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Art Programs for Youth
Expand your creativity in one of our innovative art programs for youth ages 5 – 18!
Registration for Spring term begins February 1st, 2025, and ends at 11:59 pm the evening before the first day of class.
SLIDING SCALE: Kennedy Heights Arts Center strives to make arts accessible to everyone. Sliding scale fees available for those in financial need. Click here for more information.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Tuition is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another course if the student withdraws at least five days prior to the beginning of the program.
No events are currently available for registration, please check back later.
Unleash your creativity and imagination this summer at Kennedy Heights Arts Center! We offer a variety of one-week camps for youth ages 5-13 exploring visual arts, music, creative writing, photography, acting, animation, and design.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation of a camp registration is refunded for credit only. This credit can be use for any KHAC programming within 12 months.
Clever Levers and Mechanisms (Ages 8-10)
- Monday- Friday , June 2, 2025 9:00 am - June 6, 2025 3:00 pm
Clever Levers and Mechanisms (Ages 8-10) Week 1: June 2nd- June 6th Christine Langford (ages 8-10) Annex stage room Tuition: $250 Description: This is a fun, interactive mashup of science and art where kids create art using levers and mechanisms. Come to..
For the Yarn Lover (Ages 11-13)
- Monday- Friday , June 2, 2025 9:00 am - June 6, 2025 3:00 pm
For the Yarn Lover (Ages 11-13) Week 1: June 2nd- June 6th April Cooper (ages 11-13) Annex media lab Tuition: $250 Description: If you love working with yarn, then this class is for you! We will weave coil baskets, dream catchers, weave..
Natures Prints (Ages 5-7)
- Monday- Friday , June 2, 2025 9:00 am - June 6, 2025 3:00 pm
Natures Prints (Ages 5-7) Week 1: June 2nd- June 6th Frances Newberry (ages 5-7) Basement studio Tuition: $250 Description: Explore the art of printmaking in this nature inspired camp. From capturing the delicate textures of leaves and flowers to experimenting with light-sensitive..
Big Heads: Sculpture & Performance (Ages 8-10)
- Monday- Friday , June 9, 2025 9:00 am - June 13, 2025 3:00 pm
Big Heads: Sculpture & Performance (Ages 8-10) Week #2: June 9th- June 13th Frances Newberry (ages 8-10) Basement Studio Tuition: $250 Description: Young artists and performers will really dive into the exciting world of wearable art, character development, and physical performance during..
Midsummer Madness (Ages 11-13)
- Monday- Friday , June 9, 2025 9:00 am - June 13, 2025 3:00 pm
Midsummer Madness (Ages 8-13) Week #2: June 9th- June 13th Justin McCombs (ages 8-13) Annex stage room Tuition: $250 Description: Shakespeare can be tackled at an early age, and with a few small tools and tips, the rhythm comes to life. “A..
For the Love of Insects (Ages 5-7)
- Monday- Friday , June 9, 2025 9:00 am - June 13, 2025 3:00 pm
For the Love of Insects (Ages 5-7) Week #2: June 9th- June 13th Kimberly Sigman (ages 5-7) Annex media lab Tuition: $250 Description: For the Love of Insects” invites young artists to explore the fascinating world of bugs through creative, mixed-media art..
Trash to Treasure (Ages 5-7)
- Monday- Friday (KHAC closed on Thursday June 19th), June 16, 2025 9:00 am - June 20, 2025 3:00 pm
Trash to Treasure (Ages 5-7) Week #3: June 16th- June 20th (4 day camp, KHAC closed on June 19th) Lauri Ann Aultman (ages 5-7) Annex Media Lab Tuition: $200 Description: Paper towel rolls, packing material, and old holey socks all have something..
Hats Off (Ages 11-13)
- Monday- Friday (KHAC closed on Thursday June 19th), June 16, 2025 9:00 am - June 20, 2025 3:00 pm
Hats Off (Ages 11-13) Week #3: June 16th- June 20th (4-day camp, KHAC closed on June 19th) Robin Hartman (ages 11-13) Annex Stage room Tuition: $200 Description: Explore the history and significance of hats in society while designing your own unique headwear!..
The Perfect Print (Ages 8-10)
- Monday- Friday (KHAC closed on Thursday June 19th), June 16, 2025 9:00 am - June 20, 2025 3:00 pm
The Perfect Print (Ages 8-10) Week #3: June 16th- June 20th (4 day camp, KHAC closed on June 19th) Anisha Sanghani (ages 8-10) Basement Studio Tuition: $200 Description: This fun week of camp is all about printmaking! Students will explore a variety..
Clay Pots and Plants (Ages 5-7)
- Monday- Friday , June 23, 2025 9:00 am - June 27, 2025 3:00 pm
Clay Pots and Plants (Ages 5-7) Week #4: June 23rd-June 27th Lynne Gibb (ages 5-7) Basement Studio Tuition: $250 Description: Have you ever wondered what a spider plant might look like in a clay pot that looks like a spider? How about..
Shadow Puppets Around-the-World (Ages 8-10)
- Monday- Friday , June 23, 2025 9:00 am - June 27, 2025 3:00 pm
Shadow Puppets Around-the-World (Ages 8-10) Week #4: June 23rd-June 27th Christine Langford (ages 8-10) Annex stage room Tuition: $250 Description: Students learn the mysteries of light and shadow, along with mime, puppetry, and theatrical play. Make your own shadow puppet theater perform..
Animation Antics (Ages 11-13)
- Monday- Friday , June 23, 2025 9:00 am - June 27, 2025 3:00 pm
Animation Antics (Ages 11-13) Week #4: June 23rd-June 27th Frances Newberry (ages 11-13) Annex Media Lab Tuition: $250 Description: Bring your stories to life in this hands-on stop-motion animation camp! Campers will design characters, build sets, and animate using paper and clay...
Daily Dose of Art (Ages 5-7)
- Monday- Friday (KHAC closed on Friday July 4th), June 30, 2025 9:00 am - July 3, 2025 3:00 pm
Daily Dose of Art (Ages 5-7) Week #5: June 30th- July 3rd (4-day camp; KHAC closed on Friday July 4th) Terry Oestreicher (ages 5-7) Basement Studio Tuition: $200 Description: Campers will get a daily dose of creativity with hands-on projects ranging from..
The Wonder Lab: Adventures in Acting and Puppetry (Ages 8-10)
- Monday- Friday (KHAC closed on Friday July 4th), June 30, 2025 9:00 am - July 3, 2025 3:00 pm
The Wonder Lab: Adventures in Acting and Puppetry (Ages 8-10) Week #5: June 30th- July 3rd (4 day camp; KHAC closed on Friday July 4th) Russell White and Mimi Richmond (ages 8-10) Annex stage room Tuition: $200 Description: From actors to playwrights..
Project Runway (Ages 8-13)
- Monday- Friday (KHAC closed on Friday July 4th), June 30, 2025 9:00 am - July 3, 2025 3:00 pm
Project Runway (Ages 8-13) Week #5: June 30th- July 3rd (4-day camp; KHAC closed on Friday July 4th) Robin Hartman (ages 8-13) Annex Media Lab Tuition: $200 Description: A summer favorite! Campers will transform recycled clothing into one-of-a-kind fashion pieces while learning..
Animal Actors (Ages 5-7)
- Monday- Friday , July 7, 2025 9:00 am - July 11, 2025 3:00 pm
Animal Actors (Ages 5-7) Week #6: July 7th- July 11th Kashia Ellis- Taylor (ages 5-7) Annex stage room Tuition: $250 Description: Step into the wild with Animal Actors! Explore and embody the traits of your favorite animals through acting exercises, monologues, and..
Pop- Up Paper Engineering (Ages 11-13)
- Monday- Friday , July 7, 2025 9:00 am - July 11, 2025 3:00 pm
Pop- Up Paper Engineering (Ages 11-13) Week #6: July 7th- July 11th Terry Oestreicher (ages 11-13) Annex Media Lab Tuition: $250 Description: Calling all curious and creative paper artists! Campers will start the week by learning the basics of pop-up structures and..
Mythical Masterpieces: Fantasy Art Exploration (Ages 8-10)
- Monday- Friday , July 7, 2025 9:00 am - July 11, 2025 3:00 pm
Mythical Masterpieces: Fantasy Art Exploration (Ages 8-10) Week #6: July 7th- July 11th Sharareh Khosravani (ages 8-10) Basement Studio Tuition: $250 Description: Bring your imagination to life in this fantasy-inspired art class! Campers will explore magical worlds, from castles and dragons to..
Clay Critters (Ages 5-7)
- Monday- Friday , July 14, 2025 9:00 am - July 18, 2025 3:00 pm
Clay Critters (Ages 5-7) Week #7 July 14th- July 18th Frances Newberry (ages 5-7) Basement Studio Tuition: $250 Description: Explore the world of animals and their habitats in this hands-on sculpting camp! Using clay and other materials, campers will create unique, friendly..
Future Playwrights (Ages 11-13)
- Monday- Friday , July 14, 2025 9:00 am - July 18, 2025 3:00 pm
Future Playwrights (Ages 11-13) Week #7 July 14th- July 18th Kashia Ellis- Taylor (ages 11-13) Annex stage room Tuition: $250 Description: Want to become this generation’s next Shakespeare? Join this camp and learn the fundamentals of writing a script, get feedback, and..
Random Acts of Art (Ages 5-9)
- Monday- Friday , July 14, 2025 9:00 am - July 18, 2025 3:00 pm
Random Acts of Art (Ages 5-9) Week #7 July 14th- July 18th Robin Hartman (ages 5-9) Annex Media Lab Tuition: $250 Description: Imagine finding a beautiful piece of art made by an anonymous artist while shopping or browsing at the library. Children..
Rainforest Expressions (Ages 11-13)
- Monday- Friday , July 21, 2025 9:00 am - July 25, 2025 3:00 pm
Rainforest Expressions (Ages 11-13) Week #8: July 21st-July 25th Kim Watling (ages 11-13) Basement Studio Tuition: $250 Description: Explore the vibrant ecosystems of the rainforest and jungles of Central America in this hands-on art camp! Campers will learn about the diverse flora..
Fairy Tale Theatre (Ages 8-10)
- Monday- Friday , July 21, 2025 9:00 am - July 25, 2025 3:00 pm
Fairy Tale Theatre (Ages 8-10) Week #8: July 21st-July 25th Justin McCombs (ages 8-10) Annex stage room Tuition: $250 Description: This introductory class will teach the basics of stage presence and tools and tips to create a believable character. We’ll explore theatre..
Things that Float and Spin in the Wind (Ages 5-7)
- Monday- Friday , July 21, 2025 9:00 am - July 25, 2025 3:00 pm
Things that Float and Spin in the Wind (Ages 5-7) Week #8: July 21st-July 25th Christine Langford (ages 5-7) Annex Media Lab Tuition: $250 Description: Through play, students will explore the history and science behind parachutes, kites, windsocks, and weather vanes. Various..
Art is Science (Ages 5-7)
- Monday- Friday , July 28, 2025 9:00 am - August 1, 2025 3:00 pm
Art is Science (Ages 5-7) Week #9: July 28th- Aug 1st Anisha Sanghani (ages 5-7) Basement Studio Tuition: $250 Description: Campers will perform different hands-on science experiments each day and learn how chemicals react and its results. The science experiments will be..
Imaginary Farm: Building a 3D World of Animals (Ages 8-10)
- Monday- Friday , July 28, 2025 9:00 am - August 1, 2025 3:00 pm
Imaginary Farm: Building a 3D World of Animals (Ages 8-10) Week #9: July 28th- Aug 1st Sharareh Khosravani (ages 8-10) Annex stage room Tuition: $250 Description: Create your own imaginary farm filled with farm animals, wild creatures, and magical beasts! Using drawing,..
Beyond the Brush: Digital Drawing and Painting (Ages 11-13)
- Monday- Friday , July 28, 2025 9:00 am - August 1, 2025 3:00 pm
Beyond the Brush: Digital Drawing and Painting (Ages 11-13) Week #9: July 28th- Aug 1st Frances Newberry (ages 11-13) Annex Media Lab Tuition: $250 Description: Beyond the Brush is a fun and engaging camp designed to introduce young novice artists to the..
Around the World with Art + Culture (Ages 5-7)
- Monday- Friday , August 4, 2025 9:00 am - August 8, 2025 3:00 pm
Around the World with Art + Culture (Ages 5-7) Week #10: Aug 4th- Aug 8th Elliott Jordan (ages 5-7) Basement Studio Tuition: $250 Description: Take a global art journey in this week-long camp, where each day features a different craft or art..
Project Runway (Ages 8-13)
- Monday- Friday , August 4, 2025 9:00 am - August 8, 2025 3:00 pm
Project Runway (Ages 8-13) Week #10: Aug 4th- Aug 8th Robin Hartman (ages 8-13) Annex stage room Tuition: $250 Description: A summer favorite! Campers will transform recycled clothing into one-of-a-kind fashion pieces while learning sewing machine skills, patternmaking, and hand sewing. The..
Stage Make-Up Magic (Ages 11-13)
- Monday- Friday , August 4, 2025 9:00 am - August 8, 2025 3:00 pm
Stage Make-Up Magic (Ages 11-13) Week #10: Aug 4th- Aug 8th Jennah Blair (ages 11-13) Annex Media Lab Tuition: $250 Description: Discover the magic of theatre through stage makeup in this engaging course! Campers will learn basic to intermediate techniques, character design,..
Adult and Teen Classes
Nurture your creativity, develop skills, reconnect with community, and learn from professional artists!
Registration for Spring term begins February 1st, 2025, and ends at 11:59 pm the evening before the first day of class.
SLIDING SCALE: Kennedy Heights Arts Center strives to make arts accessible to everyone. Sliding scale fees available for those in financial need. Click here for more information.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Tuition is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another course if the student withdraws at least five days prior to the beginning of the program.
No events are currently available for registration, please check back later.
2023 Vibrancy Fellow: Erika NJ Allen
Kennedy Heights Arts Center is excited to announce our second Vibrancy Fellow of 2023: Erika NJ Allen.
The Vibrancy Fellowship is is a 5-month residency for early career BIPOC creatives in any discipline living in Cincinnati. The Fellowship aims to meet the needs of emerging artists in an environment that empowers them to take risks and explore new creative challenges while providing an array of opportunities for artists to share, showcase and deepen their community practice.
Erika NJ Allen is a is a Guatemalan born artist with roots that spread across many places. Allen’s artistic journey led her to receive a BFA in photography from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, and an MFA in Ceramics from Cranbrook Academy of Art.
In May 2019, during her senior year of BFA she underwent a hysterectomy. The aftermath of this clinical yet deeply personal medical procedure prompted a profound shift in her relationship with body and sustenance, and a different outlook on both life and art. As she reimagined her diet to support her recovery, she discovered a newfound intentionality in the consumption of fruits and vegetables. These produce items became meditative, guiding her journey towards regaining strength and vitality through clay. The resulting artworks are meticulously modeled after the produce she consumed, and each piece bears the imprints of real fruits. This blurs the distinction between what is genuine and what is artificial, as ceramic, and actual fruit coexist, symbolizing her body and medical implants — one undergoing decay while the other remains unchanged.
A transformative moment emerged when an ordinary banana unveiled an unexpected glazing technique, reshaping her porcelain and stoneware creations. This serendipitous discovery ignited a passion for experimenting with an array of produce. Furthermore, Erika’s banana artwork has transformed from its original aesthetic purpose to convey a political stance. It now symbolizes resilience in the face of hardship, representing how marginalized communities persist despite systemic obstacles.
As an artist and a survivor, she extends a hand to anyone who wishes to share their story. Art is the conduit through which she articulates a narrative of resilience and adaptation. Erika’s journey is an invitation to engage in a dialogue, to share in the human experience, and to witness the beauty that arises when we transform adversity into art.
In her five month fellowship at Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Erika hopes to focus on expanding her workshopping skills and interaction with community members.
RESILIENCE THROUGH CLAY
Workshops
Sundays, 1:00 – 3:00pm
Register for one month (consists of 2 Sundays), or every month!
September 10 & 24 – Empathy
October 8 & 22 – Unity
November 5 & 19 – Equity
January 14 & 28 – Diversity
Join 2023 Vibe Fellow Erika NJ Allen in a series of ceramic-infused workshops, where clay becomes a conduit for cultivating profound awareness.
Spanning the months of September, October, November, and January, we’ll use prompts such as empathy, unity, equity, and diversity to guide our making. See unity grow from personal input, reflecting interdependence with neighbors. Participants will have the opportunity to exhibit their works in the Kennedy Gallery at KHAC in early 2024, alongside some of Erika’s own artworks created during her fellowship.
All workshops are free but registration is required.
No events are currently available for registration, please check back later.
Outreach Programs
We believe that the arts are for everyone. Kennedy Heights Arts Center provides a range of outreach programs that bring the arts out into the community. The goal of these programs is to provide access to high-quality arts education for everyone regardless of economic circumstance.
Our experienced team of arts educators offer ongoing classes as well as one-time programs in schools, libraries, community centers, group homes and other community settings. Some locations have included:
- Pleasant Ridge Montessori
- Silverton Paideia Academy
- Woodford Academy
- Academy of World Languages
- Talbert House
- Cincinnati Public Libraries
For more information about bringing a Kennedy Heights Arts Center outreach program to your organization, please contact our Director of Education.
No events are currently available for registration, please check back later.
Cincinnati Jazz Academy
Since 2018, Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) and Kennedy Heights Arts Center (KHAC) have partnered to provide the Cincinnati Jazz Academy, a free after-school program inspiring underserved students to develop their creative abilities through learning and performing the dynamic music of jazz.
The Cincinnati Jazz Academy is a nationally recognized after school music program for Cincinnati Public School students in 4th-12th grade. All Jazz Academy rehearsals take place at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center Lindner Annex located at 6620 Montgomery Road. Most groups rehearse once a week from 4:30-6:00 pm. The program is directed by Dr. Isidore Rudnick, a nationally recognized music educator, jazz trombonist, conductor and composer.
All students admitted to the Jazz Academy program receive a full tuition scholarship in the amount of $1,400. Each student is eligible to receive transportation from their school to the Kennedy Heights Arts Center and an after school snack upon arrival. A weekly private lesson will be provided for students not already taking private lessons, as well as weekly ensemble rehearsals. Students needing an instrument (except piano and drumset) will be checked out an instrument for the entire school year. The Kennedy Heights Arts Center will have a piano/keyboard, drumset and guitar and bass amplifiers already set up.
Jazz Academy ensembles perform several concerts per year in the community, concluding with the CPS International Jazz Festival at the Aronoff Center for the Arts in May.
To gain admission to the Jazz Academy program, students must first: (1) be nominated by their CPS school music teacher or the Jazz Academy director; (2) demonstrate both an excellent CPS attendance record and discipline record; (3) submit a completed and parent/guardian signed registration form, (4) receive a Jazz Academy acceptance correspondence. Parents/guardians will receive notification of their child’s acceptance into the jazz academy via e-mail or phone call.
In addition to the ensembles, we offer smaller advanced combo groups at the elementary, junior high and high school levels. The combos are reserved for Cincinnati Jazz Academy students who demonstrate high levels of commitment and dedication to playing jazz to allow them to advance their music training further, study with master guest artists, and have additional performance opportunities. Students interested in joining and performing in a combo must first be admitted and participate in one of the larger Jazz Academy ensembles mentioned above. Students who perform in a combo must also remain enrolled in the larger ensemble for the entire year to continue to remain eligible for participation in the combo. Admittance to the combos will be by invitation of the Jazz Academy director.
Spaces in the Jazz Academy are limited to enrollment maximums in each of the instrumental categories. To inquire about how your child might join the Cincinnati Jazz Academy, or for more information, please contact Jazz Academy Director Dr. Isidore Rudnick at rudnici@cpsboe.k12.oh.us
The Cincinnati Jazz Academy is a partnership between Kennedy Heights Arts Center and Cincinnati Public Schools with support from Activities Beyond the Classroom, Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation Artistic Excellence Fund, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund of the Greenacres Foundation, David C. Herriman Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Hamilton County Youth Resiliency Fund, Albert Harris, and private donors.
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- Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 - 5:00
- Saturday: 11:00 - 4:00
- Closed Sunday - Monday