Blue Lake’s Art Colony motivates students through teaching the fundamental skills and concepts used in creating visual art. Classes emphasize creativity as an integral part of the art process, regardless of the individual’s level of experience. Students also learn the importance of art as a means of personal expression.

Students receive five hours of class instruction each day, including supervised studio work time. Students can complete their instructional day by choosing a Minor, allowing them to experience another area of interest while at camp. Click here for a complete listing of minor courses. Students also have the opportunity to hear various performances presented as a part of Blue Lake’s Summer Arts Festival, as well as participate in recreational activities and other camp events. All art students display their work in the Art Colony Exhibit on the final Sunday of each session.

Under the guidance of faculty, art majors will be introduced to a variety of two and three dimensional media. Drawing and Painting courses will include instruction on the use of pencil, charcoal, pastel, tempera, watercolor, acrylic, and collage. Fiber Arts classes are multifaceted, offering students a variety of instruction in the use of yarns, fabrics, and natural materials. Small looms are available, and students are also encouraged to create their own unique loom structures. Ceramics courses focus on basic principals of construction and hand building, glazing, and firing, which may include primitive smoke firing and raku. Some wheel work may also be included. Sculpture and Metals courses may also be offered during some sessions.

Blue Lake’s art faculty are selected from around the country for their outstanding expertise in visual arts and commitment to guiding students through a creative experience that develops their abilities as well as motivates and encourages future study in art and related fields. Emphasis is placed on portfolio building and informing students of the many occupations open to them through development of art perspective and skills.

Carol H. Tice, Director of the Art Department, is widely known for her innovative arts programs and effective teaching methods. She is a member of the Michigan Art Education Association, the National Art Education Association, and was the 2001 recipient of the Michigan Art Educators Distinguished Service Award for contributions to arts education in the state of Michigan.

All art students will be charged a $75 materials fee.

Back to Top