Summer Art & Writing Program- Teens

Details for 2025's Summer Arts Program for Teens will be released in March!

Summer Art & Writing Program for Teens

(Ages 11-17)

*please read program basics below to understand our policies

Join different instructors for 7 weeks as you explore the fundamentals of art and writing in an inclusive, supportive environment where exploration is encouraged.

Writing Classes (at the Wilber Mansion)

12-18 year olds at any place in their writing journey are welcome. Mature 11 year olds allowed with permission.

The (non)Tortured Poets Department with Leslie Berliant

July 23-25, 1-3pm

During this 3-day workshop, you will be writing poetry, learning about and experimenting with forms of poetry (did you know there are hundreds of different poetic forms?), and finding inspiration in published poets and their work.

Writing for Teens - Fictionalizing the Personal / Personalizing the Fictional

with Leslie Berliant, July 30-August 1, 1-3pm

During this 3-day workshop, you will work on your own stories, learn about story and character development, and take inspiration in short stories and fun prompts. Whether you’re writing fiction or working on something based on real-life experiences, you will learn how to deepen and expand your work.

Art Classes (at CANO Art Studio, behind the Wilber Mansion)

Week 1: July 8 & 10, Monday + Wednesday, 2:30-4:30pm

Drawing Fundamentals:Balancing the Creative and Technical Mind with Emily Falco FULL- registration is closed

Drawing is fundamental to all aspects of art. This class will help artists strengthen their drawing skills. This introductory class requires no drawing experience, and will cover exercises to nurture one's creative thinking while refining technical skills in drawing. It is designed to be fun and imaginative while also giving students technical skills for creating more realistic drawings.

Week 2: July 15-18, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday + Thursday, 3pm-5pm

Mixed Media Portraits with Alyssa Hardy

We will learn the basics of human face proportions and experiment with different styles to create several portraits. Plan to use different media throughout the week as we try portraits in pencil, charcoal, and paint.

Week 3: July 22-25, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday + Thursday, 3pm-5pm

Watercolor with Alyssa Hardy

We will explore different watercolor techniques that can help you create both realistic and abstract artwork. Some of our work will be from direct observation as we learn how light affects color and how to use colors to build shadow tones.

Week 4: July 30 & August 1: Tuesday + Thursday, 2:30-5:30pm Ceramics I with Diana Cozzens Full- registration is closed

Delve into the world of ceramics by learning different hand building techniques and glazing your own work! By the end of the week, you will have created a project to take home.

Week 5: August 6 & 8, Tuesday + Thursday, 2:30-5:30pm Ceramics II by Diana Cozzens Full- registration is closed

While taking ceramics I isn't necessary, it is encouraged to further develop skills. Develop hand building skills and take home a project by the end of the week.

Week 6: August 12-14, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 2:30-5pm

Exploring Painting with Kristin Stevenson- full

Explore painting fundamentals, or expand your knowledge base, by working with value, color, and composition. Highly recommended before diving into Week 7.

Week 7: August19-21, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 2:30-5pm

Exploring Painting with Kristin Stevenson full

Build upon your knowledge in Week 6 and learn how to find your painting groove!

All material costs covered in class fee. This is a hands-on class where students will gain experience through exercises, projects, and more.

July 8 & 10- Week 1: Fundamental Drawing with Emily Falco

July 15-18- Week 2: Mixed Media Portraits with Alyssa Hardy

July 22-25- Week 3: Watercolor with Alyssa Hardy

July 30 & August 1-Week 4: Ceramics I with Diana Cozzens

August 6 & 8- Week 5: Ceramics II with Diana Cozzens

August 12-14- Week 6: Exploring Painting I with Kristin Stevenson

August 19-21- Week 7: Exploring in Painting II with Kristin Stevenson

2024 CANO Summer Arts Program Basics

● The Summer Arts Program for Teens has different hours each week. Please take note of the hours as CANO does not offer extended care. Students must be picked up promptly.

● Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited.

● Payment is required upon registration to reserve the space. Sign up for 1 or all weeks.

● Summer Arts Program is designed for tweens and teens between 11-17 years.

● Each week is different, so be sure to register for multiple weeks throughout the summer for an immersive art experience!

Parents of attendees, please read:

● Please also provide a water bottle or other beverage for your child.

● Parent/guardian must sign teen into the summer art program and sign out upon pick-up

● Please let your teen stay at home if they are sick. Teens with a fever or other symptoms of illness will not be allowed to attend that day.

● Art is messy! Teens must wear clothing that can get paint, ink, and other mediums on them. We recommend that teens wear closed-toe shoes for their own protection.

● Art mediums and materials are included in tuition.

● Please contact the Education Coordinator by email at:

art-education@CANOneonta.org for more information.

*Cancellation Policy

A refund equal to half of tuition paid will be granted for cancellations made two weeks before the registered start date. No refunds will be made for cancellations made less than two weeks prior to that date. Please notify us immediately of any cancellations. Full refunds will only be granted if the program is canceled.

*Disciplinary Policy

To ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, disruptive or dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. While teachers will make every effort to redirect behavior, parents will be called and asked to pick up their child if problem behavior persists. There will be no refund of class fees if a child must leave due to behavioral issues.

*Medical or Other Needs

It is your responsibility to let our teachers know of any medical or other needs that your child has. CANO is not responsible for the administration of medication, wtih the exception of an Epipen (provided by parent) in emergency situations. Please fill the Consent to Treatment form at first day of class.

Thanks to NYSEG, NYSCA, & the Elks Club for supporting the summer arts program!