Spring Art Camp: Creative Career Workshops

3 spots left!

Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18, 2025

Time: 1-5pm

Ages: 11-15

Cost: $40 for members, $45 for non-members

Girl empowerment! Join us for an exciting week of 5 workshops in 5 days, each led by a different female teaching artist. Each day, you’ll learn a new skill while being exposed to a variety of careers in the arts. Examples of projects are: hand-dyeing, bookmaking, bag making, machine and hand sewing, learning about upcycling, bedazzling, learning about how museums work and more! This camp was made possible with funding from the Women’s Fund of Central New York.

Masks may be required in the classroom depending on community spread. Masks requirements may be subject to change. If you are not willing to wear a mask please do not register for our youth classes.

Griot artist Vanessa Johnson, is a native of Syracuse, N.Y. who practices in the art of storytelling. A Griot is a traditional West African Storyteller who is responsible for accurately reciting historical events through song, speech, reenactment, screenwriting and musical composure which effect society or a specific community.

I love quilts! I have been quilting for over 20 years. I use quilts to tell stories about my family and community. Recently I was the Schweinfurth Art Center first artist-in-residence. My art quilts have been exhibited in several solo and group exhibitions, including at Gibbs Museum, Charleston, SC; Bundy Museum, Binghamton, NY; Natural History Museum, Los Angeles, CA; The African American Museum and Colored Girls Museum, both in Philadelphia, PA; and Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, NY. I have received several awards, grants, fellowships, commissions, and residencies.

I learned to sew at an early age but my passion for sewing came later in life.  My mother taught me to be a “functional sewist,” understanding basic sewing concepts and how to read a pattern. As I got older I was introduced to quilting and was immediately hooked. Quilting is like a puzzle and there is nothing more satisfying than fitting all those pieces together. As my quilting journey progressed, I discovered that one does not have to follow the rules.  Being able to use my imagination inspired me to create something unique.  I started my own business of commission quilting and long arming and began teaching all age levels.

Melody R. Smith-Johnson is a Central New York transplant from Harlem. In addition to being a 20+ year HR professional and CEO of MRJ HR Consulting, she is the owner/lead designer of Divine Coverings LLC, a successful online retail business offering products that help women experience beauty every day. In July 2022, she opened Melody’s, the first co-working, event, and retail space owned by a Black woman in downtown Auburn. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology, masters in theology, and a masters in leadership and management. Melody sits on several nonprofit and economic development boards.

Julia Banfi is a Seattle native who now resides in Syracuse, NY. She holds a BA in Art History and Studio Art from St. Lawrence University and an MA in Museum Studies from Syracuse University. Banfi has 7 years of experience in museum administration. Since 2021, Banfi has been the Program Coordinator and, since 2024, the Program Director at the Schweinfurth Art Center. Her work includes overseeing educational programs and community outreach to diverse populations. Banfi assists with exhibition responsibilities including registration, exhibition design, and installation. Her passions lie in cultivating an accessible and equitable space for all communities new or experienced in the arts.