Children's Arts Institute

CHANGES FOR THE CHILDREN’S ARTS INSTITUTE

2011-02-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

The Children’s Arts Institute (CAI) will be posting this summer’s schedule of classes on our website this Monday, Feb. 21. This will allow families to study our offerings and decide on a schedule before registration opens the following week. This year, we have made some changes in format. Students will still pick their own schedule of classes but the morning schedule will be structured differently – a block of classes that runs the entire morning.

Morning Block 9 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. (with break)
Depending on the campus, students have the choice of a Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Media Arts, or Design Project, Jr. block of classes which lasts all morning. New this year, this is an exciting new approach to an in-depth exploration of one of these genres. The blocks are team-taught by two instructors and 1 – 3 assistants. Within the block, students will participate in a variety of artistic mediums. For example, Visual Arts Block will cover drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and more, depending on the interests of the group. The mediums covered in the other blocks will be detailed on the website.

Students will build collaborative and analytical skills as well as learning artistic techniques. Groups will be divided by age, skill level and interest as they undertake specific projects. The whole group will work together on a group project as well as individual ones.

An additional benefit to this new format includes the opportunity to include all students that wish to take a specific block. No more dividing friends or family members that sign up later. If a large number of students sign up for a block, more staff will be added to keep the same staff/student ratio.

Afternoon Classes 12:40p.m. – 1:50p.m. and 2:05 – 3:15p.m.
After lunch, students will have the opportunity to choose two classes to allow them to explore and experience additional interests. Favorite workshops such as woodworking, fencing, magic, gymnastics, and cooking will take place in the two afternoon time slots.

We are very excited about our new format. We know that one of the reasons you choose our program is to allow your children to explore and develop their creativity. We believe that this new structure will allow us to even more effectively use the power of the arts in accomplishing this aim.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children’s Arts Institute

Summer 2011

2011-01-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

Summer is a coming. And it sure feels like it this week. We have already posted our session dates and prices on the website. More information will follow. Be sure to check back in mid-February to get the latest details on this summer.

If you would like to be added to our email notification list, just email me at susan@childrensartsinstitute.com and I will be sure to let you know when new information is posted.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
818-780-6226

Winter Arts Camp

2010-09-26T13:20:00.001-07:00

Well, it might not feel like it now but winter is coming. Children's Arts Institute will be offering our popular Winter Arts Camp again this year on the Valley Campus.

Check the website in November for information about the camp.

Session 2 Still has Spaces

2010-07-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

Don't let our website scare you. If you look at the "Schedule" tab on the website, you will see that most of the workshops for Session 1 are filled.

However.... if you are interested in Session 2, just scroll down and you will see that we still have many choices for Session 2 on both campuses.

So, if you still have interest in attending our program this summer, take a look.

As always, we are happy to answer any further questions you might have.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
susan@childrensartsinstitute.com
818-780-6226 ext. 13

Los Angeles Campus Open House this Sunday, May 16

2010-05-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

This Sunday between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. we will be offering tours of the Los Angeles Campus. This is a good chance to see the campus if you are already signed up or to check it out if you or your friends are interested in enrolling.

We will give tours in small groups and the Director of CAI and the Site Director of the Los Angeles campus will be there to answer questions. You can even sign up onsite if you're interested.

Although Session 1 is getting pretty full, the good news is that most workshops still have some spaces left for Session 2. So, it's not too late to enroll.

Come for a visit. We will be happy to see you.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute

Registration is Open and Spaces are Going Fast

2010-03-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

Spaces for favorite workshops are filling up fast - especially on the Los Angeles Campus for Session I. Don't delay if you want your first choices.

Also, stay tuned for information about our Open House on the Valley Campus this April and tour of the Los Angeles Campus in May.

Registration for Summer 2010

2010-02-24T12:37:00.000-08:00

Registration will open Thursday, Feb. 25 for our Summer 2010 program for past camper families. That means if a child in your family has attended our program in the past, you can register any child in your family beginning at Noon.

New camper families may register beginning at Noon on Thursday, March 4. Please advise your friends to be patient. Anyone who is new and registers online prior to the March 4 date will have their registrations removed.

We are looking forward to a great summer. Please take a look at the new workshops we have added including Stop Motion Animation and From Broadcast to Podcast. They will be lots of fun and should fill quickly.

As always, contact us if you have any questions.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
818-780-6226 ext. 13

Thank you for a fun summer

2009-09-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the campers and camper families that attended this summer. It was a wonderful experience for us all.

Check back in November for information about our Winter Camp and in January for information about registering for next summer.

Susan Swarthout
Director, CAI

Still Time to Register

2009-05-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all our past campers who have recommended us to their friends. So many times we hear that new campers have heard about us from a friend.

Some of you may still have friends that are deciding on their summer plans. It is not too late. We have spaces available at both campuses for both sessions. Although some of the workshops are filled, most new families still find that they can choose a schedule that includes at least one or two workshops together with their friends who have already registered.

For those interested in the Los Angeles Campus, we particularly recommend the Tuesday/Thursday schedule for either session.

Suggest that they check "Schedule" on our website which is daily updated with which workshops are filled. Plus, we are always available by phone to answer questions and help new campers work out a schedule they will love.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
818-780-6226 ext. 13

What's New - Sneak Peak

2009-02-21T10:26:00.000-08:00

Our new website is now available, complete with a new look including a new logo. On our new website is all the information about our summer program 2009. This gives all interested families time to look at our offerings for this summer and make their decisions before registration opens.

March 2, 9 a.m. - Registration opens for Past Campers
March 9, 9 a.m. - Registration opens for New Campers

What Else is New?

Workshops:- Model Building - From kits and from raw materials.

- Upcycling - Even better than recycling. Learn to turn discards (clothing and other) into art.

- Culinary Intensive - (Los Angeles Campus only) A full afternoon (2 workshop periods) of advanced cooking techniques and projects for the older camper.

Programs:
The Design Program - This 1/2 day, 5 day a week program for 12 - 15 year olds will be held at our Valley Campus and concentrate on clothing and accessory construction and wearable art. It will be taught by the two founders of the acclaimed Compai Design Studio, Justina and Faith Blakeney. Enrollment is very limited so act fast!

What is the Same?

- The repeat of most of our most popular workshops including Woodworking, Photography, Jazzy Jewelry, Ceramics, Gymnastics, Hip Hop, Cooking Around the World, and more!

- KCamp for campers entering kindergarten.

- Counselor-in-Training Program for 12 - 14 year olds.

- The cost. The price of the program is the same as last year, plus there is no extra fees for materials.

So take a look and please contact me if you have any questions.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
susan@childrensartsinstitute.com
818-780-6226 ext. 13

Planning for Summer 2009

2009-02-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

Here we are in 2009 already! We are looking forward to a great summer.

Information on our summer program will be posted on our website by February 23rd with a goal of opening registration the first week of March. Past campers will have priority enrollment but priority enrollment will only last one week.

In the meantime, you can check our Blog on the website for fast breaking news. We have some exciting new additions to introduce this summer and can’t wait to tell you about them.

If you would like to be notified when the new information is posted and the exact date that registration opens, please send me an email and I'll be happy to add you to our email notification list.

And, as always, I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
susan@childrensartsinstitute.com
818-780-6226 ext. 13

Children's Arts Institute Winter Holiday Camp

2008-11-05T16:30:00.000-08:00

The Children’s Arts Institute is offering a mini camp this winter holiday season. Based on its extremely popular summer program, the Winter Holiday Arts Camp offers 2 two-day intensives featuring some of our most popular workshop subjects from the summer.

When: Session 1: Monday, Dec. 22 – Tuesday, Dec. 23
Session 2: Monday, Dec. 29 – Tuesday, Dec. 30

Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (extended hours available)

Who: Students in kindergarten through sixth grade

Where:
Children’s Community School
14702 Sylvan St.
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Tuition: $120 per 2-day Session
Extended day: (3 – 6 p.m.) $7 per hour

Key Features:

• Two arts workshops daily – all students take the same workshops
plus games,sports, and outside activities.

• Staff and instructors from the summer program

• Classes divided by age group

• Class size and total camp enrollment is limited.

• Sign up for one session or both.

Schedule of Workshops (subject to change)

Session 1:
Monday, Dec. 22 –
Ceramics
Move It! (gymnastics, hip hop, breakdancing)

Tuesday, Dec. 23 –
Ceramics
Move It!

Session 2:
Monday, Dec. 29 –
Wearable Art (jazzy jewelry)
Move It 2! (gymnastics, hip hop, breakdancing)

Tuesday, Dec.30 –
Wearable Art (upcycling old clothes)
Move It 2!

For application, call or e-mail Susan Swarthout at (818)780-6226, ext. 13 susan@childrensartsinstitute.com

Limited Spaces Available for Session 2

2008-07-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Session 2 is about to begin for both our campuses. The Valley Campus second session starts on July 21 and the Los Angeles Campus second session begins July 28. We do have a few spaces left on our Los Angeles Campus for our T/Th schedule and spaces left for both schedules on our Valley Campus.

If you are interested, we invite you to take a look at which workshops are still available by doing to the following:

1) Open the "Register" tab at the top of the home page.

2) Choose "Click Here to Begin Registration." You won't actually be registering at this point.

3) Use the drop down menu under the "Session" box to choose the campus and schedule that interests you.

4) Click on "Search" Available workshops will be displayed.

From there, you can continue online and register.

Any questions? We're always available to answer questions by phone or e-mail.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
818-780-6226
susan@childrensartsinstitute.com

Spaces are Still Available

2008-04-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Haven't planned your summer yet? No worries. We still have space available in both sessions on both of our campuses.

Picking a schedule of workshops for your child can be daunting, especially if you see that one of your first choices is already filled. We can help you. Give us a call and we will tell you more about other workshops that will help you put together a schedule that assures your child of the best summer camp experience.

We can be reached 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday by phone and by e-mail anytime.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Susan Swarthout
Director,Children's Arts Institute
818-780-6226 ext. 13
susan@childrensartsinstitute.com

Valley Campus Open House this Saturday

2008-03-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

There will be an Open House at the Valley Campus in Van Nuys this Saturday, March 29 between Noon and 3 p.m.

You are cordially invited to come tour our newest CAI campus. Staff will be there to answer all your questions, no matter which campus you are planning to attend.

Hope to see you there.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute

2008 Enrollment is about to Begin

2008-02-28T12:52:00.000-08:00

Enrollment for our Summer 2008 program is about to begin. We plan to open enrollment early next week for past campers and the following week for new campers. Start checking our website on Tuesday, March 4 for updates - or e-mail Director Susan Swarthout at susan@childrensartsinstitute.com to be notified the moment that enrollment opens.

New this year.

Online Enrollment will be available. You may also print an enrollment form to fill out and Fax or mail.

More workshops will be available specifically for campers in the 8 - 11 year age group.

No Material Fees! All material fees have been included in the tuition.

We look forward to seeing you and your children this summer. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute

Summer 2008 is about to be Revealed!

2008-02-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

It has been great to hear from so many of you who are already starting to think about the summer. We are currently hard at work putting together another exciting schedule of workshops for this summer - for both of our campuses. To answer some of your questions, here is our timeline.

* Schedules and fees finalized in the next few weeks and posted online so that you have time to consider your choices before enrollment begins.
* E-mail notification sent to everyone on our lists to view the new information.
* Enrollment opening in early March. Past campers to receive priority registration.

Currently on our website you can view the session dates for this summer and the schedule of workshops for lastyear. (We hope this isn't confusing. It is meant to familiarize new applicants with the type of workshops we offer.)

So, keep checking back to see our schedule when it is posted. If you would like to be notified the moment it is online, just send me an e-mail (if you haven't already) and I will add you to our notification list. As always, if you have questions, just contact me. I am happy to respond.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
818-780-6226 ext. 13
susan@childrensartsinstitute.com

Winter Holiday Arts Camp

2007-11-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

When: Dec. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 26, 27, 28

Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (extended hours available)

Who: Students in kindergarten through sixth grade

Where: Children’s Community School
14702 Sylvan St.
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Tuition: $50 per day (discount for full 8 day enrollment)
Extended day: (3 – 6 p.m.) $6 per hour

The Children’s Arts Institute is offering a mini camp this winter holiday season. Based on its extremely popular summer program, the Winter Holiday Arts Camp will offer a streamlined version for eight days with many features to suit the needs of families during the holidays.

Key Features:

• Two arts workshops daily – all students take the same workshops –
plus games, outside activities, and daily cooking activities

• Staff and instructors from the summer program

• Classes divided by age group

• Families can pick the days they wish their children to attend – minimum of
3 day sign-up required.

• Enrollment is limited.

Schedule of Workshops (subject to change)

Monday, Dec. 17 – Ceramics, Musical Theatre
Tuesday, Dec. 18 – Circus Arts, Acting and Improv
Wednesday, Dec. 19 - Gymnastics, Magic
Thursday, Dec. 20 – Ceramics, Acting and Improv
Fri., Dec. 21 – Breakdance, Painting and Drawing

Wednesday, Dec. 26 – Sculpture in 3-D, Ceramics
Thursday, Dec. 27 - Beading, Musical Theatre
Friday, Dec. 28 – Ceramics, Acting and Improv

Enrollment begins November 15. For an enrollment application, e-mail susan@childrensartsinstitute.com

Thanks for A Wonderful Summer

2007-09-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

We had an absolutely wonderful summer filled with creativity and fun. Our thanks to all the families that shared their children with us this summer.

Registration for next Summer will begin in late winter. Please contact us by January if you are not already on our e-mail mailing list.

And stay tuned to breaking news on our plans for a Winter Holiday Camp.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
818-780-6226

2007-07-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

It's Not Too Late to Sign Up for Session II!

Session I is well underway on both our campuses and are we having fun! The good news is that we still have spaces available for Session II which begins July 30 in both Los Angeles and the Valley. Just give us a call or drop an e-mail and we'll be happy to fill you in on your enrollment options.

August is going to be a hot one. Let your kids cool off while they heat up their creativity. We look forward to hearing from you.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
818-780-6226
susan@childrensartsinstitute

Our Counselor-in-Training Program

2007-05-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

Do you have a middle age child with time on their hands this summer? Like to consider something creative, constructive, and building toward their future? Then take a look at our Counselor-in-Training Program.

The C.I.T. Program is really taking off this year. We have eight 12 to 14 year old students already enrolled in the program. This great surge of interest in the C.I.T Program has encouraged us to expand the scope of the program.

Accordingly, we are adding features, including special pre-camp interviews for each C.I.T. enrollee to help place them as assistants in workshops that best suit their strengths and interests; more training sessions; and special workshops for C.I.T.’s alone.

So, here’s a new opportunity for a creative and productive summer for your middle school age student. Visit the C.I.T. section of our website and give me a call if you would like to ask more questions.

Susan Swarthout
Director
818-780-6226 ext. 8

We're Not Full Yet!

2007-04-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a pleasure to speak to so many of you over the past few weeks and to enroll your children for the summer.

For those of you that have not enrolled or for those that may have other friends that would be interested in attending, we wanted to give you the latest update on space availability.

First of all, we are not full. There are spaces available in both sessions at each of our campuses.

Secondly, some of the workshops are full. So if your friends have a particular workshop they would like, we have a suggestion – call or e-mail us. We are always happy to give up- to- date information on workshop availability and to help new camper families decide the very best schedule for their children.

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to an exciting summer of fun.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children’s Arts Institute
susan@childrensartsinstitute
818-780-6226 ext. 8

Sneak Peak at Some of Our Workshops

2007-02-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

Enrollment time is almost here. Within the next couple of weeks we will have our complete set of workshops and schedules posted so that you have time to consider your choices before enrollment begins in early March. In the meantime, we wanted to share our excitement over some of the new workshops we will be offering this summer.
Some will be offered on one of the two campuses, some will be offered on both.

Los Angeles Campus (Westland School)
BREAKDANCING - taught by Sara Fenton of Diavolo Dance Company
CARTOONING - taught by Mark Silverman, professional cartoonist

Valley Campus (Children's Community School)
COMIC BOOK CLUB - yes, create your own comic books with the help of instructor Seth Drenner
KCamp GARDENING - KCampers will Learn to create their own gardens assisted by professional garden designer Kathleen Redmond

Both Campuses
DESIGNER JEWELRY, METAL WORKING, AND LEATHER CRAFTS - all taught by professional jewelry designer and metal worker Holly Feneht.
FROM FLEECE TO FABULOUS - students learn spinning and weaving from fiber artist Star Seifert

All this PLUS the return of these favorite workshops:
COOKING, WOODWORKING, CERAMICS, HIP HOP, MUSICAL THEATRE, FENCING, STOP-MOTION ANIMATION, CIRCUS ARTS and more!

And we're not finished. In the next week, we will be adding even more workshops to our schedule before it is finalized.

So, keep checking back to see our complete schedule when it is posted. If you would like to be notified the moment it is online, just send me an e-mail (if you haven't already) and I will add you to our notification list. As always, if you have questions, just contact me. I am happy to respond.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
818-780-6226 ext. 8
susan@childrensartsinstitute.com

Old favorites, Exciting New Workshops for 2007

2007-01-13T18:20:00.000-08:00

Our schedule of workshops for 2007 is beginning to come together. We have been listening to all of our past campers and what they would like to see. This year, all the most popular classes will return, including Cooking, Woodworking, Ceramics, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop - many with extra workshop slots so that we don't have to disappoint campers with filled sections.

Plus, we are looking at some exciting new workshops. How about Spinning and Weaving for the fiber arts enthusiasts? Or stilt walking as part of the Circus Arts workshop. Check back here for more sneak previews and count on a full schedule being posted prior to the openning of registration so that you have time to discuss your choices.

Don't forget that enrollment for Summer 2007 begins in March. We'll post the exact date as soon as we know. We can also notify you by e-mail, plus any other updates if you e-mail me at the address below and request to be added to our e-mail list. (And no, we don't share lists.)

In the meantime, I am always happy to hear from people if you have questions.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
susan@childrensartsinstitute.com
(818) 780-6226 ext. 8

Breaking News for 2007

2006-12-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

Great News for 2007! The Children's Arts Institute is growing and this summer we will have two campuses, with a choice of four different sessions to choose from!

Los Angeles Campus (Westland School, 16200 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049)
Session I: July 2 – July 27 (4 weeks) (no camp on July 4)
Session II: July 30 – August 17 (3 weeks)

Valley Campus (Children’s Community School. 14702 Sylvan St., Van Nuys, CA 91411)
Session I: June 26 – July 27 (5 weeks) (no camp on July 4)
Session II: July 30 – August 24 (4 weeks)

Enrollment for Summer 2007 begins in March. Check back in February for updated information on the exact date that enrollment opens. If you wish to be contacted automatically by e-mail with updates, please e-mail me at the address below and request to be added to our e-mail list. (And no, we don't share lists.)

In the meantime, you are welcome to contact me anytime with questions.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute
susan@childrensartsinstitute.com
(818) 780-6226 ext. 8

Join Us Again Next Summer

2006-09-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all our campers this summer. We had a great time getting to know you. Please visit our website this winter as we start to post news about next summer's program.

Hoping to see you all again soon.

Susan Swarthout
Director, Children's Arts Institute