Camp Contemporary returns with weeklong art programs for 4- to 12-year-olds

Four people work on hands-on art activities while sitting in the grass

General registration for Camp Contemporary: Spring Break opens Feb. 8.

Want to get your kids out of their online rut and into something creative this spring break? Camp Contemporary is right around the corner, March 15-19. Our weeklong, school-break art camps for 4- to 12-year-olds will be held in person in our socially distanced studios and outdoors across our 4.6-acre campus, offering an opportunity for kids to safely connect through creativity at your new arts center in downtown Oklahoma City.

For Youth and Family Programs Manager Christine Gibson, the return of Camp Contemporary is an opportunity to fulfill a core piece of her team's mission to bring unforgettable arts experiences to young people. "We've been looking forward to doing this in the new space for way over a year," she said. "I'm very excited for kids to actually get to safely create in the studio space and on campus — just to see them enjoying it, face to face, at a distance."

A person with blonde hair wearing a green dress shirt and statement necklace smiles while sitting at an art activity table with a child who is working on an art project

Oklahoma Contemporary Youth and Family Programs Manager Christine Gibson

There will plenty for young campers to enjoy when Camp Contemporary kicks off on March 15. The spring break offerings detailed below — led by professional local teaching artists and studio assistants — offer something for everyone.

Storybook Kids (ages 5-6) | Campers will use and experiment with printmaking, mixed media and found natural materials to design and take home their own hardcover storybook, complete with unique characters and a peek-through style storyline.
Creative Movement (ages 7-9) | While socially distancing outdoors and in the Dance Studio, campers will learn a choreographed dance from local RACE Dance Collective artist Joshua Okpara. Campers will perform their dance for family and friends outdoors on our North Lawn during Friday’s Camp Contemporary Showcase.
Colossal Creations (ages 7-9) | Exploring the work of contemporary artist Ugo Rondinone, campers will together build larger-than-life outdoor installations. Campers will experience the process of making a sculpture from start to finish, including brainstorming, designing, building and overcoming artistic challenges.
Clay All Day (ages 10-12) | Taking inspiration from Japanese pop art artist Yayoi Kasuma, campers will create colorful ceramic forms with a contemporary twist. Campers will be introduced to ceramic practices, including hand-building techniques, wheel throwing and clay construction. They’ll also experience the Japanese ceramic glazing and firing practice known as Raku.

Since safety comes first, each camp will be limited to 10 students with strict adherence to Oklahoma Contemporary's COVID-19 protocols — including mandatory mask-wearing for all participants, instructors and visitors, along with strict adherence to social distancing guidelines and frequent hand washing/sanitization. Balancing public health concerns with the organization's goal to forge meaningful connections through art is no easy task, but it's one Gibson and her Youth and Family Programs team have taken head-on.

"We've done a lot of research on how sister organizations and schools are operating," Gibson said. "We'll be doing things like curbside drop-off and pickup, taking temperatures when the kiddos arrive in The Studios and so on. Indoors, they'll have workstations they'll get assigned to and then also a cubby space in The Studios to put their personal belongings. I literally just ordered 36 clear plastic dividers that will go between the workstations."

As part of the week’s experiences, campers will take a Gallery Guide-led, interactive tour of the Ed Ruscha: OKLA exhibition, furthering Oklahoma Contemporary's broader mission to nurture creativity through engagement with contemporary art. Since today's curious kids are tomorrow's leading creators, we hope you'll make this spring break one to remember by registering your young artist in Camp Contemporary.