By Jennifer Russo

It’s never too early to start thinking about summer activities for the kids during their vacation months, and Hopkinton Center of the Arts (HCA) is already on top of it. Hopkinton Center for the Arts is a regional art center, a non-profit organization that aims to foster joy and engagement through various forms of art. They serve the MetroWest community through classes and events that inspire and celebrate creative expression in all its forms.

With an exciting variety of programming that includes everything from ceramics to dance, HCA brings an opportunity to learn something entirely new, build skills with immersive experiences, explore expression through different artistic mediums, and spark creativity in young minds throughout the area. 

“We know families have a lot of options for summer programs and for those with kids who love art or want to mix it up or try something different than the traditional summer camp, we really have so much to offer,” shares HCA Operations Director Sandee Buckley.

“Whether a kid comes in just in love with creating or is unsure of what they are interested in, we meet them where they are at. We have amazing instructors who work professionally in what they are teaching or who are used to working in a classroom setting, so they are very adept at working with students of all levels and abilities. They encourage and inspire students to be their very best and find the thing that they connect with personally.”

Do you have a child or teen with a flair for drama? HCA offers acting and theater classes, including the preparation and performance of musicals including Alice in Wonderland and Frozen Jr, which includes workshops on performance, prop and set design, and filmmaking. The performances are open to the public so the community can enjoy the shows and students can show off their hard work to an audience. A Middle-School Intensive Theater program focusing on the work of Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, etc.) is also available. 

Younger kids who love to dance will learn to celebrate stories like Snow White and Beauty and the Beast through movement, where teens can participate in dance workshops featuring ballet, jazz, contemporary dancing, and more, exploring techniques and artistry. Additionally, there is a choreography workshop for kids in grades 6-12 who want to try their hand at creating dances themselves, which really begins to hone project management and collaboration skills too.

For the young visual artist, there are ceramic and clay workshops, which have become very popular in recent years. There are also classes on illustration and cartooning, printmaking, drawing faces, oil painting, fiber art, sculpture, and even designing a board game with characters and maps.

“Every week, we also bring in an entertainer for a special performance for all the campers, from musicians to puppeteers to storytellers. It’s really fun and colorful and we work around different themes each week. We also have an art exhibition during the summer that is intended to be interactive and child friendly. As part of the program, students are able to meet the artists and learn from them. It really enriches their experience,” shares Sandee.

In addition to the summer programming for kids and teens, there is also adult programming available for those who want to expand their interests, abilities, or knowledge in the arts. 

“Summer is a wonderful time for an adult who wants to dabble in an art form because it’s a shorter commitment. We encourage adults to not ignore themselves and try something new,” says Sandee.

The HCA also offers a weekend concert series in the summer for people of all ages to enjoy, which are “Pay what you can” events.Held outside in the amphitheater, bands and artists planned for this year include Hit the Bus, Professor Harp, Chris Fitz, the Fat City Band, and more. 

Summer programs through HCA are an exciting chance for children and teens to immerse themselves in a creative environment, foster their passions for art, make new friends, and create lasting memories. If you are looking for an opportunity for kids to receive expert instruction and learn new skills but also gain confidence and learn how to express their individuality in a unique way, consider signing them up!

Full and half day programs are available beginning June 30th for kids from age four to eighteen, and both single and multi-week options are ready to book. Pricing varies and can be found on the HCA website at www.hopartscenter.org and there is a scholarship program available for those who may need some assistance. The HCA is located at 98 Hayden Rowe St in Hopkinton, MA. Email [email protected] or contact them by phone at 508-435-9222 with any questions.

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