At 068 Magazine, we’re deeply connected to the local art scene. Owner Dee Dee Colabella, an artist herself, strongly believes that art is essential to living a fulfilling life. No matter your age, it’s never too early – or too late – to try your hand at creating something. Our local art camps offer many diverse opportunities to help your child discover their creative potential.
Pop Art! kids: A Creative Exploration for the Littlest Artists
With locations in Wilton and Ridgefield, pop art! kids created a new category of art camps that caters to the very youngest creatives. In a child-led environment of sensory play, founder Rosie Voulgaris made a truly unique offering where children 18 months to 5 five years old can explore their artistic side through messy, imaginative, independent play, and caregivers have as much fun as the kids.
“pop art! kids is exactly what your toddler’s first art class should look like,” says Voulgaris. “We focus on the joy of creating instead of the finished product, and allow your little artist to attend their first summer camp alongside their caregiver so they can share these messy moments together.”
pop art! kids runs six-week camps that meet once a week throughout June and July (Wilton and Ridgefield locations) and themed camps two days a week in July and August (Wilton location). Campers of all abilities will explore seven unique activity stations – dry, messy, homemade playdough, action art, light table, anything but a paintbrush, and peek-a-boo easel – and leave with a masterpiece.
RPAC Art Center: Explore the Arts Your Own Way
RPAC Art Center and Academy, now in its vibrant new location at 410 Main Street, is offering an exciting array of summer camps to ignite the creative spirit in young artists ages 10-18.
Each camp session lasts one week, with three-hour classes held both in the morning and afternoon. The experience is built around RPAC’s signature approach – personalized instruction that caters to each student’s goals, interests, and pace. This allows campers to explore the arts while developing their unique style and honing their craft.
“Our summer sessions are the perfect opportunity for young artists to explore their creativity, guided by amazing instructors,” says Dee Dee Colabella, owner of RPAC.
From mastering painting techniques to diving into storyboarding and mixed media, the camp curriculum offers a rich variety of artistic exploration. And for campers who may not be as interested in the theme of the week, there’s no need to worry. “We also offer instructor-led studio art sessions, where students can explore their own creative direction, making the experience even more flexible,” adds Colabella.
With only six spots available per session, each camper will receive the individual attention and guidance they need to truly thrive.
The Art Spot: Celebrating 30 Years of Camp, Creativity, and Care
At The Art Spot Art Camp, imagination meets inspiration meets classical training!
For more than 30 years, its week-long, half- or full-day camps have been a favorite spot for campers of all ages to explore art, hone current skills, and experience something new. Camp options cover a wide range of artistic mediums, from painting and drawing to printmaking, fashion design, and manga, to leatherworking and handcrafts – all in a fun and supportive environment.
“We offer summer camp as it should be – fun and exciting with a chance to learn something new, play, and make friends,” says owner Joanne Hunter, “We believe in teaching fine art classical practices and basic rules while encouraging campers to veer away from art rules and create their own style.”
Paint, Draw & More at the Georgetown School of the Arts: An Artist-Driven Educational Space Open to All
Since 1999, Paint, Draw & More has been offering dynamic and enriching art camps for children across Fairfield County. Drawing on founder/owner Susan Jackson’s three decades of experience teaching art, the camp is designed to inspire and empower young artists. “There’s no such thing as bad art,” says Jackson. “We focus on problem-solving through fun, play, and exploration.”
With a diverse lineup of offerings taught by local artists, the camp encourages students to explore their creativity while developing essential technical skills and building self-esteem. Camps are held in towns across the county, as well as in the Georgetown studio. There’s something for everyone, including drawing, sculpture, puppet making, cartooning, collage, printmaking, and fiber arts. Campers may work on individual and group projects – and there are plenty of outdoor activities, too, that bring nature into their art. •
