Get Ready for a Global Art Adventure
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Spark your child's creative spirit with Summer Art Camps at the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City. Campers will be immersed in the world of art and imagination through hand-on activities, develop skills in different art mediums, and create artwork to treasure for life. Summer Art Camps at the Dahl are open to all elementary school students of all abilities.
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Take a giant leap into the cosmos in this space-inspired art camp! Young artists will learn new techniques while designing their own planets, space gear, and intergalactic adventures through hands-on projects listed below:
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Paper Mâché Planets
Build and paint a planet using balloons, newspaper, and glue! Mini 3D Spaceships Design and decorate your own spaceship using recycled materials. Starry Night Constellations Create a glowing night sky painting with black and glow-in-the-dark paint! Galactic Oil Pastel Drawings Learn how to blend colors to create beautiful galaxy-inspired artwork. |
Paper Mâché Planets
Construct and paint a 3D planet, bringing the solar system to life! Large-Scale Spaceship Build Work in teams to create a giant spaceship using recycled materials. Glowing Constellation Paintings Capture the magic of the night sky on a larger canvas with glow-in-the-dark paint. Design Your Own Space Suit Sketch yourself and create your own custom space gear using oil pastels and canola oil for a vibrant, textured effect! |
During this hands-on camp, young artists (Grades 3-5) will explore diverse sculpting techniques to create incredible clay masterpieces inspired by nature, history, and imagination. Throughout the week, campers will:
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Sculpt a Vibrant Coral Reef Scene
Use slab, coil, and pinch pot techniques to form intricate coral, sea sponges, and ocean creatures. Create Storytelling Clay Tiles Design a set of tiles inspired by ancient civilizations, incorporating personal symbols, textures, and patterns that reflect your own culture. Craft a Pinch Pot Animal Whistle Choose an animal from a global habitat (Rainforest, Savanna, Arctic, etc.) and transform it into a functional clay whistle. Design an Alien World Use coil and slab-building techniques to construct an imaginative extraterrestrial landscape featuring mountains, craters, and alien plant life. |
Step into the wonders of the great outdoors through art! Young explorers will discover the beauty of nature as they paint, press, sculpt, and create using natural materials. This camp is perfect for budding artists who love animals, trees, and the world around them.
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Watercolor Landscapes
Paint stunning scenes of trees, mountains, and rivers while experimenting with blending, layering, and texture techniques. Flower & Leaf Pressing Use real leaves and flowers to create beautiful bookmarks or framed nature prints. Forest Creature Masks Design and decorate your very own animal mask using feathers, egg cartons, and other fun materials. Leaf & Bark Rubbings Explore textures by making rubbings of leaves, tree bark, and rocks, then turn them into a creative mixed-media artwork! |
Watercolor Landscapes
Use advanced blending and texture techniques to paint breathtaking forest scenes. Handmade Botanical Paper Create your own paper using flower petals for a truly one-of-a-kind artwork. 3D Animal Sculptures & Masks Design a unique forest animal mask or sculpture using milk jugs, felt, feathers, and other materials. Campers will also create a short story about their animal and its habitat! Nature Rubbing Texture Map Head outside to collect bark, rock, and leaf rubbings, then cut and arrange them into a large mixed-media map. |
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of bugs and butterflies! This camp is all about seeing insects in a new way—up close, colorful, and larger than life. Young artists will explore patterns, textures, and shapes found in nature while creating incredible bug-inspired artworks.
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Magnified Insect Paintings
Use magnifying glasses to observe real insect details, then paint large, colorful close-ups using watercolors. 3D Bug Models Bring your favorite bug to life with clay, pipe cleaners, and paper! Invent a New Bug Imagine a brand-new insect, design its unique features, and create a colorful illustration of your new species. Bug Printmaking Make a giant bug print using plastic plates and printing ink, then trade prints with friends! |
Detailed Bug Illustrations
Use magnifying glasses to paint highly detailed watercolor bugs with stunning color and texture. 3D Wire Insect Sculptures Build a realistic or fantasy-inspired bug using wire, clay, and more. Invent Your Own Bug Using step-by-step design techniques, imagine a brand-new insect and sketch where it lives, what it looks like, and what makes it unique! Bug Printmaking Exchange Design a giant insect print using ink and plastic plates, then trade prints with your fellow artists! |
Dive into a world of underwater creativity! Young artists will explore the wonders of the ocean while using different art techniques to bring coral reefs, sea creatures, and deep-sea mysteries to life.
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Underwater Scene Creations
Use mixed media to design colorful ocean landscapes filled with coral, fish, and marine life. Deep Sea Fish Painting Learn about ocean depths and paint a fish from the deep sea, focusing on its unique colors and patterns. Ocean Dioramas Build a 3D ocean world using recycled materials, adding seaweed, shells, and marine animals. Jellyfish Mobiles Create floating jellyfish using ribbons and paper, making a fun hanging decoration! |
Ocean Scenes
Design a dynamic, textured underwater scene using layered watercolor paper, tissue paper, and cardstock. Deep Sea Fish Study & Painting Research sea creatures from different ocean depths, then create a detailed painting of a unique fish or marine animal. 3D Ocean Dioramas Construct an immersive ocean diorama with recycled materials, shells, and handcrafted sea creatures. Jellyfish Mobiles Build a floating jellyfish using wire or branches, ribbons, and paper for a whimsical, moving sculpture! |
In this hands-on clay camp, young artists will bring stories to life using fundamental handbuilding techniques like slab, coil, and pinch pots. Throughout the week, campers will:
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Create a Storytelling Mask
Sculpt and design a clay mask inspired by mythology, folklore, or an imaginary creature of your own. Add texture and details to bring your mask to life! Build a Miniature Fairy or Gnome House Use slab and coil techniques to design a whimsical tiny home, complete with doors, windows, and magical details like mushrooms, vines, or stepping stones. Sculpt a Mythical Beast or Creature Create a legendary creature, whether it’s a dragon, griffin, phoenix, or an original hybrid beast, using pinch pots as a base to shape the body. Design a Potion or Spell Bottle Craft a small, hollow clay vessel inspired by ancient alchemists and wizards, decorated with mystical symbols and texture. |
Explore the beauty of the desert through art! Young artists will learn about the unique landscapes, plants, and animals of the desert while using a variety of materials and textures to create stunning works of art.
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Textured Desert Landscapes
Use acrylic paint and sand to create vibrant desert scenes, including mirages and lizard-inspired art. Clay Cactus Creations Sculpt your own desert plants using air-dry clay and paint them with bold colors. Desert Animal Cutouts Design and decorate a cardboard cutout of a desert animal, adding fun details to bring it to life! Sun Prints with Natural Objects Create beautiful prints using the sun and natural materials. |
Contemporary Desert Landscapes
Use impasto techniques, acrylics, and sand to create layered desert paintings featuring mirages, cacti, and lizards. Sculpting the Desert Build a realistic cactus or desert plant using air-dry clay, focusing on texture and form. Desert Animal Sculptures Construct a 3D desert animal using newspaper, tape, and paper-mâché, then paint and decorate your creature. Sun Print Art Create beautiful prints using the sun and natural materials. |
Embark on a rainforest adventure where young artists will explore the lush, vibrant world of tropical plants and animals! Through hands-on projects, campers will learn about the different levels of the rainforest, its fascinating creatures, and the role of camouflage in nature.
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Rainforest Collage Creations
Work together to create a layered rainforest collage featuring plants and animals in black and white. Create Your Own Tropical Discovery Imagine and design a brand-new rainforest flower or tropical bird, adding unique colors and features never seen before! Rainforest Mural Project Contribute to a giant rainforest tree displayed on the portable wall, filled with student-created plants and animals. Soft Pastel Animal Drawings Use pastels on black paper to create stunning artwork of sloths, jaguars, tree frogs, and other rainforest creatures. Camouflaged Animal Art Design a rainforest animal that blends into its surroundings while learning how camouflage helps animals survive! |
Layered Rainforest Collage
Create an in-depth, colorful rainforest collage featuring plants and animals, adding texture and dimension to the artwork. Invent a New Tropical Species Design a never-before-seen tropical flower or bird with unique adaptations and striking colors, making it a one-of-a-kind rainforest discovery! Giant Rainforest Mural Work collaboratively to build a massive rainforest tree mural on the portable wall, adding unique hand-painted animals. Soft Pastel Animal Drawings Capture the beauty of sloths, jaguars, and tree frogs using soft pastels on black paper for striking contrast. Camouflaged Creatures & Predators Design a rainforest animal hidden within the jungle, then add a lurking predator to the scene! |
Step into a world of towering peaks, shimmering night skies, and nature-inspired art! Young artists will explore the beauty of mountains through hands-on projects that bring landscapes, textures, and outdoor elements to life.
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Aurora Borealis Mountain Paintings
Use pastels on black paper to paint glowing mountain landscapes, highlighting peaks with white crayon. Torn Paper Mountain Collages Create layered mountain ranges using colorful textured paper, tearing and assembling to form stunning landscapes. Nature Mandalas Collect leaves, twigs, and natural materials to hammer into designs, creating one-of-a-kind nature-inspired mandalas. Mountain Village Models Design and build a miniature mountain village using paper and cardboard! |
Aurora Borealis Mountain Paintings
Use pastels on black paper to capture the glowing Northern Lights over a mountain range, with white crayon to define the peaks. Torn Paper Rock Painting Create mountain collages using textured paper and quick sticks, then paint a rock with Posca markers to add a personal touch to nature. Nature-Inspired Mandala Printmaking Use jelly plates and natural materials like leaves and twigs to create stunning print designs. Mountain Village Models Build a detailed paper or cardboard mountain village, complete with tiny houses, paths, and natural elements. |
Journey into the heart of the savanna and explore the incredible animals, landscapes, and cultures of this vast ecosystem! Young artists will bring the wild to life through hands-on creative projects that celebrate the beauty and diversity of the savanna.
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Big Five Animal Art
Paint your favorite savanna animal, from lions and elephants to rhinos and leopards! Savanna Shelter Design Build a miniature shelter using air-dry clay, sticks, and grass to explore how animals and people adapt to the environment. Safari Hat & Binoculars Design your own safari gear to get ready for an artistic expedition! Giant Savanna Art Mural Work together to create a large-scale savanna landscape filled with bold, patterned animal cutouts. |
Big Five Animal Art
Paint a lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, or rhino and bring it to life. Group Savanna Shelter Project Work in teams of three to construct a large-scale savanna shelter using foam core, hot glue, air-dry clay, and natural materials. Safari Hat & Binoculars Personalize your own safari gear and get ready for an artistic expedition! Savanna Mural Collaboration Help design a giant savanna artwork, featuring large, intricately patterned animal cutouts that capture the essence of the wild. |
Step into the icy realms of the Arctic in this hands-on art camp! Young artists will explore advanced techniques and collaborate on exciting challenges inspired by winter landscapes and Arctic life.
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Ice Painting Challenge
Experiment with painting using ice cubes dipped in watercolor for a unique artistic effect. Custom Arctic Puzzles Design and craft your own puzzle featuring polar bears, penguins, glaciers, or icy caves. Ice Castle Challenge Work in teams to build the tallest and most creative ice castle using sugar cubes and flour-water glue. Aurora Borealis Masterpieces Blend colors with chalk pastels to capture the beauty of the northern lights on black paper. |
Ice Painting Challenge
Use ice cubes dipped in watercolor to create beautiful, abstract winter landscapes. Winter Wonderland Landscapes Learn about cool color palettes and texture techniques to paint a serene winter scene. Arctic Animal Sculptures Craft your favorite Arctic animal or a mini igloo using recycled materials. Aurora Borealis Paintings Create a stunning northern lights scene with chalk pastels and blending techniques on black paper. |
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Sign Up To Be A
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CAMP FAQ
Contact information
LOCATION INFORMATION
All summer programming takes place in the RCAC Education Department, use the Kansas City St. entrance of the Dahl Arts Center for drop-off + pick-up.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING
WHAT TO WEAR
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT NOT TO BRING
- Clothes that can get messy with paint, clay, glue, etc.
WHAT TO BRING
- Refillable water bottle.
- A cold/sack lunch.
- Your creativity!
WHAT NOT TO BRING
- Electronics (smart phones, smart-watches, tablets, etc.)
- Toys or special belongings from home
PICK-UP/DROP OFF PROCEDURES
All drop-offs and pick-ups will occur at the Kansas City Street entrance.
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DROP-OFF
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PICK-UP
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Injury
If your child becomes injured, proper first aid will be administered and an accident report will be completed by a staff member. Parents/Guardians will be promptly notified as soon as the child’s immediate needs have been taken care of. In an emergency, staff will immediately call 911 and contact the parent/guardian or emergency contacts provided on the registration paperwork.
Health
If you, your child, or anyone in your family unit are feeling unwell or have come in contact with any confirmed COVID-19 positive cases, we ask that you please do not bring your child to participate in the camp. If anything pertaining to the prior statement changes during the camp week, we ask that you promptly notify us at the Education Department. If your child becomes ill while at camp (persistent cough, fever, etc.) we will promptly call the listed emergency contacts to have the child picked up.
Masks
Wearing of masks welcome at the personal discretion of students and guardians.
If your child becomes injured, proper first aid will be administered and an accident report will be completed by a staff member. Parents/Guardians will be promptly notified as soon as the child’s immediate needs have been taken care of. In an emergency, staff will immediately call 911 and contact the parent/guardian or emergency contacts provided on the registration paperwork.
Health
If you, your child, or anyone in your family unit are feeling unwell or have come in contact with any confirmed COVID-19 positive cases, we ask that you please do not bring your child to participate in the camp. If anything pertaining to the prior statement changes during the camp week, we ask that you promptly notify us at the Education Department. If your child becomes ill while at camp (persistent cough, fever, etc.) we will promptly call the listed emergency contacts to have the child picked up.
Masks
Wearing of masks welcome at the personal discretion of students and guardians.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
The RCAC Education Department is dedicated to providing a creative learning environment that is rooted in respect, collaboration, and creativity. We strive to make the art classroom a place where students feel seen, heard, and valued, so that they may freely and authentically express themselves and connect with others through the arts.
We expect our students to:
Behavior Policy
The Rapid City Arts Council strives to ensure the safety of our staff and of every student who enters our facility. In extreme instances, if a student is unable to participate in a way that keeps everyone safe (physically and emotionally) the student may be removed from the camp. Any kind of violence, aggression, or explicit language will not be tolerated. If a child’s behavior becomes problematic, staff will appropriately document the behavior in writing. Appropriate action will be determined by the staff, and if necessary, the parent/guardian will be contacted. Before removal, staff will always engage in positive and healthy conflict resolution strategies including problem solving and redirection with patience and respect.
We expect our students to:
- Interact and engage with others (both staff and other students) with kindness and respect.
- Use language that is both appropriate and respectful.
- Respect and treat with care all aspects of the Education Department, including classrooms, bathrooms, common areas, supplies, equipment, and materials.
Behavior Policy
The Rapid City Arts Council strives to ensure the safety of our staff and of every student who enters our facility. In extreme instances, if a student is unable to participate in a way that keeps everyone safe (physically and emotionally) the student may be removed from the camp. Any kind of violence, aggression, or explicit language will not be tolerated. If a child’s behavior becomes problematic, staff will appropriately document the behavior in writing. Appropriate action will be determined by the staff, and if necessary, the parent/guardian will be contacted. Before removal, staff will always engage in positive and healthy conflict resolution strategies including problem solving and redirection with patience and respect.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- If classes are canceled by the Rapid City Arts Council, due to Covid-19 or otherwise, you will be refunded 100%.
- Classes are filled on a first-paid, first-served basis. Registration is not in effect until the first payment is received.
- To transfer your enrollment, call 605-394-4101 x3 and/or email [email protected] two weeks prior to the start of camp.
- Class Cancellations requested two weeks or more before the class start date receive a 50% refund, cancellations within the two weeks prior are non-refundable.