printmaking skills and create a portfolio of unique prints! This camp offers instruction in various accessible printmaking methods, focusing on creating editions and exploring different printing surfaces. Mini 3D-printed etching press prints, eraser prints, and gelli prints will be explored.
Details
- Age: 11 - 14
- Dates: Monday, July 21 - Thursday, July 24
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Kayla Gaddy, a 2025 CNU graduate with a BA in fine arts, is passionate about fostering a love of art in others. Her experience teaching children's classes and assisting adult programs at the Torggler has honed her ability to create fun, exciting, and educational learning environments.
I Need My Monster
Description
Let your imagination run wild and create your own monster masterpiece! This camp combines drawing, design, and three-dimensional construction using recycled materials. Inspired by the children’s book I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll, you'll learn new artistic skills and create a unique creature to take home.
Details
- Age: 5 - 7
- Dates: Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Elizabeth Bahl-Moore teaches at Lafayette High School in Williamsburg and has 15 years' experience teaching levels K-12. She specializes in printmaking and mixed media art.
Making Masterpieces!
Description
Peek into the creative worlds of leading artists and discover the techniques behind their masterpieces. It's YOUR turn to be the artist!
Paint your very own life-sized, dancing figure, just like Keith Haring, using your own body as a guide! Create swirly, colorful watercolors like Wassily Kandinsky while listening to fun music. Discover Faith Ringgold's amazing story quilts and then make your own using cool papers and mixed media. Sculpt your very own shiny balloon dog out of squishy foam clay, inspired by Jeff Koons.
Details
- Age: 5 - 7
- Dates: Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Alexis Walker graduated from the Governor’s School for the Arts and is currently an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech, majoring in graphic design and minoring in advertising and marketing. Alexis enjoys sharing her passion for the fine arts with kids!Pop-Up Books
Description
Want to make your stories even more exciting? In this camp, we will cut, fold, and create amazing pop-up books! We'll learn different techniques to make our stories jump off the page to create 3D adventures! Tell stories and bring them to life in this fun-filled camp.
Details
- Age: 8-10
- Dates: Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Alexis Walker graduated from the Governor’s School for the Arts and is currently an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech, majoring in graphic design and minoring in advertising and marketing. Alexis enjoys sharing her passion for the fine arts with kids!Portraits in Acrylics
Description
Let's explore the art of portrait painting! This camp is all about learning how to paint faces with acrylics. We'll learn about proportions, mixing paint, and capturing personalities on canvas. We'll create realistic and stylized portraits, along with abstract interpretations of faces! Get ready to paint some awesome portraits!
Details
- Age: 8-10
- Dates: Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Erin Akamine brings 16 years of art education experience to her work, including 14 years teaching elementary and two years at the high school level. Her BFA in art education from VCU, combined with her upbringing as a "military kid" living in numerous locations, has deeply shaped her artistic perspective. Painting is her passion, and she shares her home with her husband, stepson, two dogs, and three cats.
The Mindful Muse
Description
Slow down, breathe, and create. Our mindful art camp is all about the journey, not the destination. We'll explore the calming power of art through a variety of techniques, focusing on the present moment and the joy of creative expression.
Details
- Age: 11 - 14
- Dates: Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Joanna Lucky graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2023 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Studio Art with a concentration in Photography and Video Art. Currently, she is pursuing a graduate degree at William and Mary. Her favorite medium is photography. She also enjoys painting, collage, and other mediums. She's always excited to share her passion for art with children and others.Light and Lens: The Art of DSLR Photography
Description
Explore the artistry of digital photography! This camp blends technical instruction with creative exploration, teaching participants how to use digital cameras and lighting to express their unique artistic vision. From understanding the mechanics of the camera to manipulating light and shadow, you'll learn to create photographs that are both technically sound and visually compelling.
Digital cameras are provided for use during the camp.
Details
- Age: 11 - 14
- Dates: Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Sheila Scotti has taught painting in Newport New Public Schools for 13 years, and currently teaches at Warwick High School.
Let’s Go on a Camping Trip!
Description
Pack your creativity for an art camp adventure under the stars! We'll light our lanterns, search for fireflies, create tie-dyed bandanas, earn some badges, and air-dry clay nature prints. We will read stories, make camp necklaces, and play games. Maybe the stars will even join the fun!
Details
- Age: 5 - 7
- Dates: Monday, August 4 - Thursday, August 7
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Dakota Van Houten is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in art education. She has about 9 years of experience working with K-12 students and currently teaches art foundations and drawing at Warhill High School. Her creative special interests include observational drawing and painting as well as textile art.
Mixed Media Landscapes
Description
Bring nature to life through art! This camp empowers you to capture the beauty of nature through art. Learn techniques to paint skies, build mountains, and create unique details using paints, pastels, collages, and other exciting mediums.
Details
- Age: 8-10
- Dates: Monday, August 4 - Thursday, August 7
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Alexis Walker graduated from the Governor’s School for the Arts and is currently an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech, majoring in graphic design and minoring in advertising and marketing. Alexis enjoys sharing her passion for the fine arts with kids!Painting Styles
Description
Students will learn about and apply different painting styles and techniques as they mimic the styles and subjects of famous artists. Students will use a variety of materials to interpret each artist’s style.
Details
- Age: 5 - 7
- Dates: Monday, August 11 - Thursday, August 14
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Rachel Lehner graduated from Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, WV, with a BA in K-12 art education. She is currently retired, having taught art at Hampton City Public Schools for the past 32 years.
Piece by Piece! Mosaics Masterpieces
Description
This camp empowers kids to create unique and beautiful mosaic art. They'll learn to design, cut, and arrange a variety of materials, developing their artistic skills while exploring the fascinating history of mosaics.
Details
- Age: 8-10
- Dates: Monday, August 11 - Thursday, August 14
- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Maria Carter holds a BA in art education and a BFA in 3D-design from Old Dominion University. She has taught art to all grade levels from Pre-K through 12th grade. Currently, Maria is an art educator in York County Public Schools where she teaches ceramics, 3D-design and AP 3-D design portfolio. Outside of the classroom, Maria cherishes time with her family and friends.Surf and Turf Clay
Description
Explore the wonders of Surf & Turf with clay! We'll make ocean animals like starfish, fish, and maybe even a friendly shark, then head to the farm to sculpt cows, pigs, and other farmyard friends. Get ready for some messy, creative fun!
*Please note: We require a week to fire all works, so your camper’s creations must be picked up following the class. Specific instructions for doing so will be provided.
Details
- Age: 5 - 7
- Dates: Monday, July 14 - Thursday, July 17
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: $160.00
Instructors
Maria Carter holds a BA in art education and a BFA in 3D-design from Old Dominion University. She has taught art to all grade levels from Pre-K through 12th grade. Currently, Maria is an art educator in York County Public Schools where she teaches ceramics, 3D-design and AP 3-D design portfolio. Outside of the classroom, Maria cherishes time with her family and friends.If you have any questions about classes and workshops, please contact Joan Dobson at (757) 594-0800.
All registered participants will receive more information and instructions by email prior to the start of class. We look forward to seeing you at the Torggler very soon!
Important Policies
Wait List
Classes that are full will have a waiting list. You can sign up for the waiting list for a specific class by calling (757) 594-0800.
Cancellation Policy
Unless otherwise stated during the registration process, you must cancel your class reservation at least 14 days in advance to receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations received at least seven days before the start of class will receive a 50% refund minus a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than seven days before the start of class are not eligible for a refund. To request a refund, please call the Torggler at (757) 594-0800.
Please note that the cancellation policy may vary for certain workshops. In this case, the cancellation policy will be provided during the registration process.