Art Adventures Camp
A page within Art Adventures Camp
Art Adventures Camp
Create, Experiment, Explore! Hands-On Art Studio Adventures Across Four Creative Mediums
August 10–13, 2026
For students entering grades 5–8 in the Fall.
UWL Art Camp At-a-Glance
Dates: August 10–13, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.–Noon
Ages: Youth entering grades 5–8
Location: Lowe Center for the Arts, UW-La Crosse
Medium: Low-fire clay
Uniquely Underglazed Slab Forms
August 10, 2026
Bring your ideas to life through clay! In this hands-on workshop, participants will work with low-fire clay to design and build textured slab forms that are both artistic and functional. Students will explore surface design and form as they shape their pieces, then add color and detail using underglaze before firing.
Mediums: Fiber, fabric, yarn
Colorful Mini Tapestries
August 11, 2026
Bring your creativity to life through fiber art! In this hands-on workshop, students will design and weave their own mini tapestry using a DIY cardboard loom. With a wide variety of colorful yarns and repurposed fabrics, participants will experiment with texture, pattern, and color—transforming simple materials into a one-of-a-kind woven artwork to take home.
Mediums: Pigments, paints, and paper
DIY Making Your Own Watercolor Paints & More
August 12, 2026
Bring color to life from the very beginning! In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to make their own watercolor paints, exploring how pigments, water, and binders come together to create vibrant color. After crafting their paints, students will experiment with a variety of watercolor techniques to create original artworks—discovering new ways to express creativity through color, texture, and imagination.
Medium: Wooden popsicle sticks
Kumiko Design Using Popsicle Sticks
August 13, 2026
Discover the beauty of precision and pattern through traditional Japanese design. In this hands-on session, participants will be introduced to the art of Kumiko—an intricate woodworking technique known for its geometric patterns and thoughtful craftsmanship. Using popsicle sticks, students will design and construct their own Kumiko-inspired piece, exploring symmetry, problem-solving, and creative expression while bringing a timeless art form to life.
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Comfortable, close-toed shoes
Learning Through Connection
UWL Graduate & Extended Learning's goal for participants is to experience the full benefits of being present and engaged at this hands-on camp. Our vision is to create real-world connections and build a sense of community that extends outside the program. We recognize the positive impact of social connection in adolescence through its capacity to promote wellbeing and protect against a range of risks. We design youth programs as screen-free environments that prioritize actively engaged, shared experiences as a central part of our mission.
Be Here
Expectations
Graduate & Extended Learning youth programs strive to create an environment that encourages empathy along with accountability. All staff, volunteers, and participants will commit to the following expectations:
- Respect the differences of participants, staff, and volunteers and will not discriminate against anyone else on the grounds of gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, or other identity
- Report any incidents of bullying, abusive language, and dangerous or unlawful behavior to adults or supervisors immediately
- Support and encourage all other program participants
- Follow the directions of program staff, directors, and volunteers
- Follow online safety and internet use policies and honor screen-free activities
- Lead with respect and act with integrity
| Participant Type | Register by July 1, 2026 | Register July 2, 2026 or after |
| All Sessions, August 10–13 | $270 | $305 |
| Uniquely Underglazed Slab Forms - August 10 only | $90 | $90 |
| Colorful Mini Tapestries - August 11 only | $90 | $90 |
| DIY Making Your Own Watercolor Paints & More - August 12 only | $90 | $90 |
| Kumiko Design Using Popsicle Sticks - August 13 ony | $90 | $90 |
Registration includes: Instruction, materials, and a snack.
Art Adventures Camp Student Participant Cancellation Policy
Substitutions are welcome. Full refund less $25 processing fee two weeks prior to event, no refunds thereafter. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to ex@uwlax.edu.
Privacy Policy
Registration implies permission for photos, publicity and inclusion in a participant list, unless UWL Graduate & Extended Learning is notified in writing prior to the program at ex@uwlax.edu.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for students who may need financial assistance to make participation in summer youth programs possible.
Youth Health Form:
Required for participation
To ensure the health and safety of all children, each child must submit a health form prior to the event.
- Health forms are available online
- Submit your student's form at least 2 weeks prior to the event start date
- Students who do not submit a form will not be allowed to participate
Lisa Lenarz
Art
Lisa earned her M.F.A. in Visual Art from Vermont College of Fine Arts with emphases in Printmaking, Digital Media, and Feminist Art. Her work has been exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum as part of Ulrike Müller’s published, “Herstory Inventory: 100 Feminist Drawings by 100 Artists,” and at Galerie 5020 in Salzburg, Austria. Additionally, she taught Art for ten years in K-12 public schools and a combined six years as Adjunct Faculty in Higher Education at both UWL and Viterbo University. She currently teaches Art Education courses as Associate Professor of Art at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Summer youth program scholarships
Youth scholarships help make Graduate & Extended Learning summer programs accessible to more students by reducing financial barriers and opening the door to meaningful learning experiences.
Who are scholarships for?
Scholarships are available for students who may need financial assistance to make participation in summer youth programs possible.
How do I apply for a summer youth scholarship?
Complete the online application and include one of the following:
- Option 1: A letter from the student (maximum of 300 words) explaining why they want to attend the program and what they hope to gain from the experience.
- Option 2: A brief letter from a teacher, coach, supervisor, or mentor supporting the student's participation in the the program.
What happens after I submit the application?
- Check your email - scholarship decisions will be sent via email 5 business days after submission
- Scholarship recipients will be sent instructions on how to use the scholarship and register for their program
Reminders
- Apply early, funds are limited
- Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
Questions?
Reach out to us at ex@uwlax.edu with any questions. We will do our best to work with you to address barriers to youth program participation.
Youth Health Form:
Required for participation
To ensure the health and safety of all children, each child must submit a health form prior to the event.
- Health forms are available online
- Submit your student's form at least 2 weeks prior to the event start date
- Students who do not submit a form will not be allowed to participate
Support Graduate & Extended Learning Youth Programs
Contact KJ Krzyzanowski to learn more about supporting youth programs.
Fostering youth development
Young people thrive when they’re given opportunities to discover their potential through experiences that challenge, inspire, and help them grow. UWL youth programs create supportive, skill-building environments where participants develop confidence, learn meaningful skills, and engage with peers and caring adults as valued members of their community.
How this benefits the Driftless Region
UWL youth programs strengthen the Driftless Region by helping young people build skills, form positive relationships, and develop a strong sense of purpose. Through intentional activities, youth connect with supportive adults, student mentors, and community leaders who encourage their growth. This sense of connectedness is essential to effective youth development—and central to UWL’s commitment to reflect and uplift the voices of the community it serves.
Ways to support UWL Graduate & Extended Learning Youth Programs
203 Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 N 16th Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts, Vine Street Entrance
| Event | Time | Location |
| Drop-Off | 8–8:30 a.m. | Vine St entrance, Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts |
| Pick-Up | Noon–12:15 p.m. | Vine St entrance, Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts |
Pick-up safety policy
- Students will be released at the pick-up time only to the person(s) listed on their health form.
- Any pick-up deviating from this policy must be communicated to Graduate & Extended Learning 48 hours in advance by emailing ex@uwlax.edu.
- If unforeseen circumstances require your student to be picked-up early from Art Adventures Camp, you must contact Graduate & Extended Learning at 608.785.6500 to make arrangements.