Summer Art Workshops
Welcome to the BGSU Summer Art Workshops!
Summer Art Workshops are a week-long intensive camp session designed to improve your skills as an artist, teach you new media, and meet new friends - all on a college campus. Students will work with BGSU School of Art faculty who will challenge and inspire them.
Each student who attends the Summer Art Workshops will take 2 workshops during their time here, each with two full days of studio time, followed by an exhibition of their work in the Fine Arts Center. Students must be ages 14-18 and have completed at least 1 full year of high school to attend. Please note, the application does require students submit 5 works of art - these can include any media (painting, drawing, photography, print, ceramics, sculpture, video, mixed media, collaborative, etc.).
When filling out their application, students will have the opportunity to note which workshops are of the most and least interest to them. Based on interest levels, some students may not be enrolled in their first choice of workshop. Priority will be given on a first come first served basis.
Students may choose from the following workshop options:
Textured Metal Band Rings with Marissa Saneholtz
Students will experiment with texturing sheet metal to create one-of-a-kind sterling silver rings. Starting with copper, students will learn how to use the roll mill, chasing tools, and stamps to embellish the surface of the metal. After sawing, filing, sanding, and soldering students will come up with a final design for a personalized ring that will be made out of sterling silver.
Lights Out, Creativity On: Explore Black & White Photography in the Darkroom with Sarah Thomas
This darkroom photography workshop lets you step back in time and explore the magic of analog processes. Develop your own black & white photos from 35mm film exposures, experiment with printing techniques to bring your vision to life, and even delve into the world of photograms – creating unique images directly with light! This hands-on workshop welcomes all skill levels, so come ignite your curiosity and explore the artistry of analog photography.
Sketchbook Bootcamp with Chris Humble
On day one of the Sketchbook Bootcamp workshop, we will start by handmaking and sewing small books, as well as learning about the sketching practices of contemporary artists. On day two of the workshop, we will explore a series of sketchbook prompts including a sketch and stroll around campus. This workshop will be a fun and freeform way of discovering your style and learning how to cultivate ideas as an artist while also exploring the technical skills of bookmaking.
Plein Air Painting: The Essence of Nature with Kelsey Scharf
Capture the essence of landscape in this open-air painting workshop! Students will learn contemporary practice of “Plein Air” painting using water-soluble oil paints. The practice of plein air is exciting, expressive, and immersive paintings, typically completed in one-sitting. Students will paint on the former golf course and “the hill” on campus, weather permitting. Indoor accommodation will be prepared if the weather is uncooperative.
Zine Design with Peter Lusch
In this hands-on workshop you’ll learn the craft of zine making (from the word magazine, a limited quantity, self-made, publication)! Explore the world of zines through a visit to the BGSU library zine collection. Afterwards, brainstorm a unique idea for a topic of your choosing. Then, design and lay out your pages, print, fold, and finally share your zine! No experience necessary, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm.
Printmaking: Layers and Color with Ross Mazzupappa
In this workshop students will experience colorfully layered relief, intaglio, and stenciling techniques. They will have the opportunity to make unique collaborative relief prints on the first day of class; carving their own blocks and printing them, along with their peers in any number of combinations and colors. On the second day, students will learn how to make drypoints intaglio plates, print them, and add to them with hand cut stencils. Students will get to experience making artwork in a professional printshop as well as learn about how to setup a mini printshop at home.
Students will take two (2) workshops through the week from the available options. These are listed as Class A and Class B on the below schedule.
Sunday, July 20 –
2-3p.m. Arrival at BGSU
3-5p.m. Orientation and Tour of Fine Arts Center/Wolfe Center
Monday, July 21 –
9a.m.-12p.m. Class A Lecture and studio time
12-1p.m. Lunch
1-5p.m. Class A studio time, 1:1 instruction
Tuesday, July 22 –
9a.m.-12p.m. Class B Lecture and studio time
12-1p.m. Lunch
1-5p.m. Class B studio time, 1:1 instruction
Wednesday, July 23 –
9a.m.-12p.m. Class A Lecture and studio time
12-1p.m. Lunch
1-5p.m. Class A studio time, 1:1 instruction
Thursday, July 24 –
9a.m.-12p.m. Class B Lecture and studio time
12-1p.m. Lunch
1-5p.m. Class B studio time, 1:1 instruction
Friday, July 25 –
9a.m.-12p.m. Open Studio time – students can work in Class A or Class B studio to finish projects.
12-1p.m. Lunch
1-3p.m. Exhibition Set-up
3-5p.m. T-shirt screen printing mini workshop
5-6p.m. Dinner
6-8p.m. Exhibition Reception
Important Information
Commuter (no resident option available): $295
Registration deposit: $25 (included in total cost)
Campers for this program do NOT have a residential option, all students must commute daily. All students will have their lunch meals covered in their camp fees.
Check-in may vary depending on attendance. Tentative schedule for Sunday, July 20.
If a registration is canceled, the individual or organization making the original camp payment will receive:
- A full refund, minus the deposit will be issued if cancelation is received 6 weeks prior to the start of the program
- A refund of 75% will be issued if cancelation occurs less than 6 weeks but prior to 4 weeks
- A refund of 50% will be issued if cancelation occurs less than 4 weeks but prior to 2 weeks
- No refund for a "No Show" or for a cancellation request received less than 2 weeks prior to the start date of the program.
Students dismissed for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for any refund.
Forms will be collected electronically via CampDocs. Information with a link to the site will be emailed to you in April.
Early Admission Deadline: March 1, 2025
*Please note: to be eligible for scholarship, you MUST submit your application by the Early Registration Deadline.
General Admission Deadline: April 15, 2025
On the last day of the camp, students will have an exhibition featuring the artwork they made in their workshops. Work will be exhibited at the BGSU Fine Arts Center. Family and friends are encouraged to join the students for the exhibition between 6-8p.m.
Parking passes are distributed at check-in.
Students can receive a parking pass that will allow them to park in lots close to the dining hall and workshop facilities. Parents who are coming to the final exhibit on Friday will get a parking pass that allows them to park in lots near the Fine Arts Center (exhibition space).
The BGSU School of Art is not responsible for reimbursing parking tickets.
Students who submit their application by the March 1 Early Admission Deadline may be eligible for scholarships for the Summer Art Workshops.
For questions regarding registration, payment and forms, contact:
Hope Hooper
Coordinator of Arts Admissions and Promotions
Updated: 12/05/2024 12:11PM