Art Camp 504

In this 13-week creative publishing program, students ages 9–13 will explore writing, illustration, comics, and DIY bookmaking. Through hands-on lessons in character design, storytelling, layout, color, and simple binding techniques, young artists will learn how to turn their ideas into tangible books and zines they can share. Students will experiment with ink, watercolor, accordion folds, pencil, markers, and more, while exploring stylistic approaches inspired by anime, Marjane Satrapi, Triple Dream Comics, and beyond. Along the way, they will develop technical writing skills including dialogue pacing, narrative structure, editing for clarity, and sequencing events to build tension and resolution. Students will draft, revise, and produce an original project with a focused plot and purposeful ending, strengthening both their creative voice and visual communication skills. The course culminates in a publishing party and zine swap. No previous art or writing experience required - just curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to try something new.

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.