Watauga Arts Council Announces 2026 Summer Art Camp

Watauga Arts Council Announces 2026 Summer Art Camps

New “Makers Camp: The Art of Nature” offers creative summer experiences for young artists ages 5-11.
Boone, NC – March 2025 – The Watauga Arts Council is excited to announce a new summer art camp:
Makers Camp: The Art of Nature. Two sessions will be offered, one for each age group. The first
session, June 16-19, 2026, is for ages 5 to 7, and the second session, June 23-26, is for ages 8 to 11. These
four-day camps meet for 3.5 hours each day and give students the chance to explore creativity through
guided instruction, fun projects, and new skills they can continue to use in their own artistic practice
outside the classroom.
Camp Details
WAC’s Makers Camp will consist of 3.5-hour days over four days (Tuesday through Friday) during the
weeks listed above. During the week, students will explore a variety of artistic mediums and projects
inspired by nature. The younger artists (ages 5-7) will explore the following topics:
Tuesday, June 16th - Drawing with instructor Stacey Wilson
● Nature observation and sketching from real life and reference photos
Wednesday, June 17th - Acrylic Painting with instructor Phi Perry
● Acrylic painting practice and landscape paintings
Thursday, June 18th - Collage with instructor Phi Perry
● Build a summery scene out of collage and mixed media
Friday, June 19th - Nature Printing with instructor Stacey Wilson
● Paint and press leaves onto paper to create your own painting guided by nature
The following week, older students will build on similar themes with projects designed for their
age group, all led by instructor Phi Perry.
Tuesday, June 23rd - Drawing
● Learn to sketch and draw natural elements and landscapes through observation and reference
photos.
Wednesday, June 24th - Experiments in Clay
● Create 'windchimes' using air-dry clay!
Thursday, June 25th - Painting
● Experiment with acrylic paint by creating a nature-inspired landscape painting
Friday, June 26th - Collage
● Make a nature-inspired shadow box out of mixed media materials
The camp’s curriculum is designed to give students a chance to explore multiple artistic mediums while
drawing inspiration from the natural world.
“It’s been a while since WAC has hosted camps, and we’re so excited to bring them back,” says
Operations and Programs Manager, Krista Holt. “I was looking forward to sitting down and planning one
this year, and I think students will really enjoy spending time experimenting with different media. It’s a
great opportunity for kids to get their creative juices flowing while school is out!”
About the Instructors
Both instructors leading these camps joined WAC in 2025, and WAC is excited to have them take
the lead this summer. They’ve already been fantastic additions to the WAC community.
Stacey Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree in Clothing & Textiles from Appalachian State University and a
certification to teach K-12 from UNCC. Wilson has taught art to various age groups in Davidson and
Charlotte, North Carolina, and has been teaching with the Watauga Arts Council since last summer.
Wilson has been a wonderful addition to our teaching roster and meets her students where they are while
encouraging them to broaden their skills and knowledge in abstract, creative ways.
Sophia “Phi” Perry graduated from Appalachian State University last summer with a degree in Art
& Visual Culture and a concentration in Arts Management. She has taught students of all ages and
experience levels both during and prior to her time at WAC, and excels at creating a comfortable,
supportive environment where students can learn new skills and grow in their artistic practice.
Register today!
If your family is interested in enrolling your child in a summer art camp, we encourage you to visit
the Watauga Arts Council website under the “Classes and Community” tab, or simply click here!
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About Watauga Arts Council
The Watauga Arts Council (WAC) fosters a thriving, diverse, vibrant, creative community through arts
advocacy, education, support, and inspiration. Serving professional and emerging artists, WAC facilitates
and provides a structure for arts initiatives that enrich the lives of artists, residents, and visitors alike.
Of ering art classes for all ages, grant funding to artists and arts organizations, gallery exhibits,
community groups, and special projects and events, their work enriches the lives of residents and visitors
alike. Learn more and get involved through their social media and on their website.
Website: https://www.watauga-arts.org/
Facebook: @Watauga County Arts Council
Instagram: @watauga_arts