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 2026 as we celebrate the theme of ‘Rooted: Art and the Natural World’!

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 SIBLINGS 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.

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 27, 2026 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 AMPM 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.

Week 1 morning DRAWING + PAINTING
(Somewhat) Scientific Illustrations with Kat Boss 

Artists will take a closer look at the fascinating and strange wonders that bloom, swim, fly, or otherwise share our world, and document their observations through drawing and painting. They will develop their own curiosity cabinet on paper, recording patterns and organic shapes they find. Additionally, they will imagine discovering a never-before-seen life form, and be tasked to capture the nature of their unprecedented subject. Inspired by artist Sun Lee, students will use watercolor and ink to depict their findings.

Week 1 afternoon COLLAGE WITH PHOTOS
Clip, Cut & Paste: Photomontage with Tamarah Bridgewater         

Search the magazine stacks to find interesting images, words and letters.   Use space, placement, and composition to layer your cutouts and create a unique piece. Share your perspective, thoughts, and voice through Photomontage.

Week 2 morning ART WITH LIGHT
Create and Illuminate with Kate Daley

Construct dynamic works of art that change right in front of you! Make mobiles, lanterns, shadow puppets and more. Using light intentionally, your artwork will transform into many interpretations of itself. Color, scale, and perception will shift, depending on the

direction of light, time of day, and movement. For inspiration, we’ll look at the work of illuminated artists like Olafur Eliasson, Yayoi Kusama and Alexander Calder.

Week 2 afternoon MIXED MEDIA
Mixed-Media Menagerie: Fantastic Beasts and How to Draw Them with Sam Shields

Through two dimensional techniques, including drawing, painting, and printmaking, we will explore the animal form.  Learn to use line, color, anatomy, and texture to bring your real or imagined creature creations to life!

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 27, 2026 for all summer programs.