There’s no better place to have a creative, art-filled summer than at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida. Ocala’s biggest art camp returns with a full schedule of half-day camps for ages 5-17.
Campers will discover the work of renowned artists, experiment with a variety of materials and try out new techniques to create masterpieces. Art camps are led by professional art educators and teaching artists, who will guide campers through fun, themed projects.
“Appleton summer art camps sell out quickly since our expert educators are engaged teachers delivering classes within a world-class museum environment,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton director. “It means so much to see former Summer Art Camp students now as parents bringing their own children in for classes. Our decades of experience make camp a summer tradition destination.”
Summer Art Camp is appropriate for all skill levels. Register now at AppletonMuseum.org. Spaces fill quickly. Discounts are available for current Appleton members at the Family/Dual Level or above. For questions about Summer Art Camp, contact AppletonEducation@cf.edu.
2025 Summer Art Camp Schedule
June 2-13 (Two-Week Camps)
- Dig Into Clay – Two-Week Camp (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
In this two-week camp, learn the basics of hand building with clay and the art of glazing. Pinch pot, coil pot and slab construction will be used to make fun pieces to take home. $290 Appleton members; $330 nonmembers. Instructor: Dawn Bergstrom
- Outdoor Landscape Painting – Two-Week Camp (Ages 13-17), 1-4 p.m. In this two-week camp, leave the classroom behind and use the Appleton’s beautiful grounds as your painting studio. We’ll take portable easels and paints outside to practice your painting skills “en plein air,” or, in the open air. Please note, the class may also work indoors, depending upon the weather. $290 Appleton members; $330 nonmembers. Instructor: Jordan Shapot
June 9-12 (Four-Day Camp)
- Fun at CF Vintage Farm – Four-Day Camp (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
Let your art be inspired by the horses, cows and chickens at this special art camp at CF Vintage Farm, located on County Road 475. Paint and sketch outside under a majestic oak, plus get indoor studio time in the Vintage Farm classroom. This camp meets Monday-Thursday, only. $165 Appleton members; $185 nonmembers. Instructor: Michel Yeuell
June 16-20 (One-Week Camps)
- Color Wonderful (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
Explore and celebrate all the colors of the rainbow this week, from shades and tints to primary and secondary colors. Use a variety of media to create your own colorful world. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Kio Weber-Lee
- Shells and Sandcastles (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
This week, create art influenced by the secrets of the sea. Imagine yourself snorkeling through the beautiful water. What treasures would you discover? Make a ceramic sandcastle, fish print, and create art with shells. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Jeanne Baines
- Florida’s Wild Wetlands (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
From turtles and frogs to lizards and more, you’ll be surprised by the incredible wildlife that call Florida’s wetlands home. This week, use a variety of materials and your own creativity to create artwork inspired by the creatures found in this unique habitat. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Tasha Strigle
June 23-27 (One-Week Camps)
- Art Detective (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
How do artists do that? Design your own magnifying glass and search for ways to create art while you discover the mysteries of Mona Lisa while making your own self-portrait. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Trish Perkins
- Art Safari (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
Journey to Africa’s Kalahari Desert in search of the “Big Five:” lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants and African buffalos. Bring home an elephant sculpture, a drawing of a leopard and other works of art to remind you of your safari experience. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: E. Marie Fielding
- Saddle Up (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
Calling all horse lovers! This week, immerse yourself in the world of these majestic animals. Draw, paint, and even create a design for your own boots while you learn about the history of the horse in art. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: TBA
July 7-11 (One-Week Camps)
- Storybook Art (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
Stories are as timeless as the artwork they inspire. In this enchanting class you’ll bring stories to life. Let your imagination soar as you create with an array of art materials and techniques. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Vanessa Zumba-Gonzalez
- Reinventing the Canvas (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
Art doesn’t have to be on a canvas this week! With a little imagination, your painting surface can be almost anything. After this class you’ll see creative options everywhere you look. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Maritzabel Jauregui-Rodriguez
- Drawing and Painting Portfolio Development (Ages 13-17), 1-4 p.m.
Explore a variety of drawing and painting techniques that will develop your skills and ignite your creativity. Learn how to expand your range and create an artistic portfolio that showcases your talents. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Lisa Russo
July 7-18 (Two-Week Camp)
- Dig Into Clay (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
In this two-week camp, learn the basics of hand building with clay and the art of glazing. Pinch pot, coil pot and slab construction will be used to make pieces to take home. $290 Appleton members; $330 nonmembers. Instructor: Jamie Roche
July 14-18 (One-Week Camps)
- Groovy and Glowing (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
It’s hip and happening at the Appleton this week! Make art that’s super cool and even glows in the dark. Don’t miss the fun! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Vanessa Zumba-Gonzalez
- Funky Sculpture (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
Do you like to build things? You’ll be working with an assortment of fun and unconventional materials this week to make sculptures. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: E. Marie Fielding
- Skulls and Skeletons (Ages 13-17), 1-4 p.m.
Practice your observational drawing skills using a variety of skeletons for reference. Learn about light and shadow, shapes and relationships, and the basic drawing skills that are essential to every work of art. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Lisa Russo
July 21-25 (One-Week Camps)
- Glow Up (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
Let your creativity shine and make cool art that glows in the dark! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Trish Perkins
- Meow Masterpieces (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
This week, campers will explore how artists have captured cats in their work and create their own feline-inspired masterpieces. Get ready for a purr-fectly creative adventure! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Elisa Adelman Rodriguez
- Doggy Days (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
This week won’t be ruff — it’ll be paws-itively amazing! Have a howling good time creating art inspired by man’s best friend. Get ready for a tail-wagging adventure! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Vanessa Zumba-Gonzalez
July 28-August 1 (One-Week Camps)
- Critter Fun (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
Learn all about a variety of animals this week, while creating art that you’ll treasure! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: TBA
- Splat! (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
What can you do with paint? Brush it, blend it, dab it, dribble it, stipple, layer and mix — we’ll explore it all this week. Get ready to experiment, create and have a colorful adventure! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: TBA
- Outside the Lines (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
Love to draw and want to learn more? Learn about using color, perspective, shading and realism to make drawings come alive. Explore different materials while expanding your drawing abilities. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Maritzabel Jauregui-Rodriguez
August 4-8 (One-Week Camps)
- Space Cadet (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
Calling all intergalactic explorers — prepare for lift off! You’re headed to a galaxy of your own creation in a miniature space vehicle you design. Your artwork will be out of this world! $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Maritzabel Jauregui-Rodriguez
- Architecture FUNdamentals (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
What does an architect do? Learn about design, creativity and problem-solving through fun drawing and painting projects. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Michel Yeuell
- Pixels and Blocks (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
Harness your inspiration from your favorite block-based video game in a world of pixels, blocks, creativity and imagination! Build your own universe while exploring new art techniques with like-minded enthusiasts. $145 Appleton members; $165 nonmembers. Instructor: Deborah Horvath
The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.