Department of Art and Art History hosts Summer Art Institute for high school students

The Department of Art and Art History hosts the Summer Art Institute June 7-12.
The Department of Art and Art History hosts the Summer Art Institute June 7-12.

The Department of Art and Art History is accepting registrations for its annual Summer Art Institute for high school students to be held June 7-12.

This four-day, five-night, hands-on art experience features UNL faculty and graduate students leading participants in workshops, guiding them through Lincoln’s vibrant art scene and introducing them to working artists in their studios.

“The Summer Art Institute is a week packed with activities in the fine arts,” said Amanda Breitbach, a graduate student in photography who taught at last year’s Institute and will be teaching again this summer. “Students have the chance to try all different art mediums, from ceramics to darkroom photography and digital videography. In the evenings, they will tour working artists’ studios and professional galleries all over Lincoln. They also enjoy other fun activities on the UNL campus.”

Byron Anway, a lecturer in the Department of Art and Art History, who is coordinating this year’s Summer Art Institute, said the Institute is open to all abilities.

“It is designed for high school aged students who want to push their creative side and who want to try new things,” he said. “At the same time, it’s open to students of all abilities and experience levels. Students should expect to have an intensive art survey of new materials, techniques and technologies. Much of the curriculum is designed specifically to give students exposure to equipment and materials that would be beyond the scope of a high school curriculum.”

Breitbach said she enjoys meeting and interacting with all the students.

“They come from all different backgrounds, and it’s fun to get to know them and learn about their interests and abilities,” she said. “I hope they each try new things during the week and maybe discover a new technique or area of interest that keeps them passionate and excited about making art.”

Anway is looking forward to teaching figure painting this summer.

“This year I will be teaching figure painting which is new for the camp and something I am very excited about,” he said. “I also love seeing the friendships develop as the week progresses. People really come out of their shell. Watching everyone's confidence grow is the most rewarding part for me as a teacher.”

The cost to attend the Summer Art Institute is $450, which includes room and board in a UNL Residence Hall, artist materials and all programming.

Registration is open until the camp is full. For more information and to register, visit http://go.unl.edu/artcamp.

“Last year it was TONS of fun, and this year should be even better,” Anway said.