Family Music Class presented by Blue House Music and Art Camp 504 is an immersive music experience for infant, toddler and Pre-K age children along with their caregivers. The infant and toddler class focuses on early language development, especially phonemic sound, and gross motor development  from crawling and first steps to finger-walking and motoring around. The class teaches eye tracking, attention, and connection with the caregiver. Through singing, movement and instrument play children will experience rich learning in key developmental domains while caregivers gain powerful tools to communicate with their little ones. Blue House Music is an early learning program for children under five that empowers caregivers to actively participate in music making.

Class begins promptly at 4:30pm. Please arrive around 4:15 to get settled before class. We encourage families to play at Markey Park or visit Pizza Delicious after class ends! We love making new friends!

HOW TO JOIN FOR DROP IN DATES: We reserve two drop in spots per class. You must RSVP and pay via venmo to reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance. Due to building capacity, we do not accept walk-ins without an RSVP.

1. RSVP: Email bluehouseclasses@gmail.com to see if there are spots available for your chosen class
2. SUBMIT PAYMENT: Send payment $30 via venmo to @artcamp504 or cashapp $artcamp504. Your spot is not confirmed until we receive payment for the date

MEET THE TEACHER:

CHRISTOPHER “MR. CHRIS” SHEARD (he/him) is a music teacher and teaching artist with over fifteen years in the field of early childhood music. He has been certified in Music Together, Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts and the Young Audiences National Teaching Artist Credential. He is the founder of Blue House Music, a direct-to-family early learning music program that serves children under five and their caregivers. He currently works as the lower school music teacher at The McGehee School for Girls and Little Gate. He is a Bywater resident, father of two, and is so excited to join the Art Camp 504 team!

Seeking imaginative young artists to help build and develop the Creature Academy, our 25/26 theme! Get ready to dive into a magical world of enchanted forests, otherworldly creatures and mysterious surprises. Throughout the week, students will develop their Creature Academy characters through creative writing and collaborative storytelling, crafting ancient scrolls and illustrations. We will create our first official Creature Academy film and experiment with stop motion. Students will bring their visions to life with costume design and mixed media art. We’ll cook delicious treats while we imagine what lies within the walls of the academy. The week culminates in a special presentation for families, showcasing the students’ creations and adventures!

HOW TO REGISTER: Add this class to your cart. As you go through the registration process, you will be prompted to select either full week sessions or drop in days. You total price will adjust based on the number of days.

NOTE: Once you register for the class, you will not be able to add additional drop in days through our online platform. To add days, email info@artcamp504.org to check for availability. You will then submit payment through venmo @artcamp504 or card/cash on site.

PRICES:

• $80/day drop in
• Oct 6-10: $375 (5 days)
• Oct 13-16: $315 (4 days)

MONDAY, 10/6 SOLD OUT 

PAYMENT PLAN: Because this camp is drop in, we can't set up payment plans through Coursestorm. We are offering a payment plan through venmo. 

• To utilize the plan, register online for your selected camp days. At checkout, enter the discount code VENMO to complete your registration at no cost.
• Send your payments to @artcamp504 on Venmo. Please include your child’s name and “Fall Break” in the description.
• Full payment must be completed by your child’s first day of camp.

BEFORE & AFTERCARE:

You may register by the week or pay for drop in days. Advance notification is not required to attend.

• BEFORECARE, 8:00-8:30: $10/day or $40 for 5 days
• AFTERCARE, 3:30-5:30: $20/day or $75 for 5 days
• Payment options: Venmo @artcamp504 or pay cash or card at drop off/pick up. Write student name in payment description

Due to a previously scheduled wedding, we are not hosting camp on Friday, Oct 17.

Learn more at www.ArtCamp504.org/holiday

Find your people at Art Camp 504's newest Teen Club, Improv Comedy!

Whether you are a natural jokester or just curious about trying something new, this class is designed to help students build confidence, sharpen their wit, and find their unique comedic voice—no experience required! Through engaging exercises and acting games, students will learn the essentials of comedic timing, improvisation, and stage presence—all while having an absolute blast! By the end of the course, you'll leave with a solid grasp of comedy fundamentals and the confidence to apply humor in any creative field. The semester culminates in a family performance at Big Couch Nola!

TROUPE GUIDELINES: Listen actively when others are performing, Wait your turn and respect the flow of the activity, Follow the rules of each game or exercise. Improv is all about collaboration. Students must be able to work respectfully and cooperatively with everyone in the troupe. 

This class is in partnership with Big Couch Nola. Class is held at Big Couch Theater, 1045 Desire St in the Bywater.

FINAL PERFORMANCE: Tuesday, Dec 9, 5:45 - 6:45pm

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:

Mary Jacobs is a local comedian and Improv educator from New Orleans, Louisiana. She’s trained and taught across America, including and education from infamous Second City in Chicago. Her passion for educating youth in the comedic arts is no joke and believes comedy can connect us to our humanity and community in a deep (and silly) way. In addition to her experience as an educator she can be found across stages in New Orleans as a comedian, host, and MC. She is so looking forward to the opportunity to foster the next generation of jesters here in New Orleans. Mary currently works with Big Couch Nola - a creative incubator that produces standup & sketch comedy, theater productions, drag, film, music and more!

Family Music Class presented by Blue House Music and Art Camp 504 is an immersive music experience for infant, toddler and Pre-K age children along with their caregivers. The infant and toddler class focuses on early language development, especially phonemic sound, and gross motor development  from crawling and first steps to finger-walking and motoring around. The class teaches eye tracking, attention, and connection with the caregiver. Through singing, movement and instrument play children will experience rich learning in key developmental domains while caregivers gain powerful tools to communicate with their little ones. Blue House Music is an early learning program for children under five that empowers caregivers to actively participate in music making.

Class begins promptly at 4:30pm. Please arrive at 4:15 to get settled before class. We encourage families to play at Markey Park or visit Pizza Delicious after class ends! We love making new friends!

HOW TO JOIN FOR DROP IN DATES: We reserve two drop in spots per class. You must RSVP and pay via venmo to reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance. Due to building capacity, we do not accept walk-ins without an RSVP. 

1. RSVP: Email bluehouseclasses@gmail.com to see if there are spots available for your chosen class
2. SUBMIT PAYMENT: Send payment $30 via venmo to @artcamp504 or cashapp $artcamp504. Your spot is not confirmed until we receive payment for the date

MEET THE TEACHER:

CHRISTOPHER “MR. CHRIS” SHEARD (he/him) is a music teacher and teaching artist with over fifteen years in the field of early childhood music. He has been certified in Music Together, Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts and the Young Audiences National Teaching Artist Credential. He is the founder of Blue House Music, a direct-to-family early learning music program that serves children under five and their caregivers. He currently works as the lower school music teacher at The McGehee School for Girls and Little Gate. He is a Bywater resident, father of two, and is so excited to join the Art Camp 504 team!

Family Music Class presented by Blue House Music and Art Camp 504 is an immersive music experience for infant, toddler and Pre-K age children along with their caregivers. The infant and toddler class focuses on early language development, especially phonemic sound, and gross motor development  from crawling and first steps to finger-walking and motoring around. The class teaches eye tracking, attention, and connection with the caregiver. Through singing, movement and instrument play children will experience rich learning in key developmental domains while caregivers gain powerful tools to communicate with their little ones. Blue House Music is an early learning program for children under five that empowers caregivers to actively participate in music making.

Class begins promptly at 4:30pm. Please arrive around 4:15 to get settled before class. We encourage families to play at Markey Park or visit Pizza Delicious after class ends! We love making new friends!

HOW TO JOIN FOR DROP IN DATES: We reserve two drop in spots per class. You must RSVP and pay via venmo to reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance. Due to building capacity, we do not accept walk-ins without an RSVP.

1. RSVP: Email bluehouseclasses@gmail.com to see if there are spots available for your chosen class
2. SUBMIT PAYMENT: Send payment $30 via venmo to @artcamp504 or cashapp $artcamp504. Your spot is not confirmed until we receive payment for the date

MEET THE TEACHER:

CHRISTOPHER “MR. CHRIS” SHEARD (he/him) is a music teacher and teaching artist with over fifteen years in the field of early childhood music. He has been certified in Music Together, Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts and the Young Audiences National Teaching Artist Credential. He is the founder of Blue House Music, a direct-to-family early learning music program that serves children under five and their caregivers. He currently works as the lower school music teacher at The McGehee School for Girls and Little Gate. He is a Bywater resident, father of two, and is so excited to join the Art Camp 504 team!

The Stardust Krewe’s annual Thanksgiving Horse Racing Event is back—Creature Academy style! A beloved tradition at the Academy, this fantastical celebration honors both individuality and teamwork as students prepare for the race of the year. Campers will dream up original characters, craft creature or horse masks, design elaborate headpieces for the fashion show, and transform Clouet Gardens with festive decorations and interactive activities. They'll also bake delicious treats for the concession stand AND craft surprise performances for the big day. Camp culminates in a magical neighborhood block party on Wednesday, Nov 26 from 3:30–5:30pm. 

This camp is inspired by the Human Horse Races, a beloved New Orleans Thanksgiving tradition. We encourage you to attend the 5th Annual Human Horse Races on Thanksgiving Day—Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 from 11am–3pm at Easton Park in Mid-City. The mission is to raise funds and awareness for local animal sanctuaries, all in classic New Orleans style.

DATES: Dec 19, 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, Jan 2, 5

It’s the most magical time of the year… time to build the Enchanted Forest House Float! The Enchanted Forest exists in another dimension and is home to the esteemed Creature Academy. Over eight days, we’ll transform the outside of the Tigermen Den into a large-scale interactive art installation showcasing the talents of our students and local artists. Together we’ll sculpt towering trees, craft vibrant flowers and leaves, and create exotic foliage as we bring our magical world of creatures to life. Get ready to climb on a ladder and get messy, we have a lot of work to do!

In addition to constructing the 2026 House Float (on display through April), students will have the opportunity to select from a variety of classes, including costume design, filmmaking, cooking, sculpture, creative writing & illustration, and more. We can't wait to continue our adventures with the Creature Academy Class of 2026!

HOW TO REGISTER: Add this class to your cart. As you go through the registration process, you will be prompted to select your days. You total price will adjust based on the number of days.

NOTE: Once you register for the class, you will not be able to add additional drop in days through our online platform. To add days, email us to check for availability. You will then submit payment through venmo @artcamp504 or card/cash on site.

PRICES:

• Single Day: $80
• Full Session (8 days): $595

PAYMENT PLAN: Because this camp is drop in, we can't set up payment plans through Coursestorm. We are offering a payment plan through venmo. 

• To utilize the plan, register online for your selected camp days. At checkout, enter the discount code VENMO to complete your registration at no cost.
• Send your payments to @artcamp504 on Venmo. Please include your child’s name and “Fall Break” in the description.
• Full payment must be completed by your child’s first day of camp.

BEFORE & AFTERCARE: Advance notification is not required to attend.

• BEFORECARE, 8:00-8:30: $10/day 
• AFTERCARE, 3:30-5:30: $20/day or $15/day if enrolled in 3 or more days
• Payment options: Venmo @artcamp504 or pay cash or card at drop off/pick up. Write student name in payment description

Learn more at www.ArtCamp504.org/holiday