Can participants live off-campus?
Participants may choose to live off-campus and commute each day.
Summer Programs Art + Design
Art + Design
OHIO Art + Design Summer Arts Programs 2025
Join us June 16-27, 2025! Registration will be available February 1, 2025.
Includes the following concentrations:
- Comics, Zines + Artist Books
- Design Lab: Interior Architecture
- Painting + Drawing Studio
The Ohio University School of Music welcomes students to our Art + Design Summer Arts Program! Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts Summer Pre-College Programs offer students aged 14–18 the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the fine arts, working with faculty and visiting artists to improve their skills and techniques, hone their creative vision, and create meaningful personal work––all while learning on our beautiful campus in Athens, Ohio.
Students focus intently on one area of study, allowing them insight into the future of college life in the fine arts. In addition, full days in studios give a glimpse of the professional worlds that they might enter. All students enroll for college credit, which can apply toward an Ohio University degree or may be transferable to another post-secondary institution.
Pre-college students have the option to live in residence halls and experience on-campus college life fully, or may choose to commute to and from classes each day. Either way, they’ll have the opportunity to attend not only their class sessions and visiting artist presentations but also to take advantage of all that Athens has to offer in the summertime! Extracurricular activities are organized by resident advisors and instructors and may include independent films at the Athena Cinema, musical productions and concerts, craft nights, etc. Students also have the option to take advantage of the Ping Recreation Center, or explore Athens’ many independent cafés and shops.
The Art + Design Summer Arts Program includes the following three streams:
Comics, Zines + Artist Books
Explore our typography and letterpress lab, combine traditional hands-on processes with professional digital skills, and create your own books and graphic narratives! Students design and make their own sketchbooks, develop narrative and graphic forms in comics, and complete a final collaborative book project in this two-week intensive.
All supplies are provided.
Design Lab: Interior Architecture
Students interested in architectural elements and the built environment develop design skills to create supportive interior environments that are responsive to human needs. All aspects of the design process are introduced, from drawings to scale models to an introduction to industry software.
All supplies are provided.
Painting + Drawing Studio
This immersive studio experience helps students develop their individual painting and drawing practices through explorations of material, composition, and scale. Wet and dry media are introduced, including charcoal, pastel, and acrylic paint, and students complete individually-driven projects informed by contemporary art practices and experimental methods of idea generation.
All supplies are provided.
Daily Schedule
In addition to a full schedule of studio and workshops during the day, Summer Arts participants have a variety of evening activities to choose from including concerts, movies at our beloved Athena Cinema, and a variety of recreational activities. Students who are commuting to the program are also welcomed to join in the schedule of evening activities and may visit local restaurants or the dining hall with the group if desired on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Please note: For security purposes, only students registered to stay in residence halls may enter residential buildings. Some recreational activities such as movie nights or craft nights may take place inside the residence halls and would be limited to those students in residence.
Program Fees - subject to change
OHIO Art + Design Summer Arts Program – June 16-27, 2025 Program fee for each area of the Art + Design streams | $665 |
Housing and Meal Plan Fee – June 15-27, 2025 Check-in on Sunday, June 15, for 12 nights accommodation in university residence halls including all meals | $820 |
| Total Cost, Commuting Participant: | $665 |
| Total Cost, Residential Participant: | $1,485 |
Optional Additional Fees
| Daily commuter parking pass – one week | $15 |
| Overnight parking pass – one week | $35 |
| Recommended cash for student incidental purchases | $50-$75 |
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid and merit scholarships are available to assist with Program Fee (does not apply to Housing and Meal Plan Fee). To apply, upload your financial aid and/or merit scholarship application along with your registration.
For merit scholarship applications worth up to 25% off your Program Fee, you may upload or link to a project representative of your work. Upload can be done during the registration process or sent by email to summerarts@ohio.edu no later than April 30, 2025. Only one discount will apply.
Staff, Faculty, and Alumni Discount
Children and dependents of Ohio University staff, faculty, and alumni receive a 10% discount on the Program Fee. Enter employee name and department or enter your degree program completed and year of graduation at registration to receive your discount. Only one discount will apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a car necessary?
It is not necessary to have a car while staying on campus. Participants can walk to all areas of the campus easily and use Athens Public Transit to access local amenities. If parking on campus, participants must purchase either a commuter or overnight parking pass. View campus map as a guide.
Will I have a roommate?
Students aged 18 and younger will be housed in double occupancy rooms in university residence halls and may request a roommate in advance if desired.
Students 19 and older will be housed singly in a separate residence hall.
What is included in the meal plan?
All students staying in residence on campus are automatically enrolled in our meal plan for the duration of the session, which provides for all meals at our campus dining. Meals include healthy, fresh options for all dietary needs. Sample menus can be viewed online.
Students with particular dietary restrictions or concerns may reach out to our campus dietitian Angie Bohyer at bohyer@ohio.edu.
May I register to take the workshop part-time?
With our one-week intensive schedule, we are unable to offer part-time registration for the Summer Dance Institute, however we encourage those who are interested but unable to attend fully to join us on Saturday, June 22 for the final performance in the Shirley Wimmer Dance Theater.
Is there a placement audition at the start of the program?
Students may be divided according to age range and technical ability. If any adjustments are necessary, the workshop faculty or staff will speak to the dancers individually.
What does a daily schedule look like?
Each day begins with a morning technique class led by Full Circle Dance Company, followed by professional development seminars taught by company members. The afternoon session includes repertory and composition courses with the company. Each day ends with nightly activities including Full Circle rehearsals to observe, improv jams, and wellness workshops.
What can I do during the evening?
The program will host optional nightly events that may include open company rehearsals, a lecture or demonstration from the company, films, wellness and nutrition seminars, improv jams, etc. Students may also choose to relax with friends and spend time on campus and in Uptown Athens.
What should I bring/pack?
Regarding clothes: enough dancewear to get through one week (laundry facilities are available in residence halls), umbrella, a light jacket/sweatshirt, and clothes to wear to performance (can be informal). Campus recreation facilities are available to participants so you may choose to bring additional athletic clothing including a swimsuit and towel.
Health and wellness: prescription, over the counter medicine, or any necessary toiletries (there is a CVS within walking distance).
Miscellaneous items: personal electronics and chargers, alarm clock, journal, yoga mat or large towel, knee pads, and water bottle.
You may choose to bring your own linens (extra-long twin sheets, blanket, pillow, towels) or select the add-on linen package with the housing and meal plan. (If you do not have an extra-long twin sheet set, two flat sheets of another size will fit the mattresses).
Other important items: health insurance information, bankcard or cash for one week (several ATM machines within walking distance).
Is there internet access?
There is free guest wifi access across campus.
What else can I do in Athens?
There are plenty of things to do and see on the Ohio University campus and in the surrounding Athens area. Take a walk to Court Street to visit local restaurants, bakeries, shops, and cafés as well as see open mic nights, spoken word, and local musicians. Spend time on the College Green enjoying a picnic with friends. Take a hike on one of the many trails Athens has to offer.
Visit Athens County website for more ideas and information!