SPRING VACATION ART PROGRAM
Spring Vacation Art Program: Spring Into Making
Students will create artwork inspired by spring and the vibrant arts community of New Bedford while experimenting with drawing, painting, mixed media, clay, and digital illustration. The Museum provides iPads so participants can learn how to use Procreate, turning their research and ideas into polished digital artwork alongside their traditional projects.
Interactive scavenger hunts in the Museum and local library will challenge students to observe, analyze, and collect inspiration like real artists. What they discover will directly fuel their art projects throughout the week transforming patterns, textures, and imagery into original creations.
Participants will also enjoy walking field trips to nearby cultural institutions, expanding their understanding of local art and history.
Tuesday and Thursday feature a special Pottery Takeover, where students work in the Museum’s ceramics studio to learn handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques and create spring-themed clay pieces using professional tools and materials.
By the end of the week, students will have explored multiple mediums, learned new technical skills (including digital illustration on iPads), created finished artwork they’re proud of, and experienced the arts community of New Bedford in an immersive, engaging way.
Dates & Info
9AM - 3PM
STARTS: Monday, April 20, 2026 - Friday, April 24, 2026
Members: $315.00 | Non-Members: $350.00
1st - 6th Grade Students
Spring Break Program Daily Themes
Monday: Exhibit Explorers
Students begin the week with an interactive scavenger hunt inside the New Bedford Art Museum, getting an up close look at our brand new exhibit. Using observation and guided discovery, they will gather inspiration and return to the studio to create original artwork based on what they found.
Tuesday: Clay & Character
The day starts in the ceramics studio with a hands on wheel throwing session, giving students real experience with professional pottery equipment. In the afternoon, we shift into a film study and digital illustration workshop where students learn about character design, shape language, and expression, then create their own animated inspired character on Museum provided iPads using Procreate.
Wednesday: Spring Stories & Design
Students will take a walking field trip to the local library for a book cover scavenger hunt, learning what makes a design eye catching and successful. Back in the studio, they will create their own spring inspired cover or storytelling artwork using drawing, mixed media, or digital tools.
Thursday: Light, Shadow & Clay
Students return to the pottery studio for another wheel throwing session, continuing to build technical skills. In the afternoon, they will explore light, contrast, and color through bold spring themed artwork that focuses on mood and visual impact.
Friday: Art Is Everywhere
We conclude the week with a walking field trip to a local museum to engage with artwork by artists in our community. Students will observe, sketch, and collect ideas, then return to create an original piece using traditional materials or digital illustration on iPads with Procreate.