COOKING

Cooking Around the World

Let your taste buds be your magic carpet. Students will explore the cuisines of many international destinations. We may travel to Italy, France, England, Mexico, Japan, or China as well as visiting many Regional American cuisines.

Rainbow on My Plate

Students learn the basics of cooking as they explore the concept of five a day, the color way. Each day a new color will be explored. Orange might bring a roasted butternut squash pizza, red might bring a little of Italy with tomato bruchetta. White may bring scones, Asian rice paper wraps or cinnamon rolls. Cooking will incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables along with other foods, showing students fun new ways to add a rainbow of fruits and vegetables to their diet everyday Students learn just how delicious adventurous cooking (and eating) can be.

TOP CHEFS JR.

Cook like a chef. This class will explore classic cooking techniques with a kid's twist. Hands on preparations will include soups, sauces, salads, fruits, vegetables, breads, desserts, breakfast and a sampling of international cuisines. Each class will end with a tasting of the class creations.

VISUAL ARTS

ACRYLICS IN ACTION

Welcome to the world of acrylics! In this versatile workshop, the painter in you will learn how to create art with the acrylics medium. Use it thick like oil! Use it thin like watercolors! With a quick drying time, students will be able to show off their exciting work that much faster. We will create various art projects using acrylic paints, using all kinds of techniques, so prepare to be amazed!

CARTOONING

By starting with simple shapes, young artists can draw any type of cartoon character. A simple drawing of a balloon can instantly be turned into an alligator with just a few strokes of a pen! Students will learn that the best thing about being able to draw is that it is just plain FUN and can be done anywhere!

Ceramics

Learn to create masterpieces in clay. By using a variety of cultures as inspiration, students will learn about slab, coil and pinch technique, Students will impress clay, decorate, glaze and color ceramics. Finished pieces will be fired in a real kiln.

Collage Collection

Collages based on feelings and emotions, the environment, and artists as diverse as Vincent Van Gogh and Andy Warhol. Students will juxtapose shape and size, color and pattern, materials and texture to express themselves! Using a variety of materials such as: fabrics, construction paper, tissue paper, recycled materials, paints and pastels - every piece is sure to be a unique expression.

COMIC BOOK CLUB

The Comic Book Club is a group that gets together to make stories come alive on paper. Each session will be filled with drawing and writing of the student's own creation. The finished work is then photo copied into small editions that can be traded or given away!

DRAWING

It all starts with a line. Even the novice can learn to draw as they hone their skills by learning to see the world around them. Students in this workshop will use props for still life, go outside to draw from location, use a variety of media and engage them in various drawing games -- which are intended to teach creativity and technique. The class is never the same from one day to the next.

From Pencil to Perfection

Students will start with sketches inspired by music and mythological characters, then use paint and other materials to produce final pieces. The pieces based on music will be small, and those based on mythological characters will be large.

OPEN STUDIO

This innovative new workshop offers opportunities for the advanced, self-motivated student and also for the new artist eager to explore a variety of mediums. Open Studio provides a range of supplies so that students can continue projects that have captured their enthusiasm in other visual arts or craft workshops plus daily demonstrations and instruction in different art mediums - a new one each day. Supervision, individual attention and the chance to follow (or discover) one's own special interest.

Outside and Inside

Students will sketch of landscapes both inside and outside the campus. Terms such as perspective, texture, contrast, line and color will be discussed. The sketches will then be developed into final pieces using whatever materials the student chooses.

Passion for Painting

Welcome to the world of painting! In this versatile workshop, the painter in you will learn how to create all different kinds of art using various mediums such as watercolors, tempera, and acrylics. We will learn various techniques, so prepared to be amazed!

SCULPTURE IN 3-D

Art explodes off the page as students build sculpture from found and recycled objects. Learning to consider the values of form, texture, color and balance, students transform objects of the everyday into their own personal artistic statements.

Reflect On Yourself

Students will create self portraits done in a variety of media; chalk pastels, construction paper, watercolors and any other materials which we decide upon as a group. We will look at portraits done by recognized artists for appreciation and inspiration.

MOVEMENT AND MUSIC

BREAKING OUT: COMBO DANCE

This workshop combines the athleticism of b-boying/b-girling (breakdance) and gymnastics with the musicality of hip hop and street jazz. Be ready for a high energy class which incorporates everything from fouettes to freezes, and ballet to backspins.

EN GARDE! FENCING

Touche! In this workshop you will learn the fine art of Fencing. Beginning fencers will parrie, thrust, lunge and bout, while learning the etiquette and the strategies of this fun, safe sport. All workshops are taught by nationally ranked fencing teachers.

Found Soundz: Make Your Own Music!

Found Soundz is a fun workshop in which we make instruments out of everyday found and recycled objects. Focusing on stimulating creativity and invention, Janet arrives with a huge assortment of supplies of all sorts of everyday and totally weird items and encourages everyone to have a great time while making instruments they will later play in a drum circle. Just about anything you find around your house has its own timbre and sound quality and can make music. The combination of everyday items can create fantastical instruments - just look around your house and use your imagination!

GYMNASTICS

This workshop helps students develop a fit, sound body in the following ways: increased strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, cardio-vascular development and spacial orientation. We will focus on floor exercises and basic tumbling. Gymnastics serves as a basis for all sports.

HIP HOP DANCE

High energy is one way to describe this course! Complete with current and retro music, the students will be taught the basic stretches, warm up exercises, techniques and the full choreographed routines. Routines will be based upon popular music and/or classic songs from the years gone by. All routines feature a moment for each student to shine as well as be an interactive part in costuming and designing the routine. Some classes will also take time to explore other regions and their dances that make them unique (i.e. African Dance, Modern, and Ballroom).

Jumpin' Jazz

Come jump into jazz, a familiar dance form frequently seen on television, stage and film. This workshop explores this exhilarating dance form using popular music with an emphasis on over-all conditioning, stamina, and performing. Students will warm up, learn technique, and finish each session with a dance combination. They will learn a performance piece that will be show at the end of the session. Students will also explore their own styles of creative movement in this wonderfully nurturing and inspiring class!

Passport to Rhythm:
Beginning Hand Drumming Techniques

This workshop introduces hand drumming from around the world with a focus on beginning West African hand drumming concepts. We will discuss how to prepare for drumming, how to choose the right drum and how to learn and notate rhythms. We will discuss timing, concentration, focus, playing in unison, and work on technique. We will talk about different forms of drumming and drum circles and how to participate in them. We will learn some basic accompanying parts that will work for just about any rhythm and watch some videos of various percussion groups. We will end each session by learning traditional drum music. Drums will be provided, but please bring your hand drum if you have one.

SING IT!

This fun-filled process-oriented class encourages each student to use her/his voice to the fullest through breathing and movement techniques, learning about pitch, diction, "owning" the lyrics, and more! Different styles of music, such as pop/rock, blues, jazz, folk/country, Broadway and composing original lyrics will be explored. Live piano and guitar accompaniment provided.

TAE KWON DO

First degree black belt and martial arts instructor Micah Cover will teach students the basics of self defense! We will go over punches, kicks and secret moves in a no-stress, safe environment! We will also learn the basics of Tae Kwon Do discipline, including focus, respect, culture and history! Students will be learning this popular yet ancient art in their very own Tae Kwon Do uniform to keep! Finally, students will learn and understand ALL commands in Korean! A great learning opportunity!

PERFORMING ARTS

CIRCUS ARTS

Professional juggler, balloon sculptor, and circus artist Micah Cover will teach students some of the basics of circus techniques. Students WILL be juggling AND making balloon animals at the end of the session! Juggling secrets we will learn include: spinning plates, scarves, the flip sticks and bean bags! Balloon secrets will include: using a pump, basic twisting, animals, swords, flowers, hats and more! We'll even take things up a notch and learn to walk on stilts. Finally, we'll learn professional performance secrets like clown work, sight gags and jokes to keep the audience rolling in the aisles!

INTRODUCTION TO MAGIC

This course will introduce students to the basics of magic, the classic tricks of magic and even some NEW secrets! Even if you've taken a magic class from Micah before, there will be NEW material. Students will take home simple magic tricks that they can perform IMMEDIATELY, plus have the chance to develop their own routines! We'll also be watching videos of some of the masters performing the tricks we'll learn! Magic will include rope, coins, cards and more!

MAGIC & MIND READING

This advanced course will introduce students to the secrets of even more mysterious magic! Even if you've taken a magic class from Micah before, there will be NEW material for the returning kids! Students will learn to read minds, perform "story telling" magic, street magic, simple but deceptive card sleights and more! We'll also watch how the pros do what they do on TV and discover THEIR secrets! Plus, students will have the chance to develop their own routines with these secrets and even invent their own! We'll also go over working on the stage, costuming, character and more!

ONSTAGE

This fun-filled workshop uses the art of improvisation to guide students in developing their own variety of characters, situations, and scenes that will make them laugh, cry, and everything in between! Live piano accompaniment and original music, too!

MUSICAL THEATRE

Learn the three basics of musical theatre, singing, dancing, and acting, all combined into one spectacular class (think Chorus Line). A more advanced class, but good for the beginner. Students will learn the transition from dialogue, to song to dance, all the while keeping the continuity of the play with the over all development of the characters. They will also learn stage direction, and the ability to work as one in an ensemble setting.

HANDCRAFTED ARTS

FIBER FLING

Sewing, weaving, felting, braiding, and knitting. Students will try their hands at an exciting variety of fiber techniques. Cloth, yarn, combed wool, buttons, ribbons and more are transformed into wearable and usable works of art.

JAZZY JEWELRY

Why go to the store? How about learning to make your own earrings, pins, necklaces, and bracelets? Students will learn design, and construction using a variety of materials from wire to beads, fiber to clay and then make pieces for friends, loved ones, and themselves.

GOING GREEN

Two of our favorite classes - Natural Spa and Trash to Treasure - combine to explore how we can all make art while protecting the environment Students will learn how to make a variety of products without any preservatives and chemicals including bath salts/powder, natural soaps, along with aromatherapy oils and lotions, and scented ice candles. Other projects might include using organic materials to create natural dyes for fabrics. In addition, the workshop explores how the many empty boxes, bottles and containers that are tossed out each year can be made into fun and useful items. After this class, students will never look at empties the same way again.

WOODWORKING

Learn to draw, design, saw, build, and paint all kinds of fun and exciting projects in wood! Students will use the tools of the shop to construct projects a variety of projects from boxes and furniture to sculptures. All students will work cooperatively and learn to safely handle and use the "tools of the trade" including saws, hammers, files, glue, screwdrivers, and more.

MEDIA ARTS

BE A RADIO STAR

Before the days of television, radio reigned supreme. Return to those golden days of radio drama in this new workshop that teaches the production of a radio play. Students will learn how to be a voice actor, create and operate their own sound effects, and perform and record their own radio shows. Each student receives their own recorded copy of performances to share with family and friends.

BEGINNING PHOTOGRAPHY

Capture a moment in time! This workshop teaches students how to use a digital camera and see the world differently through the lens. Emphasis on color and subjects, as well as correct exposure, light and composition. Students will learn how to edit and upload their own photos to a computer. Students are encouraged to bring their own digital cameras from home but cameras will also be provided.

ADVANCED VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHY

Lights, Camera, Action! This course will teach students the more advanced aspects of shooting photos and videos. They will brush up on skills like using the cameras, color and composition, and move into more advanced tools such as editing photos, video and retouching. They will learn how to bring photos and video into a computer editing program and incorporate text, transitions, and sound to make a short video. Students are encouraged to bring their own digital cameras from home but cameras will also be provided.

WRITE ON! THE ULTIMATE FORM OF SELF-EXPRESSION

In this participatory workshop everyone is encouraged to share their dreams, ideas, and thoughts via the ultimate form of self-expression… writing. We will focus on many different types of writing and storytelling, including journaling, poetry, spoken word, short stories, journalism, songwriting, and blogging. We will play word games, tell stories, and share ideas; instruments and other objects will be used to enhance the storytelling experience. Each writer will work on their own journal, and the session will end with all writers collaborating to write a story we will perform for an audience. This playshop is for students who are already reading and writing.

WRITERS' RETREAT

At this small retreat within the Children's Art Institute, participants will learn how to express themselves through the written word. As in Write On! we will focus on the many different types of writing and storytelling, including journaling, poetry, spoken word, short stories, journalism, songwriting, and blogging. We will discuss the elements that go into creating interesting characters who have interesting stories to tell. Each writer will work on his or her own short story that each will complete by the end of the retreat. The Writer's Retreat will take place for two back-to-back afternoon sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the 2nd session. All writers are encouraged to read their work for critique. This playshop is for students who are already reading and writing.