Children's Program
Code: K0916-25
-
O
Open to All
Subject to specific age requirements, students of any skill/knowledge level.
-
Ages 6-8
Elemental Art - Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Heart
Jul 28 - Aug 1, 2025
9AM-3PM
Tuition: $598.00
Studio Fee: $30.00
Registration Fee: $25.00
Concept
Discover the power of the five elements through hands-on art! Young artists will explore wind, water, fire, earth, and space by using swirling watercolors to capture the breeze, sculpting explosive volcanoes with papier-mâché, creating rain-inspired drip pastels, and crafting glowing lanterns that symbolize fire. Along the way, they’ll learn how artists from different cultures have been inspired by nature’s forces—from Japanese woodblock prints of ocean waves to Indigenous sand painting traditions. Through texture, color, and movement, students will bring the raw energy of the natural world to life in their own unique creations!
Faculty

Alex McQuillan
Alex McQuillan is an educator with over 11 years of experience, including four at Aspen Middle School, where he fosters curiosity and engagement in his classrooms, believing in art as a tool for connection and understanding. He is also the author and illustrator of “The Karakol Diaries,” a graphic novel inspired by his years teaching and exploring in Kyrgyzstan. His work captures the beauty and depth of human experience through travel and its tribulations. Alex’s educational and artistic mission centers on creating moments of curiosity, empowerment, and engagement through adventure and exploration, fueled by inspiration from mountains and the wisdom of his grandmothers.

Kids in Emil Gormans Adventures in 3d workshop showing off their projects. 3D printed glasses and Boardgames
Tuition: $598.00
Studio Fee: $30.00
Registration Fee: $25.00
Join Waitlist for Elemental Art - Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Heart
Thank you for your interest in the waitlist. When space in a workshop or program becomes available, registration will open on the website. Everyone on the waitlist will be emailed to alert them of the opening. This ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to register for the workshop or program.
Workshop Details>
Lodging & Meals
Housing is limited and includes shared and private lodging options. Reservations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you reserve housing, the better your chance of receiving your preferred option. Please note: Workshop costs do not include accommodations.
NEW: Tuition includes a welcome dinner and lunches. In our effort to foster a stronger sense of community and accessibility at Anderson Ranch, we include the welcome dinner and all lunches as part of the tuition for summer workshop students. Our hope is that this adjustment will encourage all students to come together to share meals and engage in meaningful conversations. The Ranch Café Meal Plan, which is included with Room and Board fees, strives to provide healthy, creative meals that will nourish your artistic creativity. Learn more.
We have established a Business Safety Plan with added layers of precaution that prioritize the health and safety of our staff, students, faculty and guests while continuing to provide you with the Anderson Ranch experience that you know and enjoy.
Related Events>

Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts
Making Art Accessible
Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.
Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.
You Might Also Be Interested In>

-
O
Open to All
Subject to specific age requirements, students of any skill/knowledge level.
-
Ages 9-12
Jul 14 - 18, 2025
9AM-3PM
Wearable Art
Annie Bell
Tuition $598
Code K0708-25
Step into the world of contemporary art by becoming a living masterpiece! In this dynamic workshop, students explore creativity through the creation of fantastical masks and costumes using a variety of mixed media. From paper mâché to textured fabrics—and even everyday materials like cardboard—students are encouraged to experiment and let their imaginations run wild. Along the way, they learn basic sewing and mending techniques to bring their wearable art to life. The week culminates on Friday with a stunning runway show, where students proudly showcase their creations in a dazzling presentation for friends and family!

-
O
Open to All
Subject to specific age requirements, students of any skill/knowledge level.
-
Ages 6-8
Jul 14 - 18, 2025
9AM-3PM
Into the Earth: Art Inspired by Geology
Hallie McQueeny
Tuition $598
Code K0715-25
Let’s dig into the wonders of our planet! In this fun, hands-on workshop, young artists explore rocks, crystals, and fossils through creative projects. Kids will make textured clay fossils, paint sparkling crystal-inspired watercolors, and sculpt their own tiny mountains and volcanoes. Along the way, they’ll learn about the layers of the earth, erosion, and the swirling colors of agate slices using marbled painting techniques. Get ready to create, explore, and discover the magic of geology through art!

-
O
Open to All
Subject to specific age requirements, students of any skill/knowledge level.
-
Ages 6-8
Jul 21 - 25, 2025
9AM-3PM
Habitat Happenings
Annie Bell
Tuition $598
Code K0809-25
In this dynamic workshop, young creators embark on an adventurous journey through the world’s diverse habitats! From the towering trees of the rainforest to the icy Arctic where polar bears roam, we uncover how nature thrives in every corner of the globe. Inspired by Georgia O’Keefe’s vibrant desert flowers, Andy Goldsworthy’s forest sculptures, and Vija Celmins’ mesmerizing ocean waves, we bring ecosystems to life through art. Kids immerse themselves in projects like dioramas, collages, and paper mâché, using creativity to strengthen their connection with the Earth. Join us as we discover our planet through the power of art!