Ignite your imagination this summer at Annisquam Arts! Seven weeklong workshops reveal the diverse traditions of art around the world. This Cape Ann summer studio is the perfect setting for your child to express and explore their creativity.
Developed by artist and educator Dawn Southworth, Annisquam Arts tips off its 29th season by offering a variety of workshops for young artists. Conducted at Dawn’s open and professional home studio on Goose Cove, we have easy access to Gloucester’s cultural center and Cape Ann’s most scenic spots. The entire program runs for seven weeks, June 19- August 3, 2023 with new courses each week.
Young Artists’ Summer Studio Workshops run Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm for ages 6-14. We’ll have a blast engaging with a wide range of materials and artistic techniques in a multi-sensory studio environment. Small class sizes and individual instruction allow for all levels of ability to be nurtured. All classes are led by Dawn.
Summer Studio Workshops
Young Artists Summer Studio Morning Workshops run Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. We will have fun engaging with a wide range of artistic disciplines and materials in a multi-sensory studio environment. Limited class size and individual instruction nurture all levels of ability between the ages of 6 and 14.
Week 1: and Shapes: Cape Ann's Treasures
Monday, June 19 to Thursday, June 22; 9 AM - 1 PM $275
With sketchbooks in hand, we’ll make daily excursions to some of the area’s most iconic spots. Hop aboard a boat shuttle in Gloucester harbor; explore the galleries and studios of the Rocky Neck Art Colony; and follow the same scenic paths as legendary Cape Ann artists Winslow Homer, Nelle Blaine, Stuart Davis, Edward Hopper, and Marsden Hartley. Walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are encouraged this week––as well as an appetite for ice cream!*
There is an additional $20.00 museum and boat shuttle fee for this week per student
Week 2: Book Bonanza
June 26 to Thursday, June 29; 9 AM - 1PM $275*
New book designs this year
Do you keep a diary? Do you record your dreams? Do you write notes to your friends and family? Do you sketch and doodle or write stories? This week, students will construct their very own ornate books from cover to cover! Students will learn the art of traditional binding while experimenting to add their unique touches. We’ll use our imaginations to incorporate painting, printing, drawing, and collage techniques to make our books really pop with personality.
Week 3:Caribbean Cool
Monday, July 3 to Friday, July 7; 9 AM - 1PM $275
This week, we will conjure up the legends and folklore of Caribbean culture by exploring this rich artistic culture. The works of Carlos Estevez, Frida Kahlo, and Rufino Tamayo will spark our imaginations as we delve into the vivid color palette and exotic scenery of the Caribbean Sea. Artists in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, the Islands and Mexico use found objects, so we will follow in their footsteps, making art with sea glass, shells and driftwood! As we investigate traditional art materials, we will create still-life paintings on canvas and try our hand at mosaics.*
Note: This week's classes take place on Mon, Wed, Thurs. and Fri. NO CLASS ON TUES, JULY 4TH
Week 4:Twisted Textiles
Monday, July 10 to Thursday, July 13; 9 AM - 1PM$275
This week, color and whimsy will turn the studio into a magical factory laboratory. We’ll experiment with an array of textile-art techniques and be inspired by the local Folly Cove Designers, the quilters of Gee’s Bend and whimsical fabric paintings by Faith Ringgold. Paint your own dazzling ornate silk scarf, sew a cuddly stuffed animal, and embroider your own unique patterns with colorful yarn. Learn basic sewing and textile techniques, and have a fabulous time!
Week 5: Woodwork Wonders
Monday July 17 to Thursday, July 20; 9 AM - 1PM $275
*New projects for returning students
Want to build a house? Only kidding. But how about making some other amazing things from wood? Do you want to know how to use a hammer, drill, saw, and all sorts of wood tools? This week we’ll learn the basics of how things are made and construct our own objects that you can use in your home or give as a gift! You will leave the class with an appreciation of things made with wood and will have enough knowledge to create your own projects at home!
* There is an additional $20.00 fee for materials this week per student
Week 6: Global Art Passport
Monday, July 24 to Thursday, July 27; 9 AM - 1PM$275
Get your passport ready and hop on the global-art caravan express! The art we make this week will take us to distant corners of the globe. Bring dragons to life with the ancient tradition of Chinese calligraphy painting, paint Japanese koi fish, create Haitian tin art, and try your hand at ornate Indian design and Tibetan-inspired mandalas.
Week 7: Color Collision
Monday, July 31 to Thursday, August 3; 9 AM - 1PM$275
Fasten your seat belts. This week will ignite the young artist’s curiosity and imagination with a celebration of color, pattern, and rhythm. While investigating a variety of art processes including texture collage, oil cray pas resist, and chalk pastel, students will create a series of eye-popping creations. Color gurus, Henri Matisse, Paul Klee, Sonia Dulaunay, Georgia O’keeffe, and Frank Stella will be our guides along the road to creating a portfolio with kaleidoscopic intensity.
Why Annisquam Arts?
Annisquam Arts has been a summer staple in the lives of families for over 20 years. Taught and run consistently by a practicing artist and long-time educator, Annisquam Arts has seen students return summer after summer. Annisquam Arts combines the highest quality of instruction and materials with the most innovative and fun projects. Through art, Annisquam Arts build confidence and forges friendships. We approach art-making in a way that makes it accessible to every level of ability; students need not have any prior experience to participate, and are encouraged to experiment and try new things! Your child will soar creatively while making works that you'll truly want to hang on the walls of your home. Whether your child is already passionate about art or is expressing interest for the first time, Annisquam Arts is uniquely positioned to help them to find and nurture their individual visual perspective, fine-motor skills, and visual vocabulary. What does a typical day look like?
Sample Schedule*
9:00 AM Drop off at Annisquam Arts, students gather together to learn about the day's artist/thematic and associated project
9:00 AM Set up in small groups and work on their projects
10:30 AM Snack time & take a break
10:45 AM Continue working on the project, or transition to another project or activity
12:00 PM Lunch-time in or outdoors with supervised play
12:30 PM Wrap up the day's work and hang their work to dry or archive in their developing portfolio
1:00 PM Pick up*
Tuesday or Wednesday is beach day! This is weather dependent. We leave the studio at 11:00 AM and eat lunch at Lighthouse Beach. We are back at the studio by 12:45 PM*
Thursday is ice cream day! We have sweet treats at the studio after lunch.
Do the kids have breaks?
Yes, we build in two specific breaks for a snack and for lunchtime. We have enough instructors and interns that students may take breaks as frequently and for as long as they need.
Is my six-year-old too young?
Your six-year-old is definitely not too young! Projects are scaled and modified appropriately for each age and level of ability. Everyone works from the same inspiration and assignment, but the materials, tools, or techniques will be altered accordingly.
Is my 13-year-old too old?
Your 13-year-old will have a blast! Kids usually sit with their peers, so your older child will be surrounded by others in their age group. We also like to give older students the opportunity to take on leadership roles or help younger students––this creates a really harmonious environment.
Do you go swimming when you have lunch on the beach?
If the water is warm enough, students are allowed to wade in up to their waists. We have interns and instructors vigilantly on watch and with students at all times.
Will my child learn anything or is it more of a playtime?
We've heard from parents that their children created more artwork in the summer than they did all year at school. Every project stems from an established artist, movement, or technique in art history, and students will pick up on the vocabulary and concepts through hands-on, experiential learning.
In our twenty years of experience, we've learned that kids really appreciate the unique opportunity to work within a professional studio with high-quality materials––they rise to the level of sophistication of their surroundings and produce exceptional work while having fun and making friends.
All Workshops are held at Dawn’s Home Studio, along Goose Cove at 63 Bennett Street South Gloucester, MA 01930
Please send all checks and other correspondence to: Dawn Southworth 63 Bennett Street South Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 290-2107
E-Mail: dawn@annisquamarts.com
Business Review
Testimonial: My daughter Maggie (Age 8), had an amazing week at Annisquam Art Camp. She completed numerous projects and brought them home with pride. I really couldn’t believe the quality and uniqueness of each project. The theme of the week was sewing and some of the projects were a pillow, bag, and teddy bear. The owner, Dawn, is so creative and good with the kids. My daughter enjoyed everything from the art to the beach excursion to the dairy free ice cream. When I picked her up she would say, “You’re here already!” My daughter has done many art camps, ranging from small town art studios to big city art museums and this has been both of our favorites.
