Art student from youth program focusing on an art project in a classroom

Studio Series

Watkins College of Art

Youth Programs (ages 12-14)

For more experienced artists, ages 12-14, our Studio Series camps focus on specific media, projects or themes each week, introducing basic principles and elements while exploring advanced techniques for further practice. This age group also learns how to discuss their work and give and receive constructive critiques. These programs are a great way for students to take a deep dive into topics of special interest or experiment with new media! Stay up to date on announcements about this summer program by signing up for our newsletter. Registration for 2026 camps will begin on January 5.

 

Summer 2026 Programs:

hand holding a marker drawing a comic

WEEK 1 - Drawing & Illustration Camp

June 22 - June 26

This camp for ages 12–14 introduces students to the fundamentals of traditional and digital illustration. Students will explore how to bring ideas to life through expressive character design and storytelling. They’ll learn key concepts such as light, value, color, and composition to create dynamic, visually engaging illustrations. Using tools like colored pencils, pens, watercolor, and beginner-friendly digital platforms, students will experiment with layering techniques and blending styles to develop their own unique artistic voice. Throughout the week, they’ll work on projects inspired by their favorite fictional characters or original creations. Students will conclude the week by showing off their work in an exhibition with their peers. 

hand rolling ink onto a printing block

WEEK 2 - Printmaking & Mixed Media Camp

June 29 - July 2

This camp for ages 12-14 helps students improve their creative problem skills through instruction in both mixed media and printmaking. Students will spend half of their day working with multiple materials in the mixed media class to construct unique compositions layering different materials and techniques. Students will explore the use of paint, paper, fabric, found objectsand more to push their creative boundaries. Students will spend the other half of the day learning various printmaking processes, including printing with presto plates, creating monotypes, and reduction prints. Students will conclude the week by showing off their work in an exhibition with their peers.

hands holding photographs with tongs over a rinsing tray

WEEK 3 - Photography Camp

July 6 - July 10

This camp for ages 12-14 teaches students the basics of photography in both digital and darkroom formats. Students will spend half the day learning about photography in a traditional black and white dark room class. Students will learn how to develop their own film and create prints. Students will spend the other half of the day learning how to take digital photographs. Students will learn how to optimize manual camera settings as well as manipulate lighting in a traditional light studio.  

hand holding a piece of chalk pastel, working on a drawing of a succulent

WEEK 4 - Drawing & Painting Camp

July 13 - July 17

This camp for ages 12-14 teaches the basics of drawing and painting. Students will spend half the day working on observational drawing exercises to sharpen their eye for detail. Students will learn the basics of light, value, and perspective in their drawing class, as they learn to observe the natural world more closely. Students will spend the other half of their day working on painting techniques, exploring color theory, composition, and brushwork. Students will experiment with acrylics, learning how to create dynamic and expressive pieces. By the end of camp, students will have a collection of drawings and paintings that showcase their growth and creativity.   

Contact Us

Watkins College of Art

1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  (615) 460-6770

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