Teen Art Camp
A week of artistic growth
Campers gain behind-the-scenes access to the Museum's exhibitions, learn about exhibition elements, experiment with materials artistic processes, and participate in a student exhibition. These weekly camps offer in-depth art experiences led by SJMA's teaching artists and inspired by current exhibitions. The Museum's popular Summer Art Camps teach teens how to look at, talk about, create, and display art.
SJMA's summer art camp pairs creative exploration of art materials and processes led by experienced gallery teachers and studio art educators with enhanced creative growth opportunities.
Who and When
Teen Art Camp is offered for campers ages 12–14.
Weekly summer art camps run Monday through Friday, 9am–3pm, starting June 8 through July 24 (no camp the week of June 29).
Each week of Teen Art Camp is a specialized week of unique content. Scroll down to learn more and to register.
Art Camp Exhibitions
We invite families and caregivers to attend a weekly exhibition reception of campers' artwork to celebrate the artistic achievements of each participant.
Please visit the FAQs page for more details or contact us at education@sjmusart.org.
CAMP fees
- $500 per week
- Camp fees include all art materials and supplies
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!
Scholarships
Scholarships for 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.
Submit a scholarship application
Camp Weeks, Themes, and Registration
General registration begins Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Early registration for SJMA members begins Wednesday, February 4, 2026, for those at the Family level or above.
Week 1: Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12
Theme: Fiber Artforms: Needle Felting + Wet Felting
Campers will learn how to needle felt and wet felt using wool roving to create simple sculptural and textured forms. They will explore how agitation, moisture, and pressure transform loose fibers into a stable material. Through hands-on experimentation, students will build an understanding of fiber arts as both a traditional craft and a contemporary art practice.
Week 2: Monday, June 15 – Friday, June 19
Theme: Artist Books + Visual Storytelling
Create your own Art Book! Campers will learn how to make a personal book with their own artwork and style. Campers will explore and create different types of books, including zines, collage scrapbooks, comic books, coloring books, print books, and more.
Week 3: Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26
Theme: Sculpture
Sculpt and create 3-D forms with a variety of materials such as clay, wire, paper, cardboard, and wood. With the introduction of new tools and techniques, campers will learn to create both abstract and realistic works to challenge their understanding of balance, space, shape, and form.
Week 4: Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10
Theme: Printmaking
Campers will survey printmaking processes, methods, and materials while exploring diverse approaches to printing techniques. Using lino-cut, woodblock, cyanotype, and screen-printing techniques, Campers learn different approaches to creating artwork through the expansive process of printmaking.
Week 5: Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17
Theme: Illusions and Self Expression: An Animation Camp
Campers will learn about the history and process of animation while expressing themselves through their unique pieces of art. From creating historical optical illusions like phenakistoscopes to rotoscoping, weaving loops, and dabbling in 3-D printing, campers will explore a variety of materials and animation methods. By the end of camp, campers will create three physical art pieces and one completely digital art piece.
Week 6: Monday, July 20 – Friday, July 24
Theme: Foundations of Oil Painting
Campers will learn foundational color theory, including mixing, color relationships, and value. They will apply these concepts through hands-on oil painting techniques such as layering, blending, and brush control. By practicing observation and experimentation, campers will develop the skills needed to create depth, mood, and form in their paintings.
Art Camp Exhibitions
Each week, families, caregivers, and friends join us for an exhibition reception that features campers’ artwork. This special event offers a chance to recognize and celebrate every participant’s artistic accomplishments and creative growth.
Refund Policy
Fees are refundable if requested before Monday, June 1 ($35 processing fee applies). No refunds will be given starting Monday, June 1, 2026. 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.