Summer Camp Week: Morean Arts Center

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A longtime arts institution in St. Petersburg is opening its doors to young artists this summer.

The Morean Arts Center is offering a variety of week-long summer camps designed to encourage creativity and hands-on learning for students from 1st through 12th grade.

Camp organizers say the goal is to give kids a break from structured school routines while keeping them engaged, and offer students a chance to try new forms of artistic expression, including mediums that aren’t typically available in school settings.

For families looking to "mix up" the summer routine, organizers say the programs provide both structure and freedom for kids to explore their interests. Morean camps cover a wide range of artistic mediums, allowing students to explore both traditional and more advanced techniques.

"It’s a little bit freer… being able to explore constructively on their own, as opposed to maybe in a classroom setting," said Director of Education Lori Vinesett. 

She says the program is rooted in a simple idea, "As human beings, we’re very creative… we all have a creative side to us."

Programs include 2D art like drawing, painting, photography, 3D art such as ceramics and sculpture, and specialized experiences like glassblowing.

What they're saying:

"For the first and second-graders, we’re really working on hand-eye coordination," said Ceramics Program Coordinator Alex Lewis. "Teens are really going to work on both collaborative projects and more advanced skills."

One of the unique opportunities offered is glassblowing — something many students wouldn’t typically experience.

Camp counselor and glass artist Matthew Szidick says students start with simple projects before progressing.

"We start off with paperweights, and then we go and start to progress — maybe some cups, some ornaments," he said.

Because of the extreme heat involved, reaching around 2,000 degrees, instructors handle the most dangerous steps while students focus on design and technique.

What's next:

Registration is open now, with eight different week-long camp themes available throughout the summer. Families can choose sessions based on their child’s interests and schedule.

The registration link is here.