Summer Art Camps - 2026
Does your child crave creative expression? Look no further than Sampson Arts Council's Summer Art Camps! We offer a variety of art camps for grades 1-12 in June and July. Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot!
Art Camps - Grades 1-6
Camp I: Pottery Camp
Camp III: Animal Planet
Camp I: Pottery Camp
June 22 - 25 (Grades 3 - 6)
“Clay Talks” Pottery Camp for grades 3–6 is a fun, hands-on introduction to art, culture, and storytelling through clay. Led by American Indian potter Senora Lynch, this camp invites younger students to explore creativity while learning about meaningful traditions.
During the camp, students will be introduced to Senora’s tribe, the Haliwa-Saponi, and hear about its history and cultural stories. Senora will share how her heritage inspires her pottery and the unique style she has developed over time.
Students will watch live demonstrations of hand-building techniques, learning how clay can be shaped without a pottery wheel. They’ll see how Senora uses red and white clay to create beautiful designs and how she weaves tribal stories and old sayings into each piece of her work.
Campers will then get to try it themselves by creating their own pinch pot and crafting a clay turtle, inspired by the stories they’ve learned. This engaging experience helps students build confidence, develop fine motor skills, and connect art with culture in a meaningful and memorable way.
Camp I: Pottery Camp
Instructed by Senora Lynch
June 22 - 25 (Mon – Thurs)
Grades 3 - 6
9:00 – 11:00am
Victor R. Small House
Pottery Studio
709 College St. in Clinton
$100 (Member)
$150 (Nonmember)
Complete registration form
and pay online below
Camp II: Island Time
Camp III: Animal Planet
Camp I: Pottery Camp
July 13 - 16 (Grades 1 - 6)
Create your own tropical paradise! Designed for all skill levels, this camp encourages kids to unwind, have fun, and explore art in a bright and inspiring environment.
This fun-filled week invites campers to design their own island worlds while experimenting with a variety of art techniques. Through drawing, painting, and collage, students will bring their vibrant ideas to life as they create colorful beach landscapes, tropical fish and birds, bold leaves and flowers, and other imaginative projects inspired by island life.
Campers will explore basic art elements like color, shape, and texture while using a range of materials to build their creations. With a focus on creativity, exploration, and fun, “Island Time” is the perfect place for kids to get inspired, make new friends, and create bright, beautiful artwork all week long.
Camp I: ISLAND TIME
Instructed by:
Lesley Stewart and Glenda Taylor
July 13 - 16 (Mon – Thurs)
Grades 1 - 6
9:00am – 12:00pm
Victor R. Small House
709 College St. in Clinton
$100 (Member)
$150 (Nonmember)
Complete registration form
and pay online below
Camp III: Animal Planet
Camp III: Animal Planet
Camp III: Animal Planet
July 20 - 23 (Grades 1-6)
Spots, stripes, and scales! From the tallest to the smallest, campers will draw, paint, build, and learn all about their favorite animals. Each day, students “travel” to different parts of the planet, discovering animals from jungles, oceans, deserts, and beyond, while also learning about famous artists who have been inspired by wildlife.
Campers will experiment with a variety of materials and techniques, including watercolor painting, acrylics, drawing, and clay. Projects may include creating colorful animal pattern drawings, sculpting creatures out of clay, painting vibrant habitats, and designing imaginative animal artwork.
By the end of the week, each camper will have a collection of unique, animal-themed masterpieces and a deeper appreciation for both art and the natural world.
Camp II: ANIMAL PLANET
Instructed by:
Douglas Lloyd and Carla Taylor
July 20 – 23 (Mon – Thurs)
Grades 1 - 6
9:00am– 12:00pm
Victor R. Small House
709 College St. in Clinton
$100 (Member)
$150 (Nonmember)
Complete registration form
and pay online below
Art Camps - Grades 7-12
Camp IV: "Clay Talks" American Indian Pottery
Camp IV: "Clay Talks" American Indian Pottery
Camp IV: "Clay Talks" American Indian Pottery
June 22 - 25 (Grades 7-12)
“Clay Talks” Pottery Camp is a unique and enriching experience designed for students in grades 7–12 who are interested in art, culture, and hands-on creativity. Instructed by American Indian potter Senora Lynch, this camp offers students the opportunity to explore both the technical and cultural aspects of pottery-making.
Throughout the camp, students will learn about Senora’s heritage as a member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. She will share stories about her community, traditions, and the inspirations behind her work, giving participants a deeper understanding of how art can reflect identity and history.
Senora will demonstrate the hand-building techniques she uses to create her distinctive pieces, including how she works with red and white clay to carve intricate designs. Students will discover how she incorporates tribal stories and traditional sayings directly into her pottery, transforming each piece into a meaningful expression of culture.
A special focus of the camp will be the tribal beliefs surrounding the turtle, an important symbol in many Native traditions. Students will learn about these beliefs and then create their own clay turtles, applying the techniques and storytelling elements they’ve observed.
By the end of “Clay Talks,” students will not only have developed new artistic skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for Native American culture, storytelling, and the powerful connection between art and heritage.
Camp IV: "Clay Talks" American Indian Pottery
Instructed by Senora Lynch
June 22 - 25
Grades 7 - 12
1:00 - 3:00pm
Victor R. Small House
Pottery Studio
709 College St. in Clinton
$100 (Member)
$150 (Nonmember)
Complete registration form
and pay online below
Camp V: Watercolor & Acrylic Painting
Camp IV: "Clay Talks" American Indian Pottery
Camp IV: "Clay Talks" American Indian Pottery
July 20 - 23 (Grades 7-12)
A creative, skill-building experience designed to inspire both beginners and more advanced young artists. The camp provides a supportive environment where students can explore artistic expression while learning foundational and advanced painting techniques.
Participants are introduced to the unique properties of watercolor and acrylic paints. In watercolor sessions, students learn techniques such as wet-on-wet, dry brush, layering, and color blending to create soft, luminous effects. Acrylic lessons focus on bold color application, texture building, brush control, and techniques like glazing and impasto.
Campers work on a variety of projects, including landscapes, still life, abstract compositions, and personal creative pieces. Students are encouraged to experiment with style and subject matter while developing their own artistic voice.
By the end of the program, students complete several finished artworks and gain confidence in their painting abilities.
Camp V: Watercolor & Acrylic Painting
Instructed by Pamela Shearer and Tyshone Peterson
July 20 – 23 (Mon – Thurs)
Grades 7 - 12
1:00 – 4:00pm
Victor R. Small House
709 College St. in Clinton
$100 (Member)
$150 (Nonmember)
Complete registration form
and pay online below