Summer Arts on the Hudson is Garrison Art Center’s highly acclaimed arts immersion program for children entering grades K – 8. SAH is a unique opportunity for children to learn new skills and expand their worlds. While the focus is on art, the program is designed to serve all interests and the creative potential of all children. Students will use a wide range of materials in traditional and experimental approaches, with an emphasis on shared discovery and friendly fun. Each year a different theme is chosen to guide the curriculum and, along with the study of many artists and ideas, children begin the development of a richer artistic language. We welcome all young artists in 2025 as we celebrate the theme of ‘Exploring Identity’!

This summer’s theme will allow our teaching artists to introduce students to a wide range of artists, art history, and art-making. Students will be engaged in collage, painting, sculpture, papier mache, and more. Our teaching staff is comprised of highly credentialed teaching artists, whose knowledge and open approach will encourage and nurture all students.

The daily program runs for 4 weeks, with families having the option to choose one or both two-week sessions. We do not offer one-week sessions. Tuition includes all materials needed for the program. There is the option to pay in full or take advantage of a payment plan. Signing up a sibling? Use the promo code FAMILY when signing up a second or third child and save $30. Our Summer Programs Cancellation Policy can be found here. If you do not get a spot immediately, do not despair! Please put yourself on the waiting list. We were able to accommodate many of the children from the wait list last year.

There is no program on Thursday, July 4. 

We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Use this link to apply. The deadline for requesting financial assistance is 11:00am on March 28, 2025 for all summer programs.

Art a la Carte offers children the opportunity to experience multiple types of art-making at our studios. This program offers two weeks of half-day, one-week classes in the morning and the afternoon, giving families the flexibility of half or full-day, and one or two weeks. Students registered for a full-day experience will be supervised for lunch and free time between classes. Students must bring their own food. Tuition includes all materials needed for the program. 

There is the option to pay in full or take advantage of a payment plan. Our Summer Programs Cancellation Policy can be found here. Signing up for the full day? Use the promo code ALLDAY when signing up for a morning and afternoon class on the same week and save $50. If you do not get a spot immediately, do not despair! Please put yourself on the waiting list. We were able to accommodate many of the children from the wait list last year.

Classes for rising 2nd-4th graders are:

Week 1 morning- PAINTING + DRAWING

This is Me! with Sam Shields

In this class there is no "right" way to draw! Instead, we will explore how the way we make art matters just as much as the subject we choose. Students will learn to use color, mark-making, words, and composition to express their thoughts and feelings. Incorporating our daily lives and interests into our artwork, we will play with how different ways of presenting a subject can change its meaning. Throughout the week students will develop skills in painting, drawing, and printmaking, ending in a mixed-media collage that tells a unique personal story.

Week 1 afternoon- NATURE

Prints and Patterns with Kate Daley

Create prints with vegetables, the sun and more! Discover patterns all around you and make personal connections to the natural world. Build your own series of images with nature as your muse.

Week 2 morning- WEAVING

Over and Under with Candace Winter

Over, under, over, under. Practice the art of weaving with and without the loom to create unique art, small tapestries, coasters or critters! Using a variety of materials, paper, yarn, fabric and more explore designs and color combinations. Express yourself!

Week 2 afternoon- DRAWING

Character Design with Brian Beaton

Imagine yourself in a completely different time, place, or even dimension. What special powers do you have? Where are you from – another planet or galaxy? What’s your environment like? Let your imagination run wild as you create a unique character that’s an extension of you in a whole new universe!


We believe art should be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Use this link to apply. The deadline for requesting financial assistance is 11:00am on March 28, 2025 for all summer programs.