Spend your summer packed with creativity and endless imagination!
May 26-July 2, 2026
HMA’s satellite location at Valley Hills Mall.
Find us on the 2nd floor, near American Eagle, outside of Dillard’s.
Our summer art camps introduce young artists to inspiring masters, global cultures, animals, oceans, sculpture, journaling, and the foundations of art and design. This summer, art camps for kids ages 4-13 will be held in our satellite location at Valley Hills Mall from May 26 to July 2 before teamHMA begins to prepare for the museum’s reopening in September.
At the conclusion of Summer Arts Camp, we will host a special celebration and exhibition on Thursday, July 2, from 3–5 PM, showcasing artwork created by all participating young artists.
fees
$100 Per Week/Per Camp | Members*: $60 Per Week/Per Camp
*NOTE: To receive member discounts, your annual family membership must remain current through the time that your child will participate in art camp. If your membership expires and you do not renew, you will be charged non-member rates for the remaining weeks of camp.
summer camp cancellation policy
Call 828-327-8576 with cancellations. A full refund (minus a $10 handling fee) will be given up to four weeks before the session. A 50% refund will be given two weeks before the session. NOTE: Refinds will NOT be given less than two weeks before the start of camp. HMA reserves the right to cancel any camp that does not meet the required participant minimum.
questions?
Contact Karla Starnes at: 828.327.8576, extension 207, or by email at kstarnes@hickoryart.org.
camp ages & times
AM
Ages 4-7 | 10 AM-12 PM
Ages 8-13 | 10 AM-12 PM
PM
Ages 6-9 | 1 PM-3 PM
Ages 10-13 | 1 PM-3 PM
food & fun!
Supervised lunch and recreation will be available from 12-1 PM for an additional $35 per week. Campers should bring their own brown bag lunch to enjoy as a group.
week 1: may 26–29
MORNING | Ages 4–7 & 8–13
Under the Sea
Dive into a magical week of ocean‑themed art-making! Paint your favorite ocean creatures and a beautiful beach scene, create a seashell mobile, and explore a variety of art materials and techniques.
AFTERNOON | Ages 6–9 & 10–13
FUNdations of Art
Learn the basics of art through the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Mix new colors, name them, and use them in your artwork while discovering how these building blocks work together to create all forms of art.
week 2: june 1–5
MORNING | Ages 4–7 & 8–13
Animal Planet
Wild things live in the jungle, land, and sky! Create lions, birds, wild sea creatures, and even pets using paint, recycled objects, and air-dry clay. Projects will include both two‑ and three‑dimensional creations.
AFTERNOON | Ages 6–9 & 10–13
Cultivating Creativity
Try your hand at a variety of materials. We will paint, create with clay, make 3D sculptures, explore printmaking, and more. This is a great camp to try a little bit of everything!
week 3: june 8–12
MORNING | Ages 4–7 & 8–13
Shape & Sculpt
Create art using air‑dry clay, wood, foil, and paper. Build sculptures with wire and other media as you learn how artists create fully three‑dimensional artwork.
AFTERNOON | Ages 6–9 & 10–13
Visual Art Journaling
Make your own handmade art journal and fill it all week long! Collage, printmaking, drawing, painting, and creative experimentation will help campers explore ideas and express themselves in a unique journal.
week 4: june 15–19
week 5: june 22-26
MORNING | Ages 4–7 & 8–13
FUNdations of Art
Learn the basics of art by exploring the Elements of Art and Principles of Design with hands‑on projects. Learn how these fundamentals work together, mix new colors, and create expressive artwork.
AFTERNOON | Ages 6–9 & 10–13
Major Masters
Create artwork inspired by famous artists, using Van Gogh’s strokes, Picasso’s cubist features, Matisse’s collage techniques, and O’Keeffe’s pastel style. Complete a full canvas masterpiece at the end of the week.
week 6: june 29-july 2
MORNING | Ages 4–7
Mini Masters
Pick up your brush and paint masterpieces in the style of great artists! Paint flowers using Van Gogh’s choppy strokes, Picasso’s cubist faces, Matisse-inspired collages, and pastel work inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe. Finish with a mini canvas masterpiece.
AFTERNOON | Ages 6–9 & 10–13
MORNING | Ages 8-13
Major Masters
Take the Mini Masters camp to a higher level! Create artwork inspired by famous artists, using Van Gogh’s strokes, Picasso’s cubist features, Matisse’s collage techniques, and O’Keeffe’s pastel style. Complete a full canvas masterpiece at the end of the week.
Shape & Sculpt
Create art using air‑dry clay, along with wood, foil, and paper to build unique sculptures. We’ll also experiment with wire and other materials. All projects will be fully 3‑dimensional.
MORNING | Ages 4–7 & 8–13
American Art & Artists
Learn about American artists and a variety of American art styles. Each day features a different artist as you explore painting and mixed media inspired by museum artwork.
AFTERNOON | Ages 6–9 & 10–13
Celebrating Culture
Students will explore the vibrant world of Spanish‑speaking artists while discovering the rich cultures behind their work. Through hands‑on projects inspired by Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Spain, and more, campers will learn about art in a fun, colorful, and globally-minded way.
registration is as easy as 1-2-3!
Pick out the juniorHMA camps or createHMA workshops you want to sign up for.
Complete the online registration form and indicate your preferred payment method. If you chose not to pay online, you may download the registration form to mail your payment to:
Hickory Museum of Art
Attn: Summer Art Camp
243 3rd Ave NE
Hickory, NC 28601If you choose online registration, you will receive an invoice via email from kstarnes@hickoryart.org. Once the invoice is processed during our standard business hours, you will receive a confirmation email for your records.