SIDE STREET
STUDIO ARTS
Where Elgin Creates
Summer 2026
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.*
Click here to follow along and see what our young artists get up to each week throughout summer!
K-5 SCHEDULE
SPONSOR A YOUNG ARTIST
Grades K-5
Classes will be Monday - Friday
9am-12pm
15 Ziegler Court
Elgin, IL 60120
JUNE 8-12
“Art For Good”
Art for Good: Art has the power to tell stories, build empathy, and shape the future. Young artists will explore themes of kindness, community, and care through playful, collaborative, and individual projects. Campers will discover how colors, symbols, and images can share messages, uplift others, and bring people together. Expect bold posters, meaningful drawings, and creative experiments that celebrate using art to make the world a brighter place.
JUNE 22-26
“3D Week | Build It Bold!”
Big & Tiny Builders
Young artists will explore sculpture through scale, texture, and imagination. From miniature dioramas to oversized collaborative builds, students will experiment with clay, cardboard construction, fiber, and found materials. Each day introduces a new way to think in three dimensions—stacking, shaping, balancing, wrapping, and transforming simple materials into bold creations. Expect playful experimentation and big creative thinking.
JULY 6-10
"Installation Week"
Imagination Takes Over
Young artists will turn their space into a world of their own creation. Through collaborative building, painting, fabric, cardboard construction, and playful experimentation, campers will explore how color, shape, texture, and light can completely change a room.
Students will learn how to work together, share ideas, and build large-scale creations that invite others to step inside their imagination. Expect forts, tunnels, hanging elements, and interactive details that make the space feel magical and alive.
Installation Week encourages teamwork, creative problem-solving, and BIG thinking.
The week culminates in a public walk-through, where families and community members are invited to experience the transformed spaces created entirely by our young artists.
JULY 13-17
"Heroes & Icons Week"
Superhero Studio
Young artists will invent their own superheroes — complete with powers, costumes, symbols, and origin stories. Campers will design masks, create action-packed illustrations, build props, and explore what it means to use your strengths to help others.
Along the way, students will think about courage, kindness, and teamwork while bringing their larger-than-life characters to life through colorful, hands-on projects.
Perfect for imaginative creators who love bold ideas and big adventures.
JULY 20-24
"Make An Impression"
Print, Press & Snap
Young artists will experiment with printmaking, stamping, foam printing, texture rubbings, and layered color techniques while also exploring the basics of photography. Young artists will learn how to frame a shot, notice light and shadow, and capture interesting textures and patterns around the studio.
Students might photograph their prints, document textures for inspiration, or create simple photo-based collages that combine printed and photographic imagery. This week is playful, hands-on, and full of colorful discoveries.
JULY 27-31
"Step Into The Spotlight!"
Creative Performance Playground
Young artists will explore theater games, expressive movement, costume and prop design, and imaginative storytelling. Campers will create characters, build simple sets or wearable pieces, and work together on short performances that highlight teamwork and confidence.
This week focuses on playful exploration, creativity, and building comfort in front of an audience—all in a supportive and encouraging environment.
AUGUST 3-7
"Arts, Crafts, & Oddities Week"
Mini Makers & Marvels
Young artists will create small, sellable works inspired by the playful and curious spirit of the Area 22 Arts, Crafts, & Oddities Fair. Think mini sculptures, prints, handmade crafts, quirky creatures, and imaginative objects.
Young artists will learn the basics of preparing artwork for a market setting — creating simple signage, thinking about pricing, and practicing how to talk about their creations. This week builds confidence, creativity, and pride as students see their art valued by the community.
6-12 SCHEDULE
SPONSOR A YOUNG ARTIST
Grades 6-12
Classes will be Monday - Friday
1pm-4pm
15 Ziegler Court
Elgin, IL 60120
JUNE 8-12
“Art For Good”
Lead Artist Instructor - Luiza Moraes
This week will dive deep into how artists engage with social issues and public spaces. Artists will explore visual communication and symbolism through printmaking and the creation of multiples—artworks designed to be shared and distributed to reach wider audiences. This week encourages thoughtful dialogue, strong design skills, and confident creative expression with purpose.
JUNE 22-26
“3D Week | Build It Bold!”
Lead Artist Instructor - John French
Structural & Sculptural Lab
Older artists will dive deeper into three-dimensional design, structure, and material experimentation. Students will learn how to build stable forms, consider balance and weight, and refine sculptural techniques using clay, mixed media, and constructed materials.
JULY 6-10
"Installation Week"
Lead Artist Instructor - Sugey Mondragon
Imagination Takes Over
Older artists will dive deeper into the concept of installation art—considering audience experience, movement through space, scale, symbolism, and material choice. Campers will design and execute a cohesive installation within their assigned area at SSSA, exploring how artwork can transform architecture and shift perception.
Students will experiment with mixed media, constructed forms, lighting, sound, and immersive design elements while developing conceptual clarity and strong execution. This week challenges artists to think beyond individual pieces and create an environment with intention and impact.
The week culminates in a public walk-through, where families and community members are invited to experience the transformed spaces created entirely by our young artists.
JULY 13-17
"Heroes & Icons Week"
Lead Artist Instructor - John French
Icons: Identity & Influence
Older artists will explore the idea of the “icon” — from pop culture and music to activism, sports, and community leaders. Students will examine how imagery, symbolism, and visual style contribute to a person’s influence and legacy.
Through animation, portraiture, mixed media, design, and concept development, campers will create artwork that celebrates figures who inspire them — or explore their own identity as emerging icons. This week blends strong visual skills with thoughtful storytelling and personal voice.
JULY 20-24
"Make An Impression"
Lead Artist Instructor - Sugey Mondragon
Print & Photo Lab
Older artists will dive deeper into both printmaking and photography as tools for visual storytelling. Students will explore printing techniques alongside intentional image-making with cameras—focusing on composition, contrast, and concept.
Campers will experiment with combining photographic imagery and print processes, creating layered works that explore repetition, multiples, and message-driven design. This lab-style week emphasizes craftsmanship, creative risk-taking, and thoughtful image-making across mediums.
JULY 27-31
"Step Into The Spotlight!"
Lead Artist Instructor - Nick Mataragas
Performance & Production Lab
Older students will dive deeper into performance-making, exploring acting, movement, spoken word, devised theater, and collaborative creation. Artists may also explore technical elements such as simple staging, lighting concepts, sound, and production design.
This lab-style week emphasizes creative voice, ensemble collaboration, and professional-level focus while remaining flexible and student-driven. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, campers will gain tools to communicate ideas clearly and confidently in the spotlight.
AUGUST 3-7
"Arts, Crafts, & Oddities Week"
Lead Artist Instructor - Luza Moraes
Oddities & Artist Enterprise Lab
Older artists will focus on developing a cohesive collection of work for the Area 22 Arts, Crafts & Oddities Fair. Students will explore product development, pricing strategies, and display design while creating quality, market-ready pieces.
This week emphasizes professional development alongside artistic voice. Campers will learn how to present themselves as working artists, engage with customers, and participate in a vibrant downtown Elgin arts event on August 8 — gaining hands-on experience in the creative economy.
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 erin@sidestreetstudioarts.org
Si tiene alguna pregunta o si necesita asistencia en español, envíe un correo electrónico erin@sidestreetstudioarts.org
phone: 847-429-2276 x 701
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.
