Summer Art Studios

The arts teach children and teens vital skills that nurture intellectual and creative development with skills that prepare them for the 21st century. Perhaps now more than ever—as San Antonio becomes increasingly diverse, the world more interconnected, and the workplace more oriented around technology and creativity—arts education is a key to ensuring student success in school, work, and life. A leader in arts education for five decades, Southwest School of Art offers multiple avenues for access to the visual arts for young artists across San Antonio.

Southwest School of Art’s Summer Art Studios is the most comprehensive and largest summer arts experience for students in San Antonio, offering seven weeks of classes for students ages 5–18. Our artist-teachers focus on fundamentals such as drawing and painting, as well as experimental design and classes that explore world cultures. SSA is unique in offering media such as wheel throwing, metalsmithing, photography, and sculpture. Summer Art Studios allows young artists to work with like-minded peers and culminates in a public celebration of their work each week.

To view the catalog, please click the image below:

This year Summer Art Studios is in session for 7 weeks, June 6 – July 29. There are no classes scheduled for the week of July 4 – 8.

SUMMER ART STUDIOS REGISTRATION DATES:
Friends of SSA Priority: Tue. March 22 @ 9:00 AM
Not a Friend of SSA? Click HERE to join.
Open Registration: Tue. March 29 @ 9:00 AM

Online registration only. No walk-in or phone registrations accepted.

If you are not able to register online, please email: classregistration@swschool.org with your name and phone number and someone will contact you for assistance.

To register select the Week in the menu on the right side of the screen or click on the links below.
Week 1, June 6 - 10
Week 2, June 13 - 17
Week 3, June 20 - 24
Week 4, June 27 - July 1
Week 5, July 11 - 15
Week 6, July 18 - 22
Week 7, July 25 - 29

Click here for Student Orientation Information.

Release Form

The Summer Art Studios student release form should be completed at the time of registration. Those registering online will be prompted to fill out the form after completing the student registration. And those registering by phone will receive an email link to complete the form. NOTE: All forms must be completed prior to the start of the first class. If you have any questions, please call the Young Artist Programs Director at 210.200.8213.

You can submit the form online or download the Release Form.

Age Range

Summer Art Studios classes are broken into the following age brackets—Kids Art Camp: ages 5–6, 7–9, 10–13, and 12–14 as well as Teens Studio Intensive: ages 14–18. The curriculum for each class has been developed to fit the skill level of the student in that specific age range. As such, class selections should be based on each student’s age, rather than on his/her artistic ability. Please register your child according to his/her age (no exceptions to this policy are allowed).

Summer Art Studios classes can be rigorous, focused, and require skills sets (both physical, verbal, and cognitive) that might not be appropriate for all youth and teens. If your child has any learning challenges or special needs, or if you have any questions or concerns about the appropriateness of a class for your child before registering them please reach out to Patricia Morales at pmorales@swschool.org or at 210.200.8213.

Special Needs

If you would like to register a child or teen with special learning or medical needs, you must first contact the Young Artist Programs Director prior to completing the registration process. The Young Artist Programs Director can be reached at 210.200.8213 and will be happy to discuss any special accommodations or arrangements that can be provided.

Costs

The basic tuition for a half-day class is $175 per week (Friends of SSA $160). NOTE: Special tuition rates apply for full day, and for classes that include special material fees. Tuition for each of these classes is listed separately, as part of the class description.

Early Drop-Off | 8:00AM - 8:30AM

Participation in Early Drop Off is an option for all students who will be attending Summer Art Studios. Early Drop Off provides structured supervision from 8:00am – 8:30am, when regular check in begins. The cost for Extended Care is $15 per week.

Extended Care | 8:30AM - 5:30PM

Participation in Extended Care is required for all students who will be attending both a morning class and an afternoon class, on the same day. Extended Care provides structured supervision including: a supervised lunch break from noon – 1:00pm, and an afternoon activity and snack break from 4:00 – 5:30pm.

Bag Lunch/Snacks

A supervised lunch break is provided from noon – 1:00pm, as part of Extended Care Service. Students participating in Extended Care may bring their own bag lunch, drinks, and snacks to eat during the supervised lunch hour. All students may bring snacks and a drink with them for during their break times in class.

Studio Notes

The Summer Art Studios program is a structured and organized to provide a fun and safe learning environment for all students. Class instructors and camp counselors will be on-hand to supervise students during all Summer Art Studios activities.

Class Attire

Classes for Summer Art Studios take place both indoors and outdoors on the SSA campus. Students should wear clothing that is appropriate for making art (which is often messy) during summer days in San Antonio (which are always hot!).

Location

Summer Art Studios classes are held on the historic, park-like grounds of Southwest School of Art (SSA), located at the intersection of Augusta and Navarro (across from the Central Library). At times, individual classes may include an off-site field trip as part of the learning experience. In those instances, it will be required that personal transportation is provided for each student. Please check class descriptions for details.

Parking

All SSA faculty and staff will be parking off-site in order to maximize space for you and our other patrons. We encourage you to arrive early to find a parking space prior to checking your student(s) in or out. Friday will be particularly hectic mid-day because of Friday Finale, and we strongly suggest that you arrive early and/or find off-site parking. If the Ursuline parking lot is full, you may also park at the Central Public Library Parking Garage or in one of the paid parking lots along our perimeter. Unless you are a member, please refrain from parking in the lot belonging to Club Giraud.

Friday Finale

Parents, relatives, and friends are invited to join us for FRIDAY FINALE every Friday afternoon from Noon - 1:00pm! Friday Finale provides a great opportunity to have lunch with your child and view the artwork that has been produced during the week across all of the Summer Art Studios classes. It’s also a chance to meet your child’s new friends, chat with other parents, and get to know our instructors. Health and safety precautions will be followed during this event. Masks will be required to be worn and social distancing will be enforced.

Summer Art Studios

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