MCAD's summer youth programs are more than just camps—they're some of the most innovative studio arts programs available in the Twin Cities. Each camp or course focuses on a specific medium or features a theme designed to inspire self-expression, creativity, and a passion for learning. Open to ages 6 to 18. Many of our programs also include partnerships with University of Minnesota Raptor Center, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and more!
Scholarships are available.
Looking for other types of classes? Browse the full list of CE Classes.
Characters are essential to making a successful story. Students in this class observe and discuss ways in which artists and authors establish characters in visual media, including film, animation, comics, and games. Open to ages 15-18. (Summer term)
Discover the diverse world of comics while learning visual tools, tricks, and concepts to creating comic stories. Open to ages 15-18.
Learn the basics of digital illustration and practice using the drawing and painting tools in Adobe Photoshop. Open to ages 15-18. (Summer term)
Have fun while learning the challenging skill of drawing from observation. Open to ages 12-15.
Learn fundamental creative artistic skills through sweet treat themed projects and exploring mixed-media. Open to ages 6-9.
This class provides a fun and exciting path to understanding the basic concepts, techniques, and materials used in contemporary acrylic painting. Open to ages 12-15.
This studio drawing class is designed to help students understand the components of the art school application portfolio, with focus on observational drawing. Open to ages 15-18.
This class focuses on the major of animation. Open to ages 15-18.
Learn the basics of hand-sewing as a way to create expressive and whimsical 2D and 3D artworks. Open to ages 9-12.
Step into the role of an architect and create blueprints, schematics, and models for breathtaking buildings. Open to ages 6-9.
Explore an expanded definition of comic artists to include everything from Egyptian hieroglyphics, to pioneer cartoonist Will Eisner, to autobiographic graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier. Open to ages 9-12.
Put your thinking cap on and become a problem solver in a class that encourages students to explore and innovate in a safe, inviting space. Learn and apply the Design Thinking process to design, develop and effectively prototype a product to solve a real world problem. Open to ages 9-12.
Create soft, squishy, cute and strange plushies. Learn the basics of sewing and turn two-dimensional design into three-dimensional soft sculptures. Open to ages 12-15.
Rock out in this class when making art inspired by the music. Create paintings, drawings, and sculptures that embody movement and music! Open to ages 9-12.
Learn the expansive and inclusive practice of mixed media that allows young artists to investigate a wide variety of materials to create projects in both 2D and 3D forms. Open to ages 6-9.
Explore the major of graphic design through imagery, typography and creating meaning through the manipulation of visual elements. Open to ages 15-18.
Students create characters, set designs and stories as they learn how to use a variety of materials, clay, paper, everyday objects and their own body, to tell a story. Students are guided through the use of iPads and video editing software to produce animation shorts while exploring frame by frame techniques. Open to ages 9-12.
Dive into the world of mythical creatures and learn sketching, drawing and watercolor pencil techniques. Open to ages 12-15.
In this class, students explore the world around them, through hobbies, interests, and everyday experiences, to create paintings that tell stories. Open to ages 12-15.
This studio drawing class is designed to help students understand the components of the art school application portfolio, with a focus on observational drawing. Open to ages 15-18.
Featuring everything from cats in capes to space girls, and pandas with powers; comics allow a child's imagination to come to life in images and words. Learn how to turn ideas into characters, design worlds and how body language and expressions are used to tell a story. Open to ages 6–9.
Learn the fundamental techniques of of digital painting using Adobe Photoshop. Open to ages 15-18.
Color is a powerful and exciting way for artists to express themselves. Explore the basics of color theory and color mixing to create personally expressive artworks in acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media. Open to ages 9-12.
Create illustrations to accompany favorite stories and find new ways of bringing stories to life through drawing, painting, and collage. Open to ages 6-9.
Learn the fundamentals of game design while adding concepts and characters to make a one of a kind video game. Open to ages 12-15.
Explore the expansive and diverse world of comic book stories and drawing styles while learning the fundamental aspects of comic book creation and design. Open to ages 12-15.
Explore the world of winged creatures from birds to insects through drawing, painting, collage and sculpture. Open to ages 6-9.
Create mixed media artwork inspired by the amazingly diverse plants, animals, and habitats found in Minnesota. Students enjoy a variety of art mediums in this nature-based camp. Open to ages 9-12.
Explore nature and create nature-inspired artworks in this class that combines the outdoor world with fun and creative projects. Ages 6-9.
This class provides a fun and exciting path to understanding the basic concepts, techniques, and materials used in contemporary acrylic painting. Open to ages 12-15.
Have fun while learning the challenging skill of drawing from observation. Open to ages 12-15.
Explore imaginary worlds from a city on mars to a magical underwater kingdom. Create a fantasy world, complete with drawn and painted creatures, flora, and fauna. Open to ages 6-9.
Learn the basics of stop-motion animation, covering frame by frame techniques and basic concepts of this traditional and very hands-on style of animation. Open to ages 12-15.
This class focuses on the majors of drawing and painting. Open to ages 15-18.
Calling all authors, poets, readers, drawers, painters and book lovers! Create several unique books with personal stories and original illustrations. Open to ages 9-12.
This studio drawing class is designed to help students understand the components of the art school application portfolio, with focus on observational drawing. Open to ages 15-18.