Create. Connect. Inspire.
EIU Summer Art Camp 2026 is a week-long, immersive art and design experience for high school students ready to explore their creative potential. At Eastern Illinois University, you’ll create original artwork, connect with other young artists, and find inspiration in every brushstroke, sketch, and shared idea. Through hands-on workshops in drawing, painting, ceramics, screen printing, and more, this is your chance to dive deep into the arts, experiment with new media, and discover what happens when imagination meets collaboration.
Led by professional artists, this summer art program helps you develop new skills, strengthen your college art portfolio, and experience campus life in a fun, supportive community. Whether you’re experimenting with new media or refining your technique, you’ll discover how collaboration and creativity go hand in hand.
Join us to create, connect, and inspire — and see how your imagination can shape the future of art and design.
Registration opens January 5th 2026
Camp Schedule
Mark your calendars for July 12-18, 2026. Registration and check-in will commence at the designated residence hall lobby from 2 - 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 12. Detailed directions and a campus map will be provided in your acknowledgment letter. On the final day, join us for the Student Exhibition in the Glen Hild Gallery, where proud parents and family members can celebrate the artistic achievements of our campers over refreshments before departure.
From sports enthusiasts to gaming aficionados, there's something for everyone at the EIU Summer Art Camp. Explore our campus facilities during your free time, whether you're into racquetball, pickleball, football, soccer, basketball, pool, tennis, softball, or volleyball. Evening events are scheduled include t-shirt printing, videography contest, bowling, and more.
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Our attentive staff counselors will provide supervision within the residence halls, while all campers are expected to adhere to EIU policies at all times. Please note that the EIU Summer Art Camp operates as a "closed campus," with participants requiring written permission from a parent or guardian and consent from camp staff for any off-campus excursions.
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Frequently Asked Questions for CAMPERS
- What will a typical day at camp look like?
After breakfast each day you’ll dive straight into art classes. Each day you’ll attend and participate in three classes, with a break for lunch midday. The afternoon offers an extended break followed by dinner and evening events such as t-shirt printing, social time, videography, and more. At the end of the week students will put up an exhibition of their work in our own Glen Hild Gallery, where friends and family are welcome to join and celebrate your accomplishments.
- What kinds of art will we make?
We are still solidifying the classes, please check back soon.
- Will I get to meet other artists my age?
Yes — not only will you spend time creating work side-by-side, but you’ll be residing with like-minded creative students. During classes you can expect to learn through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on practice, and be a part of critiques, where you’ll receive valuable feedback from instructors and fellow students.
- Is it okay if I’m not super experienced yet?
Reassure that all skill levels are welcome — the focus is on growth, experimentation, and learning new techniques, not just advanced skill.
- What should I bring?
Great question! You’ll be experiencing life as a college student for a week–a downloadable packing list will be available soon to help you prepare.
Please note: all art supplies required for courses are covered in your registration fee. You do not need to bring your own supplies.
- Will there be time to relax or explore campus?
Yes, you’ll have plenty of downtime! Free time and evenings are scheduled to include social events, campus walks, or movie/game nights in the residence hall.
Frequently Asked Questions for parents
Our attentive staff counselors will provide supervision within the residence halls. All campers are expected to adhere to EIU policies at all times. Please note that the EIU Summer Art Camp operates as a "closed campus," with participants requiring written permission from a parent or guardian and consent from camp staff for any off-campus excursions. Camp counselors stay with students 24/7.
EIU is considered a safe campus. We are equipped with emergency protocols and a dedicated campus police force that patrols our facilities. We offer on-campus health services and are less than 10-minutes from the nearest hospital should an emergency arise.
For further information: https://www.eiu.edu/stuaff/safety.php
Our dining halls can accommodate allergies, vegetarian/vegan options, and specific dietary needs. We will ask about these details on your student’s registration form.
A mixture EIU art professors, EIU alumni, and professional artists will be instructing the workshops and events throughout the camp.
The camp director is reachable via phone, text, and email throughout the camp duration. Students are welcome to use their phones to contact parents during breaks and free time, but we ask that all cell phones are stowed away during classes.
Art camp tuition includes housing, all meals, and all necessary materials for classes for Sunday through Saturday (6 nights). The fees also cover social and evening programming and events. Limited scholarships are available and will be awarded based on financial need. Please contact the camp director for more information.
Homesickness is natural — our supportive staff and friendly, inclusive community atmosphere helps comfort those who may be missing home.