Registration underway for SFA Art Academy; new session offered for older students

The School of Art at Stephen F. Austin State University is expanding its summer art camp to provide more opportunity for a larger demographic.

The SFA Art Academy is now offered for older students as well as elementary age students, according to Dr. Maggie Leysath, professor of art education in the School of Art.

“We are excited to be able to work with secondary-aged artists to provide in-depth artistic training in a studio setting for the first time,” Leysath said.

The elementary art academy is open to ages 5 through 10 who will be in first through sixth grades during the 2022-23 school year. Classes are arranged by approximate age and include drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and more.

Classes for elementary students meet from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 6 through 10 and June 13 through 17, in the Art Building off Wilson Drive. An exhibition of student work will be at 4 p.m. Friday, June 17. All remaining work will be taken home at that time.

The secondary level art academy, which begins June 27 and ends July 1, is for ages 11 through 17 and is for students entering seventh through 12th grades in the 2022-23 school year. Student artists will work with art teachers for a real art studio experience from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“Secondary artists will enjoy a short art lesson each morning and then work on specific skills and artworks they have chosen before we break for lunch at the university cafeteria,” Leysath said. “Afternoon studio time allows students to work independently and with teachers to develop artworks.”

An exhibition of all secondary student artworks will be at 3 p.m. Friday, July 1.

Fees include all art supplies, daily snacks and exhibition expenses. Registration closes on June 3 or when all the spaces are filled. Fees received before June 1 are $200. After June 1, fees are $220. When registering, secondary art academy students should indicate which art mediums in which they are most interested on the form. Registration fees also include lunch costs for the secondary students.

Registration for each academy may be accessed at the School of Art website at art.sfasu.edu under Programs/Community. Space is limited. For more information, contact Leysath at leysathmn@sfasu.edu.