Westmoreland Museum invites young artists back to on-site summer camps
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In-person children’s art camps are returning this summer to the Westmoreland Museum of American Art after a pandemic hiatus, with new offerings including one that can be enjoyed on the spur of the moment.
New this year, the Greensburg facility will host Drop-In Day Camps from Aug. 10-12 for children accompanied by parents, grandparents or caregivers. Participants can drop in any time from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on those days.
“We wanted to offer something for inter-generational programming, so we’re really encouraging grandparents to bring the kids, but parents and caregivers, everybody is able to come to these,” said Erica Nuckles, the museum’s director of learning, engagement and partnerships.
Each drop-in day will feature two different art activities centered on storytelling, art and imagination, which can be completed at the participant’s leisure.
Fee for each session is $12, or $10 for members, with advance registration. Fee at the door is $15. Price is per child participant; accompanying adults are free.
“The drop-in day camps provide a unique opportunity for flexible participation to fit your child’s summer schedule,” said Michael Carsone, the museum’s studio programs manager.
Another new offering, Teen Summer Art Camp: Portfolio Development, will focus on creative development and studio practice, to help teens expand their artistic horizons by working in various mediums and exploring art history.
“This is for teens who are very interested in art and in possibly putting together an art portfolio, if they’re thinking about going to art school,” Nuckles said.
Set for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 27-July 1, the camp is geared toward ages 13 to 17, who will have the opportunity to build upon their existing knowledge and interests and work within their preferred mediums.
Due to its small size, the camp will allow for specialized instruction and more individualized feedback, to help participants strengthen their skill sets and begin a portfolio appropriate for college admissions.
The cost of this camp is $130, or $110 for members. Deadline for parents to register teens is June 13.
Instructor LaKesha Silver will lead a series of Shutterbugs Photography Camps for three ages groups, with each camp meeting for six Saturday sessions between July 9 and Aug. 13.
Shutterbugs ages 5-9 will meet 10-11 a.m. and focus on architecture. These students must be accompanied by a guardian throughout each session. Fee is $60, or $45 for members.
Students ages 10-14 will meet 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for nature-themed sessions. Fee is $75, or $60 for members.
Formal and informal portrait photography is the theme for students ages 15-17, who will meet from 1-3 p.m. Fee is $75, or $60 for members.
Students must have their own digital camera or phone with a camera. Registration will be available on the museum website.
Children’s Summer Art Camp: Colorful Collisions, set for June 13-17 for ages 7-12, already is sold out.
Scholarships are available for families in need, who can complete the scholarship form available on the museum website.
“We’re really excited to try out some new things,” Nuckles said. “We have some great ideas and are hoping we’ll be reaching lots of different ages and interests this summer.
“We encourage people to sign up as soon as possible because we do limit the numbers in each class,” she added.
Summer art camps receive support from the Lulu A. Pool Trust and The Eugenia Gay Endsley Legacy.
For more information and registration, call 724-837-1500 or visit thewestmoreland.org.