A work in oils presented at the April 2nd Ypsi Fine Arts Club Gathering

Are you a spreadsheet person or a “we’ll figure it out as we go” person? I have to admit, I’m a little bit of both. Either way, we all know how quickly summer can sneak up on us. The kids need things to do, and before you know it, you’re juggling camp options, vacation dates, and trying to figure out how to keep everyone entertained.

If you're looking for something that's both fun and educational, Riverside’s Art Explorers! Summer Camps are a perfect fit. With six weeks of creative projects, the kids will dive into interdisciplinary education that helps them explore new skills, spark their creativity, and build lasting friendships. This summer, we’ve got all your creative needs covered!

- Liz Warren, Executive Director, Riverside Arts Center

TONIGHT: First Fridays Ypsi Art Party!

Celebrate 30 years of creativity at Riverside Arts Center, Friday, April 4th, from 5 – 7pm, in the North Gallery.

Design your own button, explore our 30th Anniversary Invitational, and listen to some live music by local electroacoustic artist Tikimen Of Berlin (tikimenofberlin.com).

Light refreshments will be provided.

After-School Art Classes Begin April 15th!

In this weekly class, we will explore different kinds of art: drawing imaginatively and from life, weaving, painting on canvas, and more! The art will be inspired by your child’s imagination, ordinary things, and the world around us. Your young artist will make colorful and vibrant drawings, collages, paintings, and more!

6-week session on Tuesdays 4/15/2025 - 5/20/2025 | 4:45 - 5:45 | Off Center | For youth ages 8 - 12 | $150 for full session or $35 single class drop-in.

Summer Camp 2025 - ART FOR ALL

Art is for everyone! Be an Art Explorer this summer at Riverside Arts Center, with this year’s theme, Art For All. Each week offers a unique artistic adventure: craft stories in Storytelling, discover art in Ypsilanti during Public Art, design action-packed adventures in Comics and Superheroes, celebrate animals in Cute Critters, collaborate on group art in Make it Together, and explore fiber arts and 3D mediums in Threads and Textures. Perfect for your young art explorer, this camp fosters imagination, teamwork, and hands-on fun all summer!

Details:

• There are six weeks of camp, each with a different theme, running from June 23rd to August 8th
• For campers ages 6 - 12
• Camp runs Monday- Friday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
• Camp fees are $300/weekly for non-Ypsilanti residents, and $285/weekly for Ypsilanti residents
• Free opt-in, RAC-provided lunch and snacks daily
• Camp fee can be paid all at once or in installments with $100 due at registration.

Artmaking @ Riverside - Workshops and Classes

We have an incredible lineup of workshops and classes coming your way this spring and summer. Learn more about our offerings such as the Intro to Stained Glass Workshop and the monthly Neurodiverse Artmaking Drop-In. Summer workshops will be announced soon so stay tuned.

Ypsi Fine Arts Club

The next two Ypsi Fine Arts Club meetings take place April 16th and May 7th.

On the first and third Wednesday of each month, artists and art lovers alike gather to share their work with each other. Everyone is welcome from Ypsi and beyond! Attendees are not required to present. Anyone is welcome to simply gather with our community and enjoy the incredible artwork.

Doors open at 5:00 pm and presentations start at 5:30 pm.

Figure Drawing presented at the April 2nd YFAC gathering.

Exhibitions At RAC

Share - Riverside's Ypsi Fine Arts Club Group Exhibition

Join Riverside as we celebrate the work of YFAC. Any artists who joined the club in 2024 or earlier were eligible to apply for this show, and at least one piece was selected from each participating artist. We are proud to share the immense talent of our artistic community, and we hope this will encourage you to attend a future YFAC gathering whether you’re an artist or a lover of the arts. This kaleidoscopic show features 43 works by 30 Ypsi Fine Arts Club members.

April 18, 2025 – May 16, 2025. North Gallery.

Reception: May 2, 2025. 5 – 7pm. 

Open Hours: Fridays from 1 – 5pm.

Visit riversidearts.org/gallery for additional open hours when they become available.

RAC Community Highlight

Rachel Anderson, Riverside's "Art Explorers! Summer Camps" Camp Director.

Announcing Riverside's Camp Director - Rachel Anderson

Riverside is excited to announce that Rachel Anderson is joining the team as our new Camp Director for our "Art Explorers! Summer Camps." We recently interviewed Rachel to get to know her a bit more and this is what she had to say:

RAC: Please introduce yourself!

Rachel: "Hi! My name is Rachel Anderson. I am a sixth-year teacher at Ypsilanti International Elementary School. I am currently teaching kindergarten and loving it, but I have experience teaching K-5. When I’m not teaching I can usually be found creating- painting, sewing, making shirts, crocheting, and more. I’ve recently been exploring printmaking! I love a chill night in with my cat (Pickles) or traveling to new places with my family and friends. I am a new(ish) homeowner and enjoy doing home projects, taking bounce classes at the Mix Studios, and enjoying the sunshine at Rutherford Pool! I am looking forward to an amazing summer with your young artists!" 

RAC: What excites you the most about being the “Art Explorers! Summer Camps” Camp Director?

Rachel: "I am so excited to be “Art Explorers! Summer Camps” Camp Director for the chance to connect with my community in a new way and help foster love and skills for creation and expression. I am most looking forward to seeing all the amazing ideas and creations these young artists come up with throughout the summer. "

RAC: Why are you passionate about teaching?

Rachel: "One of my core values as an educator is to create safe spaces for children where they can feel comfortable being themselves, learn how to use their voice, and more importantly understand that their voice has power- whether it’s sharing ideas, advocating for themselves and others, or anything else. I am enthusiastic about making sure students are able to communicate in many different ways and that they understand communication looks different for everyone. I am grateful for this chance as Camp Director to help these young artists explore new ways to communicate their emotions, ideas, and values." 

RAC: And lastly, what’s something new or exciting campers can look forward to this summer?

Rachel: "Me! (just kidding…kind of) But seriously, campers can look forward to a summer full of opportunities to learn, explore, create, and have fun! We are excited to meet and learn more about our campers and can’t wait to see the unique twists and perspectives they bring to the fun we already have planned!"

Art Explorers! Summer Camps run for 6 weeks from June to August for students ages 6 - 12. To learn more and register your young artist, visit the link below!

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