Krasl Art Center (KAC) has renovated its studio classrooms and is expanding summer classes to include programs such as Digital Illustration and Sculptural Felting. Whether you’re young or old, you can become part of southwest Michigan’s artmaking community this summer with programs such as:
Three-hour Monday – Friday camps for children ages 5 – 7 & 8 –12
eight-week-long youth (ages 5 –12)
teen/adult (ages 13+) classes, along with multiple artist workshops.
Experienced ceramic artists are also invited to apply for KAC’s Clay Artist Guild, and teen artists can join KAC’s Teen Arts Council for even more art experiences. Visit krasl.org/classes for detailed course information, scholarship details, and to register before June 12. Programs run from June 19 – August 18.
These studio art programs at KAC are designed to be adaptable and responsive to the students and fit different sets of needs, interests, skills, and learning styles. Students are encouraged to express themselves creatively and push their boundaries.
Renovations to the second-floor studios are underway with activities supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council capital improvement matching grant. Education Programs are supported in part by a Frederick S. Upton Foundation Grant, gifts from the Annual Fund Drive, and a gift from the Estate of Alfred R. Nucci.
KAC CLASSES & FACULTY
Krasl Art Center’s education programs are tuition-based studio classes, camps, and individual workshops that offer intimate class sizes of up to eight students. KAC’s Teaching and Visiting Artists lead all studio programs, bringing real-world experience to the classroom. A common education philosophy unites all of KAC’s programs and emphasizes four strategies: “creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment,” “student-centered learning,” “connecting art to life,” and “process over product.”
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Krasl Art Center’s youth programs provide a safe, equitable, friendly, and fun learning experience for every student ages 5 – 12. Topics include drawing and painting, ceramics, arts and engineering, sculpture, and video making. Young artists can dedicate eight weeks to a new skill in Youth Classes that run from June 19 – August 28* for $175 ($155 for KAC members), or explore a new topic each week in Youth Camps that run Monday – Friday from 9 am – 12 pm for $175 ($155 for KAC members). See all youth programs online; register and apply for scholarships by June 12, 2023.
ADULT/TEEN CLASSES
Meeting from June 19 – August 28*, adult/teen courses connect students in and beyond the classroom by engaging with art history and contemporary topics. Enrolled students will have the opportunity to sign up for additional four-week extension classes. Tuition ranges from $125 → $200, and topics vary from ceramics to sculpture, digital art to photography, and more. See all programs online; register or apply for scholarships by June 12, 2023.
*There are no programs from July 3 – 7.
TEEN ARTS COUNCIL
Did you know Krasl Art Center has a Teen Arts Council (TAC)? The TAC is a community of young artists, ages 13 – 19, interested in pursuing art beyond what is available at school. Meetings include everything from art making, college prep, visiting artist workshops, field trips, and more!
“Being a part of the TAC had an immeasurable impact on my experience as a young artist. It gave me a community of creatives to bounce ideas off of, and access to a safe and free learning environment to further my exploration into other mediums. I am so thankful to have been a part of creating such a strong creative resource for young artists.” — Rowan Davis, former TAC co-lead.
The TAC meets every week this summer. See what they have planned online at krasl.org/education/teen-arts-council or follow them on Instagram, @kraslteens.
VISITING ARTIST WORKSHOPS
Krasl Art Center believes that art has the power to connect people with diverse backgrounds and experiences that spark important conversations. KAC education programs connect people by collaborating with local and regional partner organizations, offering cross-curricular learning opportunities through Visiting Artist Workshops. Registration closes one week before each opportunity – see what’s coming online and register before the spots fill up!
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
In addition to classes, workshops, and camps, mark your calendar for the second Wednesday and Saturday of the month for free artmaking with Family Days at KAC and Family Nights at the Benton Harbor Public Library. To stay up to date on all the latest activities at Krasl Art Center, sign up for bi-weekly email newsletters at krasl.org/contact, stop by in person, or follow KAC on Facebook and Instagram.
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAMS
YC.57.4: ICONIC PRINTS & SCULPTURES (5 – 7 YRS)
July 24 – 28, 9 am – 12 pm
TUITION: $175/$155 MEMBERS
YC.812.3: MOVING IMAGE (Youth camp for ages 8 – 12)
Rowan Davis | July 17 — 21, 9 am — 12 pm
TUITION: $175/$155 MEMBERS
A.DIG.2: DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION 101 (AGE 13 +)
Anushka Ganu |(8) TUESDAYS, 6 — 8 PM
JUNE 20 — AUGUST 15 (NO CLASS JULY 4)
$175/$155 MEMBERS
A.F.1: SCULPTURAL FELTING TECHNIQUES (ages 13+)
Kyra Richter | (8) MONDAYS, 6:30 – 9 PM
JUNE 19 — AUGUST 14 (NO CLASS JULY 3)
TUITION: $200/$180 MEMBERS
