About Youth Arts
The Youth Arts program is one of Sequim Arts' most important commitments. Since 2007, we've provided structured arts education to young people across the Sequim-Dungeness region through after-school classes, summer camps, mentorships, and exhibition opportunities.
Our approach centers on two ideas. First, art-making builds skills that extend well beyond the studio: observation, patience, problem-solving, the ability to accept and learn from failure. Second, young people deserve access to genuine creative instruction regardless of their family's financial situation. We maintain sliding-scale tuition and scholarship funds to make that possible.
Programs by Age Group
Young Artists (Ages 6-10)
Introductory sessions that emphasize exploration, play, and building confidence with materials. Activities include painting, drawing, simple sculpture, collage, and nature-based art projects. Classes are held Saturday mornings during the school year and weekday mornings during summer. Class size is capped at 10 students with two instructors.
Schedule: Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (school year); Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (summer camp sessions).
Cost: $30 per session (school year), $160 per week (summer camp). Materials included.
Teen Studio (Ages 11-14)
More focused sessions that introduce specific media and techniques. Students work in watercolor, acrylic, printmaking, ceramics, and mixed media through project-based units that build progressively. Instructors encourage personal expression while teaching foundational skills like color mixing, composition, and surface treatment.
Schedule: Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:30 PM (after school); select summer weeks.
Cost: $35 per session (school year), $180 per week (summer). Materials included.
Advanced Youth (Ages 15-18)
For teenagers with demonstrated interest and developing skill, the Advanced Youth track offers deeper instruction, portfolio development, and mentorship from working artists. Students in this program have exhibited in the Sequim Civic Center gallery, participated in the Plein Air Festival alongside adult painters, and gone on to study art in college.
Schedule: Thursdays, 4:00 to 6:30 PM (school year). Summer intensive by invitation.
Cost: $40 per session. Materials included for most sessions; advanced materials (canvas, specialty paper) may require supplemental purchase.
Mentorship Program
The mentorship program pairs high school students with practicing artists in the Sequim area for one-on-one guidance over a six-month period. Mentors and students meet regularly (typically biweekly) to discuss creative direction, develop technique, and prepare work for exhibition. Applications are accepted each September.
Cost: Free. Mentors donate their time through the volunteer program.
Summer Camps
Summer art camps run in one-week sessions from late June through mid-August. Each week focuses on a different theme or medium. Past themes include "Art from Nature" (using found materials from the Dungeness Spit area), "Clay Week" (full ceramics immersion), and "Comics & Illustration." Camp sessions fill quickly, and early registration is recommended.
Financial Assistance
No child should miss out on creative learning because of cost. Sequim Arts maintains a Youth Arts Scholarship Fund supported by member dues, individual donations, and grants from the Washington State Arts Commission. Families can request reduced tuition or full scholarship by contacting [email protected]. Requests are handled confidentially.
In the past year, 22% of our Youth Arts participants received some form of financial assistance.
Instructor Team
Youth Arts instructors are practicing artists with experience teaching young people. All instructors undergo background checks through Clallam County and receive training in youth safety protocols. Our team includes certified art educators and working artists who bring studio experience directly into the classroom.
Exhibition Opportunities
Student work is exhibited several times per year at the Sequim Civic Center gallery and during special Art Walk events. The annual Youth Arts Exhibition, held each May in conjunction with National Arts Month, is a highlight for students, families, and the community. Selected Advanced Youth work is also shown at the Sequim Museum & Arts Center.
Enrollment
To enroll your child in a Youth Arts program or summer camp, contact [email protected] with your child's name, age, and the program(s) you're interested in.
Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. We maintain waitlists for full sessions and do our best to accommodate every interested student.