This class is designed for our youngest artists with an emphasis on drawing! Kids will learn foundational art skills like making different kinds of lines, choosing colors, and adding details to their drawings. We’ll practice drawing our own characters by exploring eyes, noses, hairstyles, and expressive faces. We’ll use art materials such as oil pastels, watercolor paints, and ink. Even though this class focuses on drawing, we’ll also experiment with sculptural mixed-media projects that let kids explore and play with different textures and techniques. Our goal is to help every child feel confident, creative, and proud of their artwork. This class is a warm, encouraging space where young artists can discover their own unique style. No experience needed—this beginner class is great for all students!

MEET THE TEACHER:

MIKHAYLA HARRELL (she/her) is an educator and arts advocate with over twenty years of experience helping young creatives turn wild ideas into real, hold-in-your-hands books. She holds a Master of Arts in Education and a K–12 Fine Arts teaching credential from the University of New Mexico. A lifelong storyteller and unapologetic doodler, she believes every scribble has a story and every kid has a voice worth printing. She specializes in zines, mini-comics, and DIY bookmaking, guiding students through characters, panels, and plot twists with equal parts enthusiasm and mischief. Mikhayla currently serves as Co-President of the Louisiana Art Education Association, advocating for arts educators statewide through mentorship, funding opportunities, and professional development. Previously, she managed teen programs at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

This class is perfect for students eager to explore visual arts across a variety of mediums. Over the course of the semester, students will work with Art Camp 504 teaching artists to develop skills in illustration, drawing fundamentals, watercolor techniques, mixed media collage, sculpture, and more. Projects include costume pieces, clay figurines and minatures, textured prints and more. Our goal is to nurture a love of art and creativity in our youngest artists! With a small group format, this class allows for individual attention and flexibility—projects are often guided by student interests and feedback to ensure an engaging and personalized experience.

This class is designed for young artists that want to explore and build their technical drawing skills. The curriculum explores fine art techniques such as line work, perspective, shading, and composition. Students will develop their observational skills and artistic vocabulary, from line and form to understanding light, shadow and color theory. We explore a variety of mediums including graphite, charcoal, oil pastels, watercolor paint and ink. With a focus on fostering creativity and confidence, this class provides a supportive environment where each child can discover their unique artistic voice and cultivate a lifelong passion for drawing. 

MEET THE TEACHER:

Ray Fontaine (she/her) is a visual artist and designer who helps young creatives build confidence and curiosity through drawing, illustration, and mixed media art. With a background in storytelling and design, her teaching approach encourages playful experimentation, close observation, and personal expression. Ray’s classes introduce foundational techniques while making space for each student’s imagination to lead the way—blending creative skill-building with opportunities to connect art to their everyday world. Through engaging projects and accessible materials, she helps kids develop a strong visual voice and a lasting love for making. Ray runs a local branding agency called Bywater Branding Services, studied Industrial Design at Pratt Institute, and previously taught Visual Communications as an adjunct professor at the Tulane School of Design.