2026 Salem Art Association Summer Camps

ABOUT 2026 SUMMER ART CAMPS

Each week is different and offers high-quality opportunities for youth to learn about Art and Art History in a nurturing environment at the Salem Art Association (SAA). All camps take place at the Bush Barn Art Center & Annex in Salem's Bush's Pasture Park.

All weeks and themes explore the larger relationship between art & nature, and include a diverse mix of artistic materials and processes.

At SAA, our Art Camps prioritize learning a variety of art processes and materials to build self-confidence, develop practical skills, practice problem-solving, and to have fun. We find that every student is unique and that usually students become most enthusiastic about art-making after they discover at least one process that really resonates with them.

ABOUT SESSIONS

• **Monday 6/15 - Thursday 6/18 ~ art theme: Time Machine
  

• **Monday 6/29 - Thursday 7/2 ~ art theme: Around the World
  

  **Short sessions: This year we have two 4-day weeks that are only offering a morning session for the 8-10 year old group. Session rates reflect this difference.

• Monday 6/22 - Friday 6/26 ~ art theme: Flower Power
  

• Monday 7/6 - Friday 7/10 ~ art theme: Animal Kingdom
  

• Monday 7/20 - Friday 7/24 ~ art theme: Under the Sea
  

• Monday 8/3 - Friday 8/7 ~ art theme: Magic Kingdom
  

Each session of Summer Art Camp will have a theme to help guide our creativity and give inspiration for at least 3-5 art projects per week. Specific art activities are finalized close to the start date of each session and might include some of the following: drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, printmaking, photography, poetry, comics, and more.

Most weeks have two sessions: the morning session is for youth 8-10* years old and will last from 9 a.m. to noon. Afternoon sessions are for youth 11-13* years old and run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

*Age groups: if you have questions whether a student might fit into one group or the other, or have a student just outside these age groups, feel free to inquire with our Education Director, Benjamin Mefford: benjamin@salemart.org

TEACHING APPROACH 

SAA embraces a process-based approach. While still having some clear goals and guidelines on individual projects, we prioritize the inherent value of working through the artistic process to develop creative problem-solving skills.

SAA is an educational powerhouse with 3 rotating exhibition spaces for professional artists, knowledgeable staff, a dynamically curated historic house, all surrounded by a beautiful park with large oak trees and a heritage rose garden. We recognize that our young artists have a diversity of interests, backgrounds, and levels of experience with art, and pride ourselves on staying adaptable to facilitate individual growth. Our summer art camps are approachable and balance practical skill-building with pure creativity. We want our students to finish each week feeling empowered by the magic of art!

EARLY BIRD PRICING - Ends April 30

Take advantage of the early bird price of $165 per camp session by registering by April 30. Starting May 1, prices will go up to $180 per camp session.  The early registration discount is automatically applied when you select a ticket.

REGISTRATION PROCESS - Important Information!

Parents, please register for one student at a time. You can select more than one camp during the registration process. Just select the "ticket" for the appropriate camp(s) your student wants to attend.

Once you check out and pay for your camps, you can start the process over for another child.

Each student is expected to be able to appropriately manage their behavior at a level reflecting their age. If you wish to register a student who has special needs it is important that you contact us ahead of time to discuss possible support strategies.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Partial scholarships may be available for those who are in need of financial assistance. For questions about scholarships or any other Summer Art Camp questions, please send a note to our Education Director, Benjamin Mefford: benjamin@salemart.org.