Summer Art Camp: Reimagine It: Fun with Recycled Sculptures!

Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25, 2025

Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Ages: 11-15

Cost: $135 members, $145 non-members

This camp is focused on mixed media sculpture using recycled materials and resourceful techniques. Campers will learn how to build structure from cardboard and bottles, layer sculpting material made from recycled paper mache and decorative painting. Projects will range from bird houses, masks and medium sculptures. Great for those who are new to sculpting or those wanting to learn new ideas and techniques.

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.

Mel Cocomello is a sculptor, jeweler and Fine Artist. Born and raised in Mount Kisco, NY. Mel discovered a passion for creating and sharing art through wearable and functional jewelry and work. Mel moved to central New York in 2015 originally with the plan to study geology at SUNY Oswego. After taking 3D sculpture and discovering a desire to pursue art, Mel received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture. Due to the endless options of creative expression, Mel does not have a chosen media and will utilize the right one to portray the vision of the work. Metals, ceramic, watercolor and acrylic painting are the most common mediums you will see used in their work. Many of those works reflect life from their perspective in regards to their placement in the world, the surrounding environment and community around them. Some works are tools of escapism and coping from personal traumatic experience and expressing these dark themes are used to find others who have shared similar experiences. After college for a few years, Mel worked as a microscope laser welder operator and a Goldsmiths Apprentice for LeRoi Fine Jewellery in Oswego, NY. Working within the body jewelry industry has opened Mel to new ideas, techniques and potential business opportunities in the future. Mel’s work has been in various group exhibitions, vending markets and juried shows all around New York state since 2014 to present day. Mel has won multiple awards for jewelry and team snow sculptures. Mel’s jewelry business, Cocomello’s Creations originally started in 2017 on Etsy selling copper and stone wire wraps, has now grown to selling all works on their personal website and partnerships with small businesses. Currently, Mels focus is to use materials from second-hand sources such as thrift stores, junkyard finds, recyclables or items others might consider waste. Mel wants you to know that being your true self is the most revolutionary thing you can do.