Art class is the highlight of the school day for a lot of kids — and Made in ALX is ready to bring the fun all summer.
While most people think of Made in ALX as a retail store that sells locally-made items, this year, Made in ALX in Old Town Alexandria is offering a variety of affordable, unique, half-day morning or afternoon art camps for kids ages 6 to 13.
Your young artists can paint, sculpt and craft in a positive and supportive environment with small class sizes (just 10 kids or fewer). Classes will be taught by an experienced and fun Fairfax County Public Schools art teacher.
Summer art camp will include opportunities to paint, sculpt and do a variety of innovative and creative crafts. Information on all the summer camp sessions is available at madeinalx.com/artcamps.
Here are a few examples of the summer fun Made in ALX has planned:
Around the World Art Camp will take artists on a creative trip around the globe! They will explore art from different cultures and create exciting projects inspired by artists and traditions from around the world.
Or, campers can blast off into creativity during Space Week Art Camp, where they’ll explore the universe through imaginative projects like painting galaxies, designing rockets, and creating alien worlds.
Animal Art Camp will let artists explore the wild world of animals through creative, hands-on projects inspired by creatures from the land, sea and sky. Campers will build new artistic skills while bringing their favorite animals to life in fun and imaginative ways!
All of the Made in ALX camp sessions, dates and more information are available at madeinalx.com/artcamps. Day passes are available (to help fill in partial-week gaps between vacations, or to use when soccer camp gets rained out).
Research has shown that creative activities during the summer can help prevent learning loss by keeping young minds active. Arts and crafts can also reduce screen time and strengthen problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
Throughout the year, Made in ALX offers a variety of workshops and classes. Most of the weekend classes are meant for adults, including jewelry making, candle pouring, watercolor painting and soap making. (Tip: These make for a fun day date or something to do with a friend!)
For kids, Made in ALX hosts a free craft morning for kids on one Saturday per month. (Check the store’s website for dates and times!) The store can also host your crafty birthday parties for all ages.
Made in ALX started in 2020 as a project to connect Alexandria residents with independent artists and makers during the pandemic. More than 5 years after launching as just a website, Made in ALX has a physical retail shop and workshop space at 415 King St., in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. The retail store is open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sundays.
