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
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
Workshop Details
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
-
Ages 6-8
Jun 1 - 5, 2026
9 AM - 3 PM
Art Through Time!
Hannah Baker
Tuition $600
Code K0101-26
Pack your bags—we’re going on an art adventure through history! Each day, young artists travel to a different time and place to discover how people have made art for thousands of years. We start by painting cave-style murals like early humans, then try our hands at clay tablets inspired by ancient Mesopotamia. We design pottery like the Greeks and Romans, decorate fancy letters like medieval artists, and make bright “stained-glass” collages that glow with color. Moving forward in time, we splash paint like the Impressionists, create bold pop art, and dream up what art might look like in the future! By the end of the week, every child has created a “time capsule” of their own amazing creations—celebrating creativity from the past, present, and beyond!
-
Ages 6-8
Jun 8 - 12, 2026
9 AM - 3 PM
Exploring the Art and Culture of the Maya
Gabriela Mejia
Tuition $600
Code K0203-26
Embark on an extraordinary week of adventure and creativity as students dive into the vibrant world of Mayan art and culture! Each day, they explore new activities such as building towering pyramids with clay and cardboard, weaving intricate textiles on handmade looms, and crafting colorful masks with paper mâché, feathers, and beads. As they create, students uncover the fascinating stories and history of the Maya civilization. Using materials like paint, clay, and corn husks, they bring ancient traditions to life through hands-on art projects that combine creative expression and interactive learning, connecting them to one of the world’s most intriguing cultures in a fun and engaging way.
-
Ages 6-8
Jun 8 - 12, 2026
9 AM - 3 PM
Puppetry and Theater
Hilary Forsyth
Tuition $600
Code K0202-26
Step into the spotlight and bring stories to life! In this lively workshop, kids explore the magical world of puppetry and performance through hands-on art projects and playful storytelling. Students build and decorate hand puppets with fabric, felt, and buttons, craft rod puppets and shadow puppets, and design their own colorful mini stages. They dive into script writing, character design, and voice acting as they rehearse short skits and performances. From silly improvisations to imaginative stories, kids experiment with the art of theater while collaborating with their peers. This workshop blends visual art, performance, and storytelling, encouraging confidence, creativity, and teamwork. By the end of the week, students take home unique puppets and stage sets—and the joy of performing their own original shows!