There might still be snow on the ground but it's time to think Summer Camp! Our area has so many choices for summer campers, and you are sure to find the perfect fit for what your child is into. Here on Mamatoga's Summer Camp Guide I will highlighting some of the best camps around with all the info you need to find the best summer experience for your child.
First up in the series we have the summer camp at Odyssey School of Fine Arts. Odyssey School of Fine Arts (OSFA) is a non-profit art school committed to exposing people of all ages to the spirit of the creative process through art classes and public art projects. In a hands on learning environment, programs are designed to create an exceptional experience for all participants. Public art projects provide opportunities for students and community to collaborate with artists and professionals on technique and design.
Their summer camp classes are taught at The Studio, previously host to The Festival of Baroque Music, it is an open-plan venue nestled in the rolling hills of Greenfield Center, just 5 miles north of Saratoga Springs. Now approaching its fourth decade of service in Greenfield, The Studio is collaborating with Odyssey to offer educational art programs, after school classes, concerts and art exhibits.
The teachers at the Odyssey School of Fine Arts create an environment where students gain confidence to trust their own instincts. High standards of quality work and process is the framework used to communicate with each student at their level of development and our multi-use space is comfortable and inviting.
Here is a list of the sessions they have to offer for this summer. Subjects include Drawing and Painting, Clay Pottery, Mosaics, Music, Yoga, Dance, Sculpture, Workshops, and more.
SMART DRAWING Session I July 7 - 11 9 – 1pm Ages 9 + $145 The goal of this course is to encourage “seeing” like an artist to develop further skills. Drawing from life accurately using the fundamental skills of proportion, alignment, contour, and light and shade will be included in instruction. Various media together with large format for more expressive drawing will be encouraged. Through demonstrations, original exercises, group and one-on-one guidance, students are encouraged to realize their own strengths in drawing.
CLAY STUDIO Session II July 14 - 18 Session IV August 11 - 15 Ages 8 + 9- 1 pm $130each session; $45 materials* Students will work both on the potter’s wheel and hand building in clay. In hand-building, we teach construction techniques including coil, slab and sculpting. At the wheel you learn basic skills like centering, coning, pulling and shaping. Attention to detail and good work is emphasized.
A 5-day camp costs $175 (a sibling attending may discount the materials fee) for use of studio facilities/tools, material, instruction and firings of the pieces made. Pieces can be picked up 7-10 business days after the end of a camp. Students wanting extended supervised hours to work with clay may stay till 4 pm beginning Tuesday of that week. It will cost $50 additional for the week or $15 / day.
HOOP-Ga DANCE FUSION Session III July 21 - 25 Ages 8-80 $135 This workshop will focus on hula hooping with a combination of yoga & dance. Students will be able to make their very own colorful hula hoop and they will learn some basic yoga flows & stretches as well as dance and tricks all while using the hula hoop. This workshop is great for first time hoopers as well as those with experience. Bellyaches from too much laughing can be serious side effects of this class. * see Things You Should Know for more information. Instructed by Robyn Filkins.
MOSAIC WORKSHOP Session IV July 28 – Aug 1 Ages 8-80 9 – 1 pm $220 This workshop will be a great starting point to the learning of mosaics and to create a lasting gift at the same time. During the week, we will utilize the direct method of applying tesserae, the small bits of glass used to form a mosaic. Students will learn how to cut and shape vitreous glass tiles, Italian smalti and stained glass along with which adhesive to use to create and finish a wood box to display in the home or give as a gift. The cost includes use of all tools and materials except the boxes which may be purchased ahead of time from A.C. Moore or the cigar shop downtown. Students are encouraged to bring in any favorite objects (shells, marbles, old jewelry, etc.) that they may want to incorporate into the design.
Creating paintings from start to finsh. Acrylics and mixed media. Be ready to amaze yourself..
Instructor: Sharon Lombardi, Odyssey's gifted painting teacher. With Sharon, students are here to be and act as artists. She creates a learning arena of activity, inspiration and fun. If you love art, this class is not to be missed. Ages 14 +. High School and College age students are encouraged to stop in when they can to take lessons to further their portfolio or personal creative goals.
HOOPS! Hoops are provided and/or are for sale but feel free to bring your own hoop if you have one. Beginner hoops range in price from $30 - 40.
Click here for the Mamatoga 2014 Summer Camp Guide for Saratoga. New Camp Spotlights and Directories will be added regularly. If you would like to have your camp featured, please email me at jenny@mamatoga.com.