First Look: ARTS Summer 2025
As summer approaches, we are excited to prepare for a season filled with creativity and community engagement through our summer programming.
We are dedicated to fostering artistic growth and collaboration, and we are proud to announce our fourth summer program in partnership with The San Diego Foundation and the San Diego Unified School District as part of their Level Up initiative. For the first time since 2022, ARTS welcomes students back for an immersive experience filled with creativity and community. Our carefully crafted curriculum offers a diverse range of artistic media, including mixed media, illustration, printmaking, sculpture, and more. These free programs not only provide enriching experiences for students but also essential childcare support for families across San Diego. Throughout the two-week camp, students will engage in hands-on art lessons, work collaboratively on projects, play games, enjoy movies, and explore our amazing ARTS Center.
In addition to our Level Up program, we are excited to announce two unique field trips in June for elementary school district partners. We're thrilled to collaborate with The YMCA to bring uplifting enrichment experiences through our fifth Intersession Art Camp with Chula Vista Elementary School District. This six-day art camp will welcome up to 120 students from grades 1-6 across six campuses.
Additionally, we’ll open our doors to National School District students for the first time! They will have the chance to immerse themselves in art-making with seasoned professionals over four enriching days. Both programs will delve into a handcrafted curriculum centered on the Ocean ecosystem, featuring custom workbooks, engaging slide shows, and unique art materials. Projects will include creating personalized beach bags, watercolor paintings inspired by ocean life, and innovative print-making stamp designs.
Community ARTS will launch an exciting new "Gallery Takeover" program in collaboration with our friends at the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. Seven talented young people have stepped into the roles of curator and exhibition designer, taking works from the In Bloom Youth ARTS Festival and transforming them into a fresh, collaboratively curated show at the prestigious Spanish Village Gallery in Balboa Park. With a focus on identity, storytelling, and social relevance, this program allows youth to develop curatorial skills, enhance their writing, and gain firsthand experiences from local creatives and museums.
We are also excited to announce “Ripple Effect,” our latest paid internship opportunity under the ARTS @ Work program. In partnership with the City of National City and the Sweetwater Authority, and our fabrication and design mentors, Artist and Exile, Inc., this project aims to create a public art installation honoring the Sweetwater Spigot—an invaluable free water source for local residents. ARTS Youth interns will play a vital role in the design, fabrication, and installation of this significant public art piece. This initiative not only fosters creativity but also raises awareness about water conservation, emphasizing the importance of the Sweetwater Spigot to our community.
We can’t wait to see what the summer holds for our students, interns, and community members as we embark on these exciting artistic journeys. Join us as we inspire, create, and celebrate the transformative power of creativity together!
