ENCINITAS, Calif—(May 2, 2008) — Lux Art Institute will host a summer art program for “young artists” ages 8 to 11 that will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m.  from July 8 to Aug. 7  

Each of the ten sessions will feature a different “valise” or theme from Lux’s portable museum collection, as well as offer related hands-on art projects such as printmaking, photography, and food sculpture.

Located on Lux’s four-acre site overlooking the San Elijo Lagoon in south Encinitas, the camp will be led by Lux’s highly trained education staff and will include guest speakers, nature walks, and artists’ studio tours.

Building on Lux’s school-based outreach program, the Valise Project, and the Luxcursion program, which brings students to tour the artist’s studio and do a related art project on site, the camp provides an artistic outlet to youngsters on summer vacation.

“Parents look for fun yet productive activities for their children during the summer months,” says Lux Director Reesey Shaw. “So we knew a summer art camp was an important community resource.”

At Lux’s art camp, kids can see art, talk to artists, make art, and experience the museum “redefined,” explains Kara Hwang, the institute’s director of education.

“There’s nothing like seeing the creative wheels turning in young minds when they’re witnessing art being created,” says Hwang.

Each week costs $75 for non-members; $55 for members. Aspiring artists can sign up for individual weeks or for all five weeks at a discounted rate ($350 for non-members; $250 for members). The program will culminate in an open house and artists’ reception in Lux’s Artist Pavilion on Thursday, Aug. 7. Participants can invite parents and friends to see their finished work in a museum setting.

Session space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 760 436 6611 or email education@luxartinstitute.org by June 16.

Preliminary Program Plan
Week 1
July 8- Story Box and printmaking project; guest storyteller
July 10- Field Box and log slice painting project; planting project

Week 2
July 15- Run Off Dolphin, trash pick up and Recycled Self Portrait
July 17- Lux studio tour with Daniel Wheeler; photography project

Week 3
July 22- Naturalist and journal making project; nature walk
July 24- Bird Hub, San Elijo lagoon visit

Week 4
July 29- PB&J and food sculpture project; Apple Valise and apple painting
July 31- Animal Tales and bookmaking project; artist talk

Week 5
August 5- Bird Palaceand birdhouse project
August 7- American Roadshow and assemblage project

Artists’ Reception
August 7, 5-7pm in the Artist Pavilion

About Lux Art Institute
Lux Art Institute, located in Encinitas, opened its doors to the public in November 2007 and is redefining the modern museum experience with its artist-in-residence program. Artists live and work on site, while producing a commissioned work of art.  

Throughout the year, Lux invites significant regional, national, and international artists to participate in the Lux residency and encourages visitors from across the country to observe and engage with them. This one-of-a-kind institution invites visitors to not only “see art” but also to “see art happen.”

Slated to be the first “green” (LEED certified) art museum in California and located alongside one of Southern California’s remaining coastal wetlands, Lux’s four-acre site overlooks the San Elijo Lagoon and is surrounded by a wildlife preserve that stretches to the Pacific Ocean. In an effort to seamlessly meld the conservation and restoration of art beyond the museum walls, an array of rare native plants blends naturally into the nearby preserve.

Santa Monica, California-based Renzo Zecchetto, AIA – whose other significant architectural projects include the award-winning Church of the Nativity in Fairbanks Ranch, Calif. and the Alusa Printing Company in Santiago, Chile – designed the two-story building to utilize energy-saving strategies such as the use of natural light and recycled materials to preserve resources for future generations.