Summer Art Factory Recap: Under the Sea 2025

“Making Waves One Masterpiece at a Time.”

We officially dove into summer with a week-long kickoff camp at the Summer Art Factory, and it was nothing short of magical. Our Under the Sea–inspired week was five full days of creativity, exploration, and hands-on artmaking—ending with a special Friday Mini Art Show where families were invited to walk through and celebrate the students’ work.

With separate classes for 1st through 12th grade, every project was thoughtfully tailored to meet students where they are while still encouraging creative growth, curiosity, and confidence.

Week of Ocean-Inspired Creativity

Throughout the week, our studio was buzzing with paint, clay, texture, and imagination. Students explored a wide range of materials and techniques while bringing underwater worlds to life through art.

Projects included:

1st & 2nd Graders:

• Watercolor Fun Sea Puppets – playful, expressive sea characters full of personality

• Tide Pool Treasures – layered artworks inspired by the textures and shapes of ocean life

3rd & 4th Graders:

• Coral & Mermaid Mixed Media Collages – vibrant compositions combining drawing, collage, and pattern

5th & 6th Graders:

• Impasto Wave Paintings – bold, textured waves created with thick paint and expressive movement

• Clay Sea Creatures – sculpted underwater animals with unique details and forms

7th & 8th Graders:

• Mysteries of the Deep Glow-in-the-Dark Paintings – dramatic ocean scenes that came alive when the lights went down

• Wave Sea Glass Mosaics – thoughtful designs inspired by motion, texture, and coastal color

9-12th Graders:

• Mythical Me: Ocean Creature Self-Portraits – imaginative alter-ego portraits where students transformed themselves into sea-inspired beings

Friday Mini Art Show

We wrapped up the week with one of our favorite traditions—a Mini Art Show on Friday. Parents and families were invited to walk through our studio gallery-style, viewing the incredible body of work created in just five days.

Watching students proudly point out their favorite pieces, explain their process, and celebrate one another’s creativity was the perfect ending to our kickoff week. The room was filled with encouragement, excitement, and awe at how much growth can happen in such a short time.

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!

A Beautiful Start to Summer

This Under the Sea week captured everything I love about the Summer Art Factory:
creative exploration, confidence-building, skill development, and community. Whether students were picking up a paintbrush for the first time or refining their personal style, every artist left inspired and accomplished.

I’m so thankful for our amazing families and proud of our artists for making this kickoff week unforgettable.

With joy and paint-splattered aprons,
Sara

The Summer Art Factory