San José Museum of Art

See what you think.

Kids Summer Art Camp

  • A young boy creates art at a table, surrounded by colorful painted boxes and framed children's artwork on the walls.
     
  • Two women smile as they observe children's artwork displayed on a table, with more artwork on the walls behind them.
     
  • In a room filled with children’s art, a young Asian girl places something on a table. In the background is an adult wearing a smock.
     
  • A smiling boy playfully holds a paper tube to a woman's eye while an older man watches in amusement.

    Photos by Frederick Liang. 

    Join SJMA for a week of fun, creativity, and artistic growth this summer

    Campers get behind-the-scenes access to exhibitions, experiment with the artistic process, and show off their own work in a student exhibition. SJMA’s teaching artists offer in-depth art experiences inspired by current exhibitions. Kids learn how to look at, talk about, and create art.

    Scholarships

    Thank you for your interest in our Kids Summer Art Camp 2025 scholarship program. The application period has ended, and all available scholarships have been awarded.

    Scholarships for next summer will open on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. To be eligible, campers must be between the ages of 6–14, reside within San José city limits, attend a Title I school, and demonstrate financial need.

    Scholarships cover full camp tuition, all art supplies, and a camp t-shirt. Please note that availability is limited and spots fill quickly—early application is strongly encouraged.

    Stay tuned for updates and be sure to apply as soon as applications open! 

    Who

    For children ages 6–14. Camps are divided into age groups 6–8, 9–11, and specialized teen camp (12–14).

    Each camper will receive individual artistic support, encouragement, and creative challenges unique to their learning style and skill level.

    What

    Join SJMA for a summer art camp that pairs creative exploration of art materials and processes led by our experienced gallery teachers and studio art educators with enhanced creative growth opportunities.

    In addition to exploring a variety of media and techniques, campers will engage in interpretive art and science lessons created by Greg Brown, a Stanford-trained design thinker, and STEM consultant.

    Art Camp Exhibition

    We invite families and caregivers to attend a weekly exhibition reception of campers' artwork to celebrate the artistic achievements of each participant.

    Please note that the curriculum repeats weekly for ages 6–8 and 9–11, while each week of teen camp is unique.

    When

    All camps run 9am–3pm, Monday–Friday (no camp the week of July 1).

    Monday, June 9–Friday, July 25 (See FAQs for more info on when you will receive your camper 'welcome' email and first day of camp information).

    Registration

    General registration begins Wednesday, February 12.

    SJMA members early registration begins Wednesday, February 5, for members at the Family level or above.

    Member Discount

    SJMA members at the Family level or above are eligible for a 10% discount on camp registration. To receive the discount, your membership must be active and you must sign in before registering. Not a SJMA member? Join now!

    Register for Art Camp

    Camp Options

    • Week 1: Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 13, for ages 6–8 (sold out), 9–11, and Teen Camp 12–14

      Register for week 1

    • Week 2: Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 20, for ages 6–8, 9–11, and Teen Camp 12–14

      Register for week 2

    • Week 3: Monday, June 23 – Friday, June 27, for ages 6–8 (sold out), 9–11, and Teen Camp 12–14

      Register for week 3

    • Week 4: Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 11, for ages 6–8, 9–11, and Teen Camp 12–14

      Register for week 4

    • Week 5: Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 18, for ages 6–8, 9–11, and Teen Camp 12–14 (all sold out)

      Registration closed

    • Week 6: Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25, for ages 6–8 (sold out), 9–11, and Teen Camp 12–14

      Register for week 6

    Teen Camp dates and themes

    • Week 1: Printmaking
      Explore the different techniques and types of printmaking while experimenting with different textiles to print on.

    • Week 2: Mosaic Tiling 
      Dive into the art of mosaic tiling, exploring design, color, and hands-on techniques to create your own unique masterpiece. This engaging camp encourages creativity and self-expression while introducing the history and possibilities of mosaics. 

    • Week 3: Creative Crochet
      Explore the world of crochet and learn techniques to create your own unique designs to wear, display, or give as a gift to someone you care about.  

    • Week 4: Resourceful Junk Journaling 
      Learn about different ways we can reuse and recycle the junk materials we have on hand by turning them into art and practical crafts, such as books, paper, and prints.  

    • Week 5: Mixed-Media Trading Cards (sold out)
      Create your own unique set of artist trading cards with the opportunity to trade with fellow artists. These cards will be great souvenirs of the time spent and friends made at camp. 

    • Week 6: Environmental Art
      Explore your artistic skills using natural materials found in our communities, and engage in a variety of practices ranging from printmaking and painting. 

    Camp Fees

    • $500 per week
    • Museum members at the Family level or above: $50 discount
    • Camp fees include art materials and supplies

    Refund Policy

    Fees are refundable if requested before Sunday, June 1 ($35 processing fee applies). No refunds will be given starting Sunday, June 1. Please contact us at education@sjmusart.org.

    The San José Museum of Art has the right to cancel the camp, in which case fees are 100% refundable. Registration is not transferable. 

    Art Materials

    SJMA provides all art materials needed to participate in our camps.

    Please visit the FAQs page for more details or contact us at education@sjmusart.org.