Fine Art Camp
We are still working out the details for this event. Check back soon!
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This is a 6-day, overnight (or commuter) opportunity for high school-aged student artists (including graduating seniors) to immerse themselves in college-level instruction. Campers rank the workshops they would like to participate in.
Each studio discipline will hold a 4-hour session of instruction per day. With 8 hours of daily instruction, our student participants will have approximately 48 hours of college-level instruction by the close of camp. A closing reception/art exhibition will be held on Friday afternoon as a final showcase for the artists and parents.
The camp instructors are all full-time faculty members of the Art & Design Department at UW-Whitewater.
- Painting: Reverse Painting Technique by Associate Professor Gregory Porcaro
- Ceramics: Creating Small-scale Ceramic Sculpture and Vessel Forms by Associate Professor Jared Janovec
- Bookmaking: The Sketchbook by Academic Staff Professor Lillian Handley
- 2D Digital Fundamentals: Becoming a Digital Artist by Professor Xiaohong Zhang
Sunday, June 22 - Friday, June 27, 2025
To register for this event and secure your spot, click the link below and complete the online registration form before Thursday, June 13, 2024. Our events tend to sell out quickly, so it's recommended to register as soon as possible. If the event is already sold out, you can choose to register for the waitlist at no charge. If a spot becomes available and you are next on the waitlist, you will receive an email notification. You will have three days (or less, as indicated in the email) to respond and accept the open spot.
We do NOT accept walk-up registrations at event check-in.
Registrants will be asked the following questions in the registration. Please have the information prior to registering:
Participant details: Legal first & last name, preferred first name, country, address, city, state, postal code, county, email, phone, pronouns, birth date, age at the time of the event, current grade, school attending, group/team you belong to, years of experience, how did you hear about this event, accommodations/comments, arriving to campus, roommate request, and residence hall gender preference
Health details: Health insurance carrier, will the registrant be taking any medication while attending, I understand if taking meds I will complete the medication request using the link provided in the camp information packet, does the registrant have any conditions, other health issues/additional information, medication allergies, non-medication or other allergies, describe any limitations or restrictions, dietary preferences
Acknowledgments: I understand the refund/cancelation policy, I agree the deposit is non-refundable, I have reviewed the event code of conduct, I agree to the code of conduct, I agree to the field trip policy
Custodial guardian details (max 2, min 1): First & last name, phone number, email, can drop off, can pick up, is emergency contact, and relationship to the participant
Emergency/authorized pick-up contacts (max 5, min 1): First & last name, phone number, email, can drop off, can pick up, is emergency contact, and relationship to the participant
Arrival to campus: Authorized driver picking up and dropping off, minor driving themselves to camp, minor walking/biking to camp, I am an adult
Event-specific: First choice for the morning session, the first choice for the afternoon session, and merchandise size
Your online registration and payment are always safe and secure. We accept MasterCard and Visa credit card payments in our online registration system. We will NOT accept credit card payments over the phone. We will accept checks made out to "UW-Whitewater" and mailed to UW-Whitewater Camps and Conferences, 800 West Main Street, Room 2005 Roseman Hall, Whitewater WI 53190.
Confirmation Emails
Once you register to attend an event (including waitlisted), a confirmation email will be sent to the email address you registered with. Contact cesevents@uww.edu if you do not receive this confirmation email. You must have a working email address on file with us to be able to receive important announcements and updates about this event.
Cancellations and payments: All registrant accounts must be paid in full 21 days prior to the start of the event. Registrants with outstanding balances after payment is due in full are subject to being removed from the event roster without a refund. Please contact Continuing Education Services at cesevents@uww.edu prior to this deadline if extenuating circumstances prevent you from completing a payment.
Refunds: All summer camp events require a minimum of a $100 non-refundable deposit.
In the event of a cancellation, Continuing Education Services should be notified no later than 21 days before the start of the event to receive a refund, less the deposit. Cancellation requests received less than 21 days from the start of camp will receive a refund minus a 50% late cancellation fee. Cancellations due to medical reasons will receive a full refund, less the deposit if the cancellation is requested and medical documentation is provided prior to the start of the event. Valid medical cancellations must include a signed letter from a licensed physician to qualify. NO REFUNDS will be given for withdrawal due to early departures, disciplinary reasons, or no-shows after the camp has started.
All cancellation requests must be submitted to cesevents@uww.edu provide the registrant’s name, camp title, and medical documentation, if applicable. Refunds will be returned to the name and address of the payer.
We reserve the right to cancel any event for any reason; in such case, all fees paid will be refunded, or contact cesevents@uww.edu for alternate arrangements.
Cost Information
Resident Camper
- Early Bird (Before 4/15/24): $700
- Standard: $800
Commuter Camper
- Early Bird (Before 4/15/24): $670
- Standard: $770
The resident camp and commuter fees both include instruction, consumable material for workshop choices, a camp t-shirt, and insurance. The resident camp fee covers lodging and all meals, while the commuter fee only includes the noon and evening meals. Additionally, if a participant registers for the camp by Sunday, June 2, 2024, they are guaranteed a t-shirt in their preferred size.
The final step in the registration process will give you two Payment Plan options. If you prefer to pay the whole amount of the order, you can select that option. However, if you choose to select a payment plan, you will only be required to pay a $100 non-refundable deposit, which will be deducted from the total event fee. Get more information about final payments, which are due at a later date.
Resident Camper
Resident campers are campers who will be staying overnight in one of the residence halls located on the UW-Whitewater campus. The residence hall has a secured entrance and the campers are monitored by the residence hall directors, assistants, and by our own camp counseling staff. Roommate requests are to be made at the time of registration and cannot be guaranteed. Requests must be made by both participants to be honored. Room assignment requests will not be shared until time of check-in. Continuing Education Services works to match roommates based on age and school/community. Every effort is made to ensure that campers are not housed alone. However, "no-shows" and uneven numbers do occur from time to time. Requests for single rooms will not be honored. Please note that our residence halls are not air conditioned. We strongly advise campers to bring a fan if possible. The bathrooms and showers offer clean, individual stalls for privacy. Resident campers will have three well-balanced meals each full day. Meals are included in the registration fee.
Commuter Camper
Commuter campers are campers who will drive back and forth to camp and will not stay overnight. They can arrive at the designated check-in time and location indicated in the Camp Information Packet. Commuters will not receive a room key for the residence hall but are welcome to socialize in the residence hall with friends during breaks. Only lunch and dinner will be served to commuter campers. Report to camp before the first session of the day after breakfast. The authorized driver can pick up the commuter camper at the conclusion of camp each day after checking out with staff.
Cancellations and payments: All registrant accounts must be paid in full 21 days prior to the start of the event. Registrants with outstanding balances after payment is due in full are subject to being removed from the event roster without a refund. Please contact Continuing Education Services at cesevents@uww.edu prior to this deadline if extenuating circumstances prevent you from completing a payment.
Refunds: All summer camp events require a minimum of a $100 non-refundable deposit.
In the event of a cancellation, Continuing Education Services should be notified no later than 21 days before the start of the event to receive a refund, less the deposit. Cancellation requests received less than 21 days from the start of camp will receive a refund minus a 50% late cancellation fee. Cancellations due to medical reasons will receive a full refund, less the deposit if the cancellation is requested and medical documentation is provided prior to the start of the event. Valid medical cancellations must include a signed letter from a licensed physician to qualify. NO REFUNDS will be given for withdrawal due to early departures, disciplinary reasons, or no-shows after the camp has started.
All cancellation requests must be submitted to cesevents@uww.edu; provide the registrant’s name, camp title, and medical documentation, if applicable. Refunds will be returned to the name and address of the payer.
We reserve the right to cancel any event for any reason; in such case, all fees paid will be refunded, or contact cesevents@uww.edu for alternate arrangements.
For participants who will be receiving a sponsorship to attend this event, please follow these steps to redeem your sponsorship:
- Register for the event and use the promo code provided by your sponsor during checkout.
- The sponsorship amount will be deducted from your invoice. Any remaining balance will be the participant's responsibility.
- If you need to cancel your registration, please note that the sponsorship funds will be returned to the supporting organization.
Please note that any qualifying discounts given by the event will not be applied after you have paid in full. Be sure to use the promo code during checkout to receive your discount. You will be charged if you do not qualify for the requested discount at the start of the event.
If a refund is issued due to overpayment on your account, a processing fee will be assessed.
If you have received an award or scholarship without a promo code or want to use two promo codes, please call Continuing Education Services at 262-472-3165 or email cesevents@uww.edu before registering to avoid overpayment fees.
Want to Sponsor a Registrant?
If you would like to sponsor a registrant and cover all or partial fees, you can request a promo code to give to your chosen registrant. Get more information about sponsoring a registrant.
Workshops
Registrants will be asked to identify their top choice for classes. Each registrant will attend a morning and afternoon session. Confirmation of classes will be emailed three weeks before the event. Descriptions are listed below. A complete list of supplies that ALL students must bring to camp with them will be listed in the camp information packet.
Morning Session | Painting or Ceramics
Painting: Reverse Painting Technique | Instructor: Gregory Porcaro
This acrylic painting workshop will introduce the students to the Reverse painting technique. This technique requires a transparent picture plane or substrate (plexiglass) where the paint is applied to the backside of the see-through substrate, thus requiring that the paint be applied “backward,” or in reverse order. Through a series of small-scale exercises, the students will experiment with layering transparent and translucent glazes along with opaque paints, to achieve their final painted image. Students will be required to bring at least one 18”x24” (1/8” thick) plexiglass for their final large-scale project. No prior experience is required. Materials fee is included in the cost of the camp to cover the acrylic paints, and mediums. Students will be required to bring at least one 18” x 24” (1/8” thick) Plexiglas for their final long-term project.
Ceramics: Creating Small-scale Ceramic Sculpture and Vessel Forms | Instructor: Jared Janovec
Through this beginning-to-intermediate level workshop, participants will learn about, explore, and experience hands-on applications of basic clay hand-building, press-molding with plaster molds, and potter’s wheel techniques inherent to studio fine art ceramics. Each student will have the opportunity to create between *3-6 total sculpture and/or utilitarian ceramic objects. No prior experience is required.
*Note: Due to necessary drying and kiln firing timeframes, some or all of each student’s completed ceramic works will need to be retrieved at UW-Whitewater two weeks after the completion of the UWW Fine Arts Camp 2024 on Saturday, July 13th, and Sunday, July 14th, 2024 between 12-4 pm.
Please note for safety that no rings, watches, bracelets, or long fingernails should be worn during this workshop, and long hair should be tied when working in the UW-Whitewater Ceramics studio. Materials fee is included in the cost of the camp to cover costs associated with the clay, underglazes, tools and equipment, and the gas firing of their learning outcomes.
Afternoon Session | Bookmaking or Digital Fundamentals
Bookmaking: The Sketchbook | Instructor: Lillian Handley
In this workshop, students will explore drawing and the sketchbook. We’ll start by making our sketchbooks using bookbinding techniques, including some unexpected possibilities. Then we’ll set out and experiment with different drawing techniques and media, using the campus as a source of inspiration. No prior experience is required. The camp fee will cover the paper and bookmaking materials.
2D Digital Fundamentals: Becoming a Digital Artist | Instructor: Xiaohong Zhang
This digital foundations workshop introduces the basic practices and concepts of two-dimensional digital media production through bitmap image editing, vector illustration, and AI Art generation which will allow the student to experience the thrill of becoming a digital media artist.
Design topics and principles include Bits, Dots, Lines, Shapes, Unity, Rule of Thirds, Zone systems, Color Models, Symmetry, Repetition and Cloning, Collage, Appropriation, Gestalt, The Bauhaus Basic Course Approach, Continuity, Automation, Revision, and complete the assignments by following the direction from the instructor. No prior experience is required. The camp fee will cover the printing of digital media projects.
Arrival Information
Check in and Orientation
Resident and commuter campers must use the drive thru check in for housing assignments/keys and to drop off medications at the location mentioned in the Camp Information Packet. Parents/guardians are invited to the residence halls to visit with staff members and ask any last-minute questions. Please note that there are no structured activities during the check-in period, but residential staff will be in the residence hall to help campers get settled in their rooms and encourage campers to begin getting to know one another in an informal setting. Commuter campers can socialize at the dorms and go with the group to first session.
Arrival/Departure Outside the Event Scheduled Time
If your schedule results in you arriving after the designated check-in or before checkout time, please indicate in your registration the time you will arrive/depart in the “Accommodations/Comments” field or email cesevents@uww.edu if changes happened after you registered. On the day of arrival to campus, check the schedule in the Camp Information Packet to see where the group will be at the time of your arrival. Please call the staff number listed in the Camp Information Packet if you have any questions the day you arrive. If there are questions prior to camp, please contact cesevents@uww.edu.
Driving Directions
Parking
Parking details will be available in the Camp Information Packet. Notice: All campus parking lots require a parking permit. Failure to follow parking regulations will result in a fine. More information is available on the Visitor Center website.
By registering for an event, you agree to our Registration Terms and Conditions. UW-Whitewater will hold all registrants responsible for their conduct. Serious misconduct or disruption will lead to immediate dismissal from event. Registrants dismissed from the event will not receive a refund. Please review the Terms and Conditions for more details.
Be aware that we recommend that all portable electronic devices be left at home, but ultimately it is your decision. We know that parents and children value the ability to be able to call each other at a moment's notice. For that reason, we do not prohibit cell phones at camp, but ask that cell phone use does not interfere with the event and other participants. Parents are responsible for setting clear guidelines for cell use with their child. We will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items.
We receive many questions from registrants. We have prepared a page with answers to our frequently asked questions about registering and attending an event.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs, activities and employment policies, for all persons, regardless of race, color, gender, creed, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, Vietnam-era veteran status, parental status and pregnancy.
If you have any disabling condition that requires special accommodations or attention, please advise us well in advance. We will make every effort to accommodate your special needs.
By registering for this event you understand that the University may take photographs and/or videos of event participants and activities. You will be required to agree at the time of registration that the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater shall be the owner of and may use such photographs and/or videos relating to the promotion of future events. You will relinquish all rights that you may claim in relation to the use of said photographs and/or videos. Any media shared with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on social media or use of its hashtags grants the University use of media for any purpose.
Insurance
Registrants are encouraged to have their own health insurance as accident insurance provided by the University is limited. Each registrant will be covered by a limited accident insurance policy. The insurance includes primary coverage up to $10,000. Insurance does not cover pre-existing injuries and is for accidents only. The cost of insurance is included in the registration fee.