Frequently Asked Questions - Youth Workshops

Registering for a Workshop

  • What types of workshops do you offer?

    Our Summer Studios for Young Artists Program features workshops for students ages four through seventeen in the areas of drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture. Workshops are four days in length, three hours each day. We also offer one-day Saturday workshops for ages 7-12.

  • Are the workshops organized by age groups?

    Yes. Our workshops are designed with specific ages in mind to be developmentally appropriate, challenging, and fun! The age groups are 4-6 year olds; 7-9 year olds; 10-12 year olds; and 13-17 year olds. We offer a handful of one-day workshops for 7-12 year olds. Students must be the minimum age listed by the first day of class. We cannot make exceptions.

  • How do I register for a workshop?

    Registrations can be processed online or over the phone at 920.868.3455 with a credit card. The full tuition amount must be paid in order to reserve a spot.

  • What if a workshop is full?

    We maintain a waitlist for each workshop once it fills. You can add yourself to a waitlist online or over the phone. When/if a spot becomes available, we contact the first person on the list and work our way down as needed. There is no cost to joining a waitlist.

  • Are there scholarships available?

    Yes! The Kathryn A Doerr Young Artists Fund provides support for PenArt children’s and teen scholarships and community programs. Scholarships cover 100% of the tuition expenses for any children’s or teen workshop. Participation in the scholarship fund is limited to full-time residents of Door and Kewaunee, WI counties. To learn more, click here.

Preparing for Your Child’s Workshop

  • Do I have to purchase any supplies?

    No. Everything your child/teen will need for class is provided!

  • Should I pack a snack for my child each day?

    If you’d like! A 15-minute snack break is taken outside (weather permitting) each day about halfway through class. You can also pack a beverage. A bottle filler and drinking fountain are available. PenArt does not provide snacks and is not a nut-free campus.

  • How many other students will be in my child's class?

    The maximum for our children and teen workshops is 12. For ceramic workshops that use the potter’s wheels, 8 students is the maximum.

  • Are the studios accessible?

    Our studios, gallery, and staff offices are located in a one-story building. The main front door is automated and the floors throughout are sealed concrete. Some studio equipment, such as potter’s wheels and bench tools in metals, may require accommodation. If you have access needs not addressed here, email us and we’ll work with you to support them.

  • Should I pack a lunch for my child's full-day Saturday workshop?

    Please do! There will be a 45 minute break halfway through the day to eat lunch outside (weather permitting) and play games. A water bottle and small extra snack would be great to pack, too. There is a water bottle filler available on campus.

During Your Child’s Workshop

  • What is a typical day's schedule?

    Each day, your child’s instructor greets them at the door to their studio. Once everyone has arrived, instructors introduce the day’s lesson(s). Teaching methods include demonstrations, group brainstorms, viewing and discussing the work of well-known artists, and lots of hands-on practice through skill building projects and final works of art. A break is taken outside (weather permitting) at the halfway mark. The rest of class is dedicated to more art making! At the end of class students help clean up from the day’s activities.

  • Can I see what all of the students have been working on?

    On the final day of class we invite family members and friends to join us for the final fifteen minutes for an exhibition in the studio. Check out what students explored and made throughout the week and ask questions!

  • Can my family eat lunch on campus before or after class?

    Absolutely! Our great lawn behind the main building has picnic tables, outdoor games, and lots of space to run around. Pack a picnic and join us for as long as you’d like.

Following Your Child’s Workshop

  • Is there an opportunity for me to provide feedback?

    If at any point during your child’s workshop or following you’d like to speak with the member of the staff, don’t hesitate to visit the main office. We’re here to help and make sure your family’s experience is a positive one!

  • What if I'd like to register my child for another workshop?

    We’re thrilled to hear that your family had such a great experience! You can visit the main office, call us at 920.868.3455, or visit our website to register.