SIDE STREET
STUDIO ARTS
Where Elgin Creates
Summer 2025
ART CAMPS
Every year Side Street Studio Arts has the pleasure of hosting children of varying ages for summer arts education programs. Each week the young artists create work around that week's theme and also enjoy some fun in the sun with fellow young artists!
We offer engaging, creative programming for K-12 students at our downtown Elgin location, running weekly from June through August, with additional seasonal classes throughout the year. Sessions include all materials, snacks, and provide opportunities for hands-on learning and play!
All of the programming we offer is interdisciplinary and involves both visual and performing art. The classes are held by professional artist-educators who coordinate days filled with art-making, exploration, and fun! All snacks and supplies will be provided! We do ask each student bring their own water bottle with their name, as we strive to be environmentally friendly.We are also excited to be able to offer transportation assistance, as requested. When you register you will be asked if you would like to be contacted about arranging transportation to and from camp. There will be a small fee for those registered in Side Street programming.
*If you are able to support this programming with any size donation, please visit us HERE.*
K-5 SCHEDULE
Grades K-5
Classes will be Monday - Friday
9am-12pm
15 Student Max
15 Ziegler Court
Elgin, IL 60120
JUNE 9-13
“Wayfinding”
Who are you? What path will you choose? How will you know when you arrive? We are always evolving and finding our way…one day at a time! Young Artists will focus on expressing who they are in their artistry in the present. They are beginning to find their own way.
Our social-emotional focus will be: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. BE YOURSELF! Show confidence in your strengths. Do your best to be your own, unique brand of you!
Our Art Principle is CONTRAST. Don’t be afraid to stand out and be different.
JUNE 16-20 (No class June 19)
“Make an Impression”
Young Artists will explore the elements of Print Making, Carving & Stamping. Sometimes things go through a little pressure and stress, and a work of art is on the other side! Our social-emotional focus will be maintaining a positive attitude through challenges. Students will also learn a few helpful coping strategies for stress & anxiety. Our Art Principle for the week is PATTERN.
JUNE 23-27
“Cultural Americana”
Our city and country is diverse! It is what makes us so beautiful. We might not all sing the same note…or play the same instrument…but it is important to find harmony among one another. This week young artists will explore the background that helped define them. Our social-emotional focus will be: EMPATHY and COMPASSION for others. Our Art Principle is RHYTHM. How things get along and interact is important, but don’t stress - everything will fall into rhythm.
JULY 7-11
Inspired By The World Around Us
This week will be full of environmental art fun! Your young artist will learn about environmental art and create their own work inspired by and interacting with the environment. This may be nature inspired or environmental impact. Our social-emotional focus will be the things in and out of our control. Our Art Principle for the week is BALANCE.
JULY 14-18
(Revolt) Stand Up! Advocacy! Revolution!
What are you passionate about? What inspires you? What would you love to change about your school or town? Our social-emotional focus will be: how to stand up for ourselves and others. Our Art Principle is MOVEMENT. Be a part of a movement….or start one yourself!
JULY 21-25
Characters Come To Life!
(Cartoon & Font/Graffiti Focus)
Young Artists will explore elements of cartoon, linework, font and graffiti! What story do you have to tell? A memoir? An adventure? Action story or fantasy tale? What kind of character are you creating? Our social-emotional focus will be: assertive vs passive vs aggressive communication. We have the power to decide how we want to express and communicate with others. Our Art Principle is EMPHASIS. What will you emphasize to your audience?
JULY 28 - AUGUST 1
Step into Spotlight
This is the week for your young artist to shine! We explore different types and styles of performance and give everyone the opportunity to perform. We will end the week with a Talent Show! Our social-emotional focus will be: RESPECT. Our Art Principle is UNITY. We are coming together to celebrate the end of a great summer together!
6-12 SCHEDULE
Grades 6th-8th & 9th-12th
Classes will be Monday - Friday
1pm-3pm
15 Ziegler Court
Elgin, IL 60120
JUNE 9-13
“Wayfinding”
Wayfinding - Who are you? What path will you choose? How will you know when you arrive? We are always evolving and finding our way…one day at a time! Young Artists will focus on expressing who they are in their artistry in the present. They are beginning to find their own way. Our social-emotional focus will be: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. BE YOURSELF! Show confidence in your strengths. Do your best to be your own, unique brand of you! Our Art Principle is CONTRAST. Don’t be afraid to stand out and be different.
JUNE 16-20 (No class June 19)
“Make an Impression”
“Make an Impression” Young Artists will explore the elements of Print Making, Carving & Stamping. Sometimes things go through a little pressure and stress, and a work of art is on the other side! Our social-emotional focus will be maintaining a positive attitude through challenges. Students will also learn a few helpful coping strategies for stress & anxiety. Our Art Principle for the week is PATTERN.
JUNE 23-27
“Cultural Americana”
“Cultural Americana” - Our city and country is diverse! It is what makes us so beautiful. We might not all sing the same note…or play the same instrument…but it is important to find harmony among one another. This week young artists will explore the background that helped define them. Our social-emotional focus will be: EMPATHY and COMPASSION for others. Our Art Principle is RHYTHM. How things get along and interact is important, but don’t stress - everything will fall into rhythm.
JULY 7-11
Inspired By The World Around Us
Inspired By The World Around Us - This week will be full of environmental art fun! Your young artist will learn about environmental art and create their own work inspired by and interacting with the environment. This may be nature inspired or environmental impact. Our social-emotional focus will be the things in and out of our control. Our Art Principle for the week is BALANCE. (Collect Trash/Recyclables from a walk (with gloves) or bring from home, collect nature)
JULY 14-18
(Revolt) Stand Up! Advocacy! Revolution!
(Revolt) Stand Up! Advocacy! Revolution! Young Artists will What are you passionate about? What causes do you want to promote? What do you care about locally and globally? Create poster art & zines to share your voice with the community. Our social-emotional focus will be: how to stand up for ourselves and others. Our Art Principle is MOVEMENT. Be a part of a movement….or start one yourself!
JULY 21-25
Characters Come To Life!
(Cartoon & Font/Graffiti Focus)
Characters come to life! Young Artists will explore elements of portrait, cartoon, linework, font and graffiti! What story do you have to tell? A memoir? An adventure? Action story or fantasy tale? What kind of character are you creating? Our social-emotional focus will be: assertive vs passive vs aggressive communication. We have the power to decide how we want to express and communicate with others. Our Art Principle is EMPHASIS. What will you emphasize to your audience?
JULY 28 - AUGUST 1
Through The Lens
This week young artists will learn different styles and techniques in photography using any camera available, from phones to film cameras. Each day we will be on the move throughout downtown Elgin to capture different locations. Our social-emotional focus will be: RESPECT. Our Art Principle is UNITY. We are bringing many elements of art from our summer studies together in this unit. Artists will be capturing the bustling life of downtown Elgin.
REGISTRATION
Please ensure you are enrolling your child in the correct program. You may sign up for multiple programs if you would like. If you enroll your child in multiple sessions please make sure to make ONE SUBMISSION PER CHILD.
If you have any questions or if you need Spanish language assistance please email rachael@sidestreetstudioarts.org
Si tiene alguna pregunta o si necesita asistencia en español, envíe un correo electrónico rachael@sidestreetstudioarts.org
phone: 847-429-2276 x 4
Are you interested in applying for a scholarship?
Scholarships help us ensure that all young artists can explore, create, and grow—regardless of financial circumstances. Scholarships are generously supported by the U-46 Educational Foundation and the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission.
Not able to join a class you wanted? Join the waitlist!
This year we are creating the option to be added to a waitlist for classes that have already filled up. Fill out the correct form below and you will be contacted if a space opens up for the session you have requested.