Teen art classes currently enrolling for:
New this year! We are offering full-day classes. Four of these will take place in the fine art studios in May Hall on the Framingham State University Campus!
Also new this year, a really unique, two-week Sculpture and Ceramics Intensive Course which will take place on the first floor in our building.
Our specialized, full day classes for teens are taught by working artists and qualified instructors. High School students at the Danforth Art School will be challenged to develop high level skill with materials and to communicate ideas through their artwork.
Classes for teens are designed for students who are in or about to enter Grades 9-12. There are supplies required for our teen classes; please see list in class description.
New this year! Take advantage of a 10% discount on Summer Arts classes by purchasing a Danforth Museum Membership here
New this year! A two week program learning about the basics of sculpture, including wheel thrown and hand-built ceramics, building with wood, reed, plaster, wire, cardboard, found objects and more! This is a great class for those who enjoy imagining and building things, or are considering a future in architecture, industrial design or engineering. There will be time for sketching in the museum and learning about various prominent sculptors for inspiration. Clay pieces will be glazed and fired to go home at the end of the program. Includes firing and supply fee.
Register For ClassesIn this class students will learn the tools and techniques for creating and presenting a strong fashion collection. They will learn to illustrate the traditional fashion figure with gesture, clothing details and fabric drape, and experiment with various media to create their own original illustrations of designs. Students will participate in brainstorming exercises to develop a creative direction with a mood board, learning about color theory and textiles. Fashion history and important industry concepts such as trend forecasting will also be covered. New this year, classes will be held on campus at Framingham State University with a tour of the Fashion Design Department on campus. High School Fashion Design & Illustration Supply List
Register For ClassesA must for all students working to create a strong portfolio, this class will explore the structure of the clothed figure and head. Working with a live model, you will learn different measuring techniques, spatial positioning, relationships and movement of the figure in space as well as how to base a figure drawing on a skeletal frame and to render clothing with line and a full range of values. New this year, classes will be held on campus at Framingham State University. High School Portrait & Figure Studies Supply List
Register For ClassesWorking mainly from direct observation, students will explore concepts of color, form, light, and composition while learning about the unique qualities of acrylics and drawing materials. Students will learn basic skills and techniques needed to create strong works for portfolios. This class is perfect for students who enjoy art as a hobby in addition to those pursuing art as a career. New this year, classes will be held on campus at Framingham State University. HS Drawing & Painting Supply List
Register For ClassesCalling all tabletop gamer artists! If you like the art of Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the Gathering, Warhammer, Masks, Shadowrun, etc. this exciting class will teach you how to draw and paint fantasy and science fiction art. Your instructor will help you capture what you’re envisioning in your mind’s eye when you play your fantasy game of choice. In this class you’ll learn how to: create a character, pose them in a dramatic way, and paint a background setting to give them depth. By the end of the week, you will have a portfolio of sketched and finished artworks demonstrating your vivid imaginations.
Register For ClassesDanforth Assistantship Program 2025
This year-round leadership program for teens provides valuable experience in educational functions at the Danforth Art School and the Danforth Art Museum.
Danforth Assistants serve the art school by helping with overall program facilitation during Summer Arts, our highly popular summer program for children, as well as school vacation week workshops and scheduled events which take place year-round. Assisting at the school includes working directly with children, providing support for teachers, preparation of materials and studio spaces, organization of supplies, and various administrative tasks. Danforth Assistants serve the museum by providing tours of the exhibitions to children during Summer Arts and providing support during public programming such as Drop Into Art and other events.
We typically welcome several Assistants back each year, which allows us to place roughly 15 new leaders every Spring.
Placement in the Danforth Assistantship Program provides many benefits upon successful participation in the program*. These include a modest stipend, one free class during the Fall, Winter or Spring sessions, valuable leadership experience, individualized mentorship and important references for college transcripts.
Danforth accepts applications from responsible, reliable, and energetic teens currently enrolled in or entering high school or college. Successful participation is considered to be:
- Attendance at a mandatory four-session training course taking place on Saturdays during the spring, which will provide the necessary training for summer programming and service in the museum
- Completing at least four weeks of service during Summer Arts
- Serving at three public events at the Danforth over the following year as well as 2 days during School Vacation Weeks in February or April
- Submitting an agreement which outlines understanding of expectations and a commitment to work on agreed upon dates
Applications are accepted until March 28, 2025. All selected applicants will require an interview. Please email (preferred) this completed application, along with any other references and a current resume to kdeantonio@framingham.edu with the following word in the subject title: “Assistantship Application”. Or, mail to us, Danforth Art School, Attention: Kathy DeAntonio, PO Box 1901, 100 State Street, Framingham, MA 01701
Apply Today! Assistantship Application 2025A
Summer Arts Teens FAQ
In most cases, teen students are required to bring their own supplies. The list of art supplies needed for each class is available as a PDF next to each class description.
If you need to cancel a registration, you can always call or email us and we will issue you a refund, minus a $25 cancellation fee, as long as it is at least 2 weeks prior to the classes start date. If the cancellation occurs within two weeks of the classes start date, no refund will be issued.
Please see our student behavior expectations here.
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