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ART Camp 2026 will be awesome!
We can't wait to see you next summer!
Camps are held in SW Portland at Forest Hall on the WHUUF property. The Forest Hall room has wooden floors and tall windows that look out into a lovely forested area with access to a recognized green sanctuary. We make artwork indoors and outside in the magical, treed space. Map here.
Students are introduced to step-by-step skills in drawing, digital art, painting, printmaking, illustration and clay! Kids practice balancing their own ideas with what they've learned to make unique artwork (not crafty stuff). Small group instruction with an Art Show on Fridays.
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Highlights
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StaffSummer Camps are directed by artist and licensed Art Teacher, Ms Sascha, who has been teaching art to kids for over 20 years. She was one of three nominees for the 2021 State of Oregon Art Educator of the Year Award. All summer staff is selected and/or personally trained by Sascha. Summer 2026 camps will be overseen and co-directed by Ms. Sascha and Neo. Click here for more staff bios and pics.
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Is my camper ready?
If your child is headed to kindergarten this fall, has experienced preschool, is toileting independently, and able to follow directions safely, then they're likely ready for half-day camp (and possibly full day). K-8 grade campers who are used to going to full days of school usually enroll in full day camps, but are also welcome to attend any of the half-day camps if it fits your schedule best.
Our program requires that campers are able to follow directions, work collaboratively with others as well as independently at times. We mix up the day between focused, seated instruction and breaks with movement out in nature. We are not a sports camp or a daycare program. We want our campers to want to be at ART Camp, making art! If their behavior demonstrates they're not ready for our program in a way that takes away from their own experience or the positive experience of others, we'll let you know on Monday and assess the best resolution on a case by case basis.
Our program requires that campers are able to follow directions, work collaboratively with others as well as independently at times. We mix up the day between focused, seated instruction and breaks with movement out in nature. We are not a sports camp or a daycare program. We want our campers to want to be at ART Camp, making art! If their behavior demonstrates they're not ready for our program in a way that takes away from their own experience or the positive experience of others, we'll let you know on Monday and assess the best resolution on a case by case basis.
2026 Camp Dates
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Camp Hours
Tuition
Need financial assistance? Apply here. 
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Single Days
- Available to Artists who have attended one week of full day -or- half day camp. Sign up for one or more single days! Email or text us to register for single days.
- Single Full Day $80
- Single Half Day $40
- $10 Clay Firing/Glazing Fee is required for Artists who attend a single day during clay week (or on a Wednesday clay day during Art Exploration weeks).
2026 Camp Descriptions
Each week brings fresh inspiration, so whether you’re a returning artist or a first-timer, there’s always something new to explore. Sign up for one week or multiple themed sessions—your artistic journey awaits!
Animal Adventure
If you’re an animal lover, this is the camp for you! We’ll dive into the fascinating world of land and water-dwelling animals, discovering how they inspire art. Explore the works of talented Artists who incorporate animals into their creations, and then let your imagination soar as you craft your own colorful masterpieces!
Throughout the week, you'll gain a fun introduction to animal body proportions, color, and habitat. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for a special surprise—you might just see a guest animal or two visiting at camp!
Media this week: Pencil, ink, colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, and an air-dry clay project.
Fantasy Forest
Step into a world of imagination at this week's camp! This fantastical week is designed for Artists who are eager to explore the enchanting appeal of mythical animals, the dazzling beauty of crystals, hobbit huts, crystal castles and cryptids.
Throughout the camp, you’ll learn to draw and create your very own mythical creatures, from majestic dragons and magical unicorns to whimsical fairies and mermaids.
Artists will have a hands-on experience in various artistic techniques, including drawing, painting, and mixed media, as they bring their unique visions to life. Each day features fun activities, including storytelling sessions about mythical legends and learning about earth crystals.
Whether you’re a budding artist or returning camper, this week offers a perfect blend of creativity, exploration, and magical fun. Join us for a week of adventure and artistic discovery!
Media this week: Pencil, ink, colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, and an air-dry clay project.
Earth Clay & Sculpture
This is a new and exciting sculpture-focused week, so hold your spot quick! You’ll be immersed in nature as you sculpt with everything from earth clay to a variety of other sculpting materials. Learn basic techniques in clay to create 3-dimensional projects that will be glazed and fired. We'll also make individual and group sculptures from twigs, leaves, and other nature objects throughout the week.
Clay pick-up date will be later in the summer at our studio in Raleigh Hills. Exact date TBA (depends on the drying time and firing schedule). Families will be emailed when it's ready for pick up.
Media this week: Earth Clay, wire, tinfoil, air-dry clay, mixed media, and nature objects
Trainer’s Oasis
This is a Pokémon-inspired week! Welcome to, “Trainer's Oasis”, the ultimate week for aspiring trainers and their beloved companions! Nestled in a lush, treed landscape, this camp week offers a unique blend of adventure, art skills, and friendship.
Join us to learn how to draw your favorite characters, and then create your own! You'll have time for Pokémon battles, nature walks, and hands-on workshops that teach how to illustrate your character’s needs and their traits. Unleash your creativity in air-dry clay, where you can make your own Pokéballs and trainer gear! Bring your parent-approved cards to trade in the forest market where you can buy Pokémon packs with “camp cash” earned by showing teamwork, sportsmanship, and friendliness.
Media this week: Pencil, ink, colored pencil, watercolor, nature sculpture, and an air-dry clay project.
Manga & Comics
Join us for an exciting week where you’ll dive into the world of illustrative art through manga, comics and graphic novel illustration. Whether you’re a returning artist looking for a challenge or a newcomer ready to learn the fundamentals, this camp has something for everyone. Grab your imagination and get ready to create!
This camp is all about bringing your characters to life and creating visual short stories. You’ll explore the unique styles of American and Japanese comics and learn cool techniques to create your own characters and stories. From character design and proportions to shading and dynamic comic covers, you’ll get hands-on experience in comic creation!
Media this week: drawing in pencil, copic marker, ink, posca markers, and some watercolor.
*Although not required, this week complements the Dynamic Digital week, where you can bring your characters from this week to life through digital art coloring and animation!
Woodland Pottery & Nature Sculpture
This is our fastest filling camp, so don’t miss your chance to join us in the enchanting woodland! Immerse yourself in the world of sculpture, clay and pottery while being surrounded by nature. Learn essential hand-sculpting techniques, including coil, slab, negative, and additive sculpture, to create 3-dimensional projects that will be glazed and fired. We'll also make individual and group sculptures from twigs, leaves, and other nature objects.
Campers will enjoy ongoing pottery demos throughout the week, and at least one hands-on experience with a pottery wheel. Get ready for a fun and immersive journey into the art of clay in the heart of the woods!
Clay pick-up date will be later in the summer at our studio in Raleigh Hills. Exact date TBA (depends on the drying time and firing schedule). Families will be emailed when it's ready for pick up.
Media this week: Earth Clay, mixed media and nature objects
Creation Station
This awesome camp is designed for kids who LOVE to roam and create. Each day campers sign up from a variety of creative stations (called, “pods”), and explore their way through the week. It’s like a ‘choose-your-own-ART-adventure’! Draw, paint and sculpt with air-dry clay in this popular camp week. Campers who have already attended this summer will feel the freedom of options and a week filled with endless creative options while having the option to also participate in small, guided workshops with our experienced staff.
Media this week: Pencil, ink, colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, and an air-dry clay project…and maybe a surprise media here and there.
Dynamic Digital Art
Join us for a week of engaging full-day camp instruction led by a passionate digital art instructor! Dive into the dynamic features of Procreate, exploring digital and animation software while tackling creative projects that will enhance your skills as a flexible thinker and digital creator.
Each day will be filled with hands-on digital practice, balanced with traditional drawing techniques. Beginners will start by sketching on paper and learning to bring their artwork to life with digital coloring, mastering layers and advancing their artistic techniques. Returning or advancing Artists will be appropriately challenged.
We’ll also incorporate plenty of social opportunities and time spent outdoors in nature to inspire your creativity. Get ready for a fun and enriching experience in the world of digital art!
Please bring your iPad and Apple pencil. Don't have one or both? We have five loaners, thanks to the Regional Arts and Culture Council! Please contact us by email if you are interested in borrowing tech equipment during the time you're with us on site.
Please plan to install Procreate on your device before your camp week begins. The cost is $12.99 in the App store. This is a full-day camp only.
Magical Pottery Studio
This half-day camp is held at our Art Studio in Raleigh Hills (about 7 minutes from WHUUF).
Get into the studio and make stuff! Spaces fill up quickly, so don’t miss your chance to join us in the studio for a week of sculpting and pottery! Camp group sizes at the air-conditioned studio is limited to just 10 young artists per camp group, and a max of just 2 groups. Learn essential hand-sculpting techniques, including coiling and slab to create 3-dimensional projects that will be glazed and fired. We'll also make individual and group sculptures for our community project. Small group instruction is a really special part of this experience. Our main floor studio can accommodate up to 10 students, so please register soon!
Clay pick-up date will be later in the summer at our studio in Raleigh Hills. Exact date TBA (depends on the drying time and firing schedule). Families will be emailed when it's ready for pick up.
Media this week: Earth clay
This is a half-day PM Camp 1:00-4:00pm
Printmaking Studio
Learn all about printmaking at our studio in Raleigh Hills! Students will be introduced to (and get to practice/try) a multitude of different types of prints! Sun prints, screen prints, and letterpress-style prints using LEGO dots! Students will work together as a group to create a camp shirt design and learn how to screen print on T-shirts. Have your camper bring a plain shirt of any color to print on, and we'll provide the rest!
Media this week: Printmaking
This is a half-day PM Camp 1:00-4:00pm
Animal Adventure
If you’re an animal lover, this is the camp for you! We’ll dive into the fascinating world of land and water-dwelling animals, discovering how they inspire art. Explore the works of talented Artists who incorporate animals into their creations, and then let your imagination soar as you craft your own colorful masterpieces!
Throughout the week, you'll gain a fun introduction to animal body proportions, color, and habitat. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for a special surprise—you might just see a guest animal or two visiting at camp!
Media this week: Pencil, ink, colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, and an air-dry clay project.
Fantasy Forest
Step into a world of imagination at this week's camp! This fantastical week is designed for Artists who are eager to explore the enchanting appeal of mythical animals, the dazzling beauty of crystals, hobbit huts, crystal castles and cryptids.
Throughout the camp, you’ll learn to draw and create your very own mythical creatures, from majestic dragons and magical unicorns to whimsical fairies and mermaids.
Artists will have a hands-on experience in various artistic techniques, including drawing, painting, and mixed media, as they bring their unique visions to life. Each day features fun activities, including storytelling sessions about mythical legends and learning about earth crystals.
Whether you’re a budding artist or returning camper, this week offers a perfect blend of creativity, exploration, and magical fun. Join us for a week of adventure and artistic discovery!
Media this week: Pencil, ink, colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, and an air-dry clay project.
Earth Clay & Sculpture
This is a new and exciting sculpture-focused week, so hold your spot quick! You’ll be immersed in nature as you sculpt with everything from earth clay to a variety of other sculpting materials. Learn basic techniques in clay to create 3-dimensional projects that will be glazed and fired. We'll also make individual and group sculptures from twigs, leaves, and other nature objects throughout the week.
Clay pick-up date will be later in the summer at our studio in Raleigh Hills. Exact date TBA (depends on the drying time and firing schedule). Families will be emailed when it's ready for pick up.
Media this week: Earth Clay, wire, tinfoil, air-dry clay, mixed media, and nature objects
Trainer’s Oasis
This is a Pokémon-inspired week! Welcome to, “Trainer's Oasis”, the ultimate week for aspiring trainers and their beloved companions! Nestled in a lush, treed landscape, this camp week offers a unique blend of adventure, art skills, and friendship.
Join us to learn how to draw your favorite characters, and then create your own! You'll have time for Pokémon battles, nature walks, and hands-on workshops that teach how to illustrate your character’s needs and their traits. Unleash your creativity in air-dry clay, where you can make your own Pokéballs and trainer gear! Bring your parent-approved cards to trade in the forest market where you can buy Pokémon packs with “camp cash” earned by showing teamwork, sportsmanship, and friendliness.
Media this week: Pencil, ink, colored pencil, watercolor, nature sculpture, and an air-dry clay project.
Manga & Comics
Join us for an exciting week where you’ll dive into the world of illustrative art through manga, comics and graphic novel illustration. Whether you’re a returning artist looking for a challenge or a newcomer ready to learn the fundamentals, this camp has something for everyone. Grab your imagination and get ready to create!
This camp is all about bringing your characters to life and creating visual short stories. You’ll explore the unique styles of American and Japanese comics and learn cool techniques to create your own characters and stories. From character design and proportions to shading and dynamic comic covers, you’ll get hands-on experience in comic creation!
Media this week: drawing in pencil, copic marker, ink, posca markers, and some watercolor.
*Although not required, this week complements the Dynamic Digital week, where you can bring your characters from this week to life through digital art coloring and animation!
Woodland Pottery & Nature Sculpture
This is our fastest filling camp, so don’t miss your chance to join us in the enchanting woodland! Immerse yourself in the world of sculpture, clay and pottery while being surrounded by nature. Learn essential hand-sculpting techniques, including coil, slab, negative, and additive sculpture, to create 3-dimensional projects that will be glazed and fired. We'll also make individual and group sculptures from twigs, leaves, and other nature objects.
Campers will enjoy ongoing pottery demos throughout the week, and at least one hands-on experience with a pottery wheel. Get ready for a fun and immersive journey into the art of clay in the heart of the woods!
Clay pick-up date will be later in the summer at our studio in Raleigh Hills. Exact date TBA (depends on the drying time and firing schedule). Families will be emailed when it's ready for pick up.
Media this week: Earth Clay, mixed media and nature objects
Creation Station
This awesome camp is designed for kids who LOVE to roam and create. Each day campers sign up from a variety of creative stations (called, “pods”), and explore their way through the week. It’s like a ‘choose-your-own-ART-adventure’! Draw, paint and sculpt with air-dry clay in this popular camp week. Campers who have already attended this summer will feel the freedom of options and a week filled with endless creative options while having the option to also participate in small, guided workshops with our experienced staff.
Media this week: Pencil, ink, colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, and an air-dry clay project…and maybe a surprise media here and there.
Dynamic Digital Art
Join us for a week of engaging full-day camp instruction led by a passionate digital art instructor! Dive into the dynamic features of Procreate, exploring digital and animation software while tackling creative projects that will enhance your skills as a flexible thinker and digital creator.
Each day will be filled with hands-on digital practice, balanced with traditional drawing techniques. Beginners will start by sketching on paper and learning to bring their artwork to life with digital coloring, mastering layers and advancing their artistic techniques. Returning or advancing Artists will be appropriately challenged.
We’ll also incorporate plenty of social opportunities and time spent outdoors in nature to inspire your creativity. Get ready for a fun and enriching experience in the world of digital art!
Please bring your iPad and Apple pencil. Don't have one or both? We have five loaners, thanks to the Regional Arts and Culture Council! Please contact us by email if you are interested in borrowing tech equipment during the time you're with us on site.
Please plan to install Procreate on your device before your camp week begins. The cost is $12.99 in the App store. This is a full-day camp only.
Magical Pottery Studio
This half-day camp is held at our Art Studio in Raleigh Hills (about 7 minutes from WHUUF).
Get into the studio and make stuff! Spaces fill up quickly, so don’t miss your chance to join us in the studio for a week of sculpting and pottery! Camp group sizes at the air-conditioned studio is limited to just 10 young artists per camp group, and a max of just 2 groups. Learn essential hand-sculpting techniques, including coiling and slab to create 3-dimensional projects that will be glazed and fired. We'll also make individual and group sculptures for our community project. Small group instruction is a really special part of this experience. Our main floor studio can accommodate up to 10 students, so please register soon!
Clay pick-up date will be later in the summer at our studio in Raleigh Hills. Exact date TBA (depends on the drying time and firing schedule). Families will be emailed when it's ready for pick up.
Media this week: Earth clay
This is a half-day PM Camp 1:00-4:00pm
Printmaking Studio
Learn all about printmaking at our studio in Raleigh Hills! Students will be introduced to (and get to practice/try) a multitude of different types of prints! Sun prints, screen prints, and letterpress-style prints using LEGO dots! Students will work together as a group to create a camp shirt design and learn how to screen print on T-shirts. Have your camper bring a plain shirt of any color to print on, and we'll provide the rest!
Media this week: Printmaking
This is a half-day PM Camp 1:00-4:00pm
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DiscountsDiscounts may not be combined together.
Refer a friend: You AND your friends will ALL get $5 credit to use towards camps or classes when you refer someone using your unique referral code you receive after you register for camp. They can sign up using that link and you'll BOTH have $5 to use towards camp or classes. Unlimited shares! Win-Win!! Sibling Discount: First artist at regular price, second artist 10% off after April 1st. Cannot be combined with other discount/promotions. Financial Assistance: Please find an application HERE. |
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It is a policy and priority of Fine Art Starts that there is no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation in any educational programs, activities or employment.