ART for YOUth Summer Program

Our popular ART for YOUth Summer Program returns again in 2019. This is a series of basic introductory classes in a number of 2D and 3D art mediums, such as drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture. Classes are held 3 days per week (Mon/Wed/Fri) over a 2-week period for a total of six days of class per session. We will hold one session this year, July 8-19.

• When:
  • Ages 3-7 from 8:30-10:00 (1.5 hours) – ages 3-5 must be accompanied by a teen or adult to assist. It is fine for one teen/adult to assist two children.
  • Ages 8-12 from 10:15-12:15 (2 hours)
• Where:
  • AAO – Oswego Civic Arts Center, Fort Ontario Complex (north end of E 4th St), Oswego.
    (Google Maps Address: 20 Barbara Donahue Dr)
• Instructors:
  • Bill DeMott will be the instructor for the 2D studio again this year. Mr. Bill currently teaches art at SUNY Oswego, Cayuga Community College, and Monroe Community College in Rochester, and has also taught art workshops for children and adults across the county.
  • Lauren Siskavitch (Boyer) will be the instructor for the 3D studio again this year for the July session. Ms. Lauren is an art teacher at Hannibal Central High school.

For ages 6-12, this is a drop off and pick up program, although parents are always welcome to stay and observe if they’d like. Please arrive 5 minutes before your drop-off and pick-up times to allow time check your child in and sign them out. Please use the door on the north side of the building (facing the Fort).

Each participant will work on projects in both 2D and 3D every day. The topics will be the same for all age groups, but instruction and projects will range from general to detailed depending on the age group and capability of the students. All supplies are provided.

There is a limit of 20 students in the youngest age group and 24 students in the older age group. Students must be pre-registered in order to get a spot in the classes. Pre-registration consists of filling out the registration form (below) and paying the registration fee of $10 per child. There is a $25 group rate available for 3-5 participants from the same household. This is the only fee to participate in this program because it is primarily funded by grants and donations.

Once your online registration and payment have been received and matched by the AAO, you’ll receive an email from the AAO Treasurer, Jackie Neveu, confirming your child/ren into the program. If the available spots in your child’s age group have already been filled, your registration fee will be returned in full (or prorated if we can place only some of your children). Spots will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis. The AAO reserves the right to reject a registration for a student who has been a behavior or attendance problem in the past.

Participants are expected to:

…be interested in taking art classes.

…have fun, get dirty, and learn about art. Please dress in clothes that can get dirty OR bring a smock with you to class every day.

…attend every class. Missed classes cannot be made up at a later time. If participants have other commitments during this series of classes, please do not sign up for ART for YOUth so that someone who can attend every class may participate instead.

…behave appropriately. Participants who misbehave will be dismissed immediately and will not be allowed to return for the remainder of the 2 weeks of classes.

AAO Staff are expected to: 

…provide art instruction and materials in a professional, engaging manner geared toward age group abilities, and to expand participants’ knowledge about and skill in creating art.

…treat participants respectfully and keep them safe.

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.

This program is also made possible with funding from The Richard S. Shineman Foundation.

Additional funding is provided by generous donations from the Patrick Glover Memorial Fund, Pathfinder Bank, Fulton Savings Bank, Bosco & Geers Market, and GSA Broadwell dba Captain’s Quarters Hotel.

NOTE: The younger age group (ages 3-7) is now full. There is still room in the older age group (8-12).