Summer Art Factory Recap: August 2024

“A Cut Above the Rest – Matisse Magic Before Back to School!”

Just before backpacks were zipped and pencils were sharpened, our young artists gathered one last time for a 2-day blast of color, movement, and joy, inspired by the legendary Henri Matisse.

This special single-volume camp for preschool through 7th grade was the perfect way to wrap up the summer. Matisse once said, “Creativity takes courage”—and these students showed plenty of it through bold brushstrokes, vibrant cutouts, and imaginative compositions.

Projects That Bursted with Color & Confidence

Each age group explored Matisse’s love of color, shape, and rhythm in their own expressive way. Projects were designed to celebrate freedom, experimentation, and the joy of making art:

• Squeegee Cardboard Bouquets
  A modern twist on floral still life! Using acrylic paint and squeegees on cardboard, artists created loose, layered bouquets bursting with Fauvist color and energy.

• Cardboard Pattern Vases
  Inspired by Matisse’s love for pattern and interior design, students designed and built their own patterned vase collages using bold cutouts, bright colors, and layers of texture.

• Fauvism Still-Life Paintings
  Using Matisse’s wild color combinations and flattened perspectives, older students painted vibrant still-life scenes—breaking all the rules of realism and embracing the expressive power of color.

The Matisse Mindset
Campers learned about Matisse’s famous “cut-out” period, his love for music and dance, and how he painted with scissors when he could no longer use a brush. The story of his perseverance and creativity deeply resonated with our young artists, reminding them that art is always possible—no matter the medium or the moment.

If you are interested in created these projects on your own, please check out the below lesson plans. Complete with directions, supplies, how-to videos and much more!

This camp was the perfect exclamation point at the end of summer. The students came alive with the spirit of Matisse—fearless color, joyful movement, and personal expression. It was such a sweet send-off before school began.

I’m so thankful for the families who joined me for my final camp of the season. It’s been an unforgettable summer of creativity, and we’re already dreaming about what next year will bring.

With joy and paint-splattered aprons,
Sara

The Summer Art Factory