TEEN ART PROGRAM, AGES 13-18. The mission of Vita Art Center's Teen Art Program is to connect teenagers to contemporary visual art and artists in Ventura. Our Teen Art Program presents opportunities for young people to meaningfully interact with outstanding local artists from a variety of disciplines. During the art programs, students learn new skills and techniques while creating their own artwork with support and guidance.
This program is made possible by the generous support of the Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts and the California Arts Council.
Teens ages 16 & Up are welcome to take adult classes.
TEEN SUMMER ART 2025 REGISTRATION OPEN
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Fridays, Apr 4 - May 30, 2025
$350. OR 3 monthly payments of $110. each
Ages 13-18
Time: 6-8:30pm
Materials provided
Scholarships Available
Every Friday Evening we will meet onsite for technique and concept development. Classes are lead by local professional artists sharing their area of expertise. This is a unique exploration of what it means to be an artist and why we become the artists we do. During the art programs, students create their own artwork with support and guidance. Students are offered instruction in a variety of mediums.
Fridays, Apr 4 - May 30, 2025
$350. OR 3 monthly payments of $125. each
Instructor: Thomas Weber
Ages 13-18
Time: 6-8:30pm
Materials provided
Every Friday Evening we will meet in our ceramic studio to learn and perfect our skills on the potters wheel. Hand building techniques will also be taught. Ceramics are fired and glazed in the studio
• This class will be held in our ceramic studio and limited to 8 students.
• Emergency form must be filled out before the first class:
FREE WORKSHOP
Spaces are limited, only sign up if you can attend
Teaching Artist: Wren Stepan
TEENS, Ages 13-19
Saturdays, 5-7:30pm
Jan. 25, Feb. 22, Mar. 29, Apr 26, May 24
Pre- Registration is required
To Complete registration you must checkout from the shopping cart, you will receive an automated email confirmation.
IMPORTANT: If you sign up for the class and can not make it please let us know. We will be able to fill the spot from the waiting list..
Are you ready to unleash your inner artist and dive into a world of colorful creativity? Join us for our FREE monthly LGBTQ+ art workshops, specially designed for teens aged 13-19! 🎨✨
At these workshops, we celebrate all shades of the rainbow and provide a safe and welcoming space where you can express your true self through art. Each month, we explore different artistic mediums, from painting and drawing and collage art, all while embracing the diversity of our LGBTQ+ community. No prior art experience is needed—just bring your passion and enthusiasm!
Let your creativity shine, make new friends who get you, and be part of a supportive community where your unique voice is celebrated. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or are an ally, everyone is welcome to join in the fun. 🌟
So, come create with us! 🎉 Together, we'll paint, draw, and create our way to a brighter, more inclusive world. All supplies are provided. See you at the next workshop! 🏳️🌈💜 #LoveIsArt #TeenPrideArt #ExpressYourself"
This workshop is made possible by the generous support of the Kirkegaard Family and the California Arts Council
Fridays, June 9-August 8
$350. OR 3 monthly payments of $110. each
Time: 6-8:30pm
Instructor: Wren Stepan and Guest Artists
Ages 13-18
Materials provided
Class will be held in our outdoor patio
Every Friday Evening we will meet onsite for art school quality technique and concept development. Classes are lead by local professional artists sharing their area of expertise. This is a unique exploration of what it means to be an artist and why we become the artists we do. Our Teen Art Program presents opportunities for young people to meaningfully interact with outstanding local artists from a variety of disciplines. During the art programs, students create their own artwork with support and guidance. Students are offered instruction in a variety of mediums.
Fridays, June 9- August 8, (9 weeks)
3 monthly payments of $110. each
Time: 6-8:30pm
Instructor: Tomas Weber
Ages 13-18
Materials provided
This 9 week course is the perfect class for beginners and intermediate level students who would like to learn or perfect their skills on the potter’s wheel. Materials included.• This class will be held in our ceramic studio and limited to 8 students.
• Pack a snack and beverage.
• Emergency form must be filled out before the first class:
Week 1, June 9 - June 13
5 days, Mon - Fri.
Time: 1-4pm
Instructor: Lee Ballard
Ages: 13-18
Sharpen your observational skills in this Figure Drawing class, designed to help students see and interpret the human form with greater accuracy. Through guided exercises, students will learn simple yet effective tools to understand the relationships between forms, shapes, and values. Discussions on underlying anatomy will provide insight into the structure and movement of the body, strengthening each artist’s ability to capture depth and proportion. Working from a draped or lightly dressed model, students will develop confidence in their drawing techniques while exploring light, shadow, and composition.
For those looking to expand on these skills, Week 2: Fashion Figure Drawing builds upon this foundation, introducing stylization, movement, and fabric rendering to bring illustrated figures to life. Students may take both sessions for a comprehensive learning experience or choose the week that best fits their interests.
• Pack a snack and beverage.
• Emergency form must be filled out before the first class:
Week 2, June 16 - June 20
5 days, Mon - Fri.
Time: 1-4pm
Instructor: Lee Ballard
Ages: 13-18
Building on the fundamentals of figure drawing, this week shifts the focus to fashion illustration, where students will explore how to stylize the human form and bring garments to life through expressive line work. Whether refining skills from the Figure Drawing session week 1 or joining for this specialized week, students will learn essential techniques in proportion, movement, and fabric draping. Through guided exercises, they'll develop an understanding of how clothing interacts with the body, experiment with different styles, and create dynamic fashion sketches. Perfect for aspiring illustrators, designers, or anyone looking to enhance their drawing skills!
• Pack a snack and beverage.
• Emergency form must be filled out before the first class:
Week 3, June 23 - June 27
5 days, Mon - Fri.
Time: 1-4pm
Instructor: Lee Ballard
Ages: 13-18
Unleash your creativity at our Teen Summer Comic Book Camp! Whether you have a short story in mind or want to start from scratch, this camp will guide you through the exciting world of comic book creation. Learn the art of storyboarding, illustration techniques, character design, and panel composition to bring your story to life. Led by experienced comic artists, you’ll develop your unique style and refine your visual storytelling skills. By the end of camp, you'll have your own comic pages ready to share. Perfect for aspiring illustrators, storytellers, and graphic novel enthusiasts!
• Pack a snack and beverage.
• Emergency form must be filled out before the first class:
Week 4: June 30 -July 3 (no class July 4)
4 days, Mon.-Thurs.
1-4pm
Instructor: Jem Morris
Ages 13-18
The class will draw with a variety of media including graphite, ink and charcoal. Students engage in drawing projects that encourage creative expression, concept development, and advancement of basic drawing skills. We will draw 3D objects to increase knowledge of the effects of light on form, volume and line.
• Pack a snack and beverage.
• Emergency form must be filled out before the first class:
Week 5, July 7 - July 11
5 days, Mon.-Fri.
1-4pm
Instructor: Lee Ballard
Ages 13-18
Bring your imagination to life by designing and sculpting your own unique animal character! Through guided drawing exercises, students will refine their ideas, strengthening their ability to capture form, expression, and movement. Once their concept is fully developed, they will transition from 2D to 3D, constructing a sculpture using armature wire and plasticine clay. This hands-on course encourages creativity while teaching essential skills in both drawing and sculpture, making it a perfect experience for young artists looking to expand their artistic abilities!
• Pack a snack and beverage and dress in clothes you won't mind getting messy in.
• Emergency form must be filled out before the first class:
Week 6, July 14- July 18
5 classes, M-F
1-4pm
Instructor: Izzy De Paz and Wren Stepan
Ages 13-18
This class will cover hand-building techniques such as pinching, coil building, slab building, carving and glazing. Students will build heir own projects of both functional and/or sculptural nature.
• Pack a snack and beverage and dress in clothes you won't mind getting messy in.
• Emergency form must be filled out before the first class:
Week 7, July 21-July 25
5 days, Mon.-Fri.
1-4pm
Instructor: Jem Morris
Ages 13-18
This hands-on class designed just for teens! Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course will introduce you to classic oil painting techniques in a fun and supportive environment. Learn how to mix colors, control brushwork, and build depth with light and shadow while creating your own masterpiece. With step-by-step instruction, demos, and plenty of studio time, you’ll gain a solid foundation in oil painting that will help you develop your unique artistic style.
• Pack a snack and beverage.
• Emergency form must be filled out before the first class:
Week 8, July 28 - Aug 1
5 days, Mon.-Fri.
1-4pm
Instructor: Michelle Wilson
Ages 13-18
Discover the art of metalsmithing, leatherwork, and jewelry design in this hands-on class tailored for teens! Participants will explore a variety of materials and techniques to create unique jewelry and accessories. Learn the fundamentals of sawing, shaping, soldering, and polishing metal, while also working with leather to craft custom wearable pieces. Experiment with enameling to add vibrant color and texture, and incorporate needle felting for soft, sculptural elements. This class encourages creativity and self-expression through a fusion of materials, allowing students to design one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their personal style!
• Emergency form must be filled out before the first class:
• Pack a snack and beverage
• Emergency form must be filled out before the first class: