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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 7-week Spring term begins at 10:00 am on February 3, 2026, and ends at 5:00 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.
Young at Art: Fine Art Fundamentals (ages 5-8)
- March 21, 2026 10:30 am - May 2, 2026 12:00 pm
Instructors: Billie Cunningham Ages 5-8: Saturdays, 10:30-12:00 pm Dates: March 21-May 2, 2026 Tuition; $135.00 or sliding scale Young artists will dive into the elements of art through a dynamic, hands-on studio experience! Each week introduces a new project with a variety..
Young at Art: Fine Art Fundamentals (ages 9-12)
- March 21, 2026 12:15 pm - May 2, 2026 1:45 pm
Instructors: Billie Cunningham Ages 9-12: Saturdays, 12:15 pm- 1:45 pm Dates: March 21-May 2, 2026 Tuition; $135.00 or sliding scale Young artists will dive into the elements of art through a dynamic, hands-on studio experience! Each week introduces a new project with..
Teen Artists for Change: Spring 2026
- March 28, 2026 2:00 pm - May 16, 2026 4:00 pm
Ages: 13-18 Instructor: Susan Byrnes Saturdays, 2:00-4:00pm Dates: March 28-May 16, 2026 (no class on 4/4) Tuition: FREE! Registration required Join a collective of creative teens using art to make a difference in their community. This term, participants will collaborate with artist..
Summer Arts Camps 2026
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.
Call for Summer Art Camp Volunteers!
High school students can earn community service hours, gain leadership experience, and have fun as volunteers in our Summer Art Camps. Application deadline is March 31. More Details
Animation Antics — Ages 11–13
- June 1, 2026 9:00 am - June 5, 2026 3:00 pm
Animation Antics Ages 11-13 Week 1: June 1st- June 5th Frances Newberry Lindner Annex (Media Lab) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Dive into stop-motion animation—learn to build characters and sets, create stories, and bring ideas to life using paper and clay..
Musical Statues — Ages 5–7
- June 1, 2026 9:00 am - June 5, 2026 3:00 pm
Musical Statues Ages 5-7 Week 1: June 1st- June 5th William Brock Lindner Annex (Large Room) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: What happens when music meets art? We will explore famous statues from around the world, discover what they stand for,..
Caines Arcade — Ages 8–10
- June 1, 2026 9:00 am - June 5, 2026 3:00 pm
Caines Arcade Ages 8-10 Week 1: June 1st- June 5th Robin Hartman KHAC Basement studio Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Design and build your own hands-on arcade-style games and interactive creations, then share these inventions at the end of the week...
Making Music — Ages 5–7
- June 8, 2026 9:00 am - June 12, 2026 3:00 pm
Making Music Ages 5-7 Week 1: June 1st- June 5th Lauri Ann Aultman Lindner Annex (Large Room) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Dive into stop-motion animation—learn to build characters and sets, create stories, and bring ideas to life using paper and..
History Comes Alive! — Ages 8–10
- June 8, 2026 9:00 am - June 12, 2026 3:00 pm
History Comes Alive! Ages 8-10 Week 1: June 8th- June 12th Brandi LaSherrill Lindner Annex (Large Room) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Step into the past—real or imagined—through theatre, music, and performance. Using storytelling and creative expression, campers will bring historical..
Mystical Minis — Ages 8-10
- June 15, 2026 9:00 am - June 18, 2026 3:00 pm
Mystical Minis Ages 8-10 Week 1: June 15th- June 18th (4 days) Karley Holdeman KHAC Basement Studio Tuition: $220, or sliding scale Description: Use your imagination, clay, and paper mache to create mythical creatures, name them, and build a habitat for them..
Little Songwriters, Big Voices — Ages 5–7
- June 15, 2026 9:00 am - June 18, 2026 3:00 pm
Little Songwriters, Big Voices Ages 5–7 Week 3: June 15th- June 18th (4 days) William Brock Lindner Annex (Media Room) Tuition: $220, or sliding scale Description: Create your very own songs using stories and imagination! Through games, rhythm play, and singing together,..
The World of Photography — Ages 8-10
- June 15, 2026 9:00 am - June 18, 2026 3:00 pm
The World of Photography Ages 8-10 Week 3: June 15th- June 18th Terrance Marshall Lindner Annex (Large Room) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Explore photography from behind the lens—learning how to use a camera while capturing objects, nature, landscapes, portraits, and..
Create Your Own Show — Ages 11–13
- June 22, 2026 9:00 am - June 26, 2026 3:00 pm
Create Your Own Show (Ages 11–13) Week 4: June 22nd- June 26th Brandi LaSherrill Lindner Annex (Large Room) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: From idea to performance, campers will develop original short theatre pieces while learning collaboration, improvisation, and stage skills...
Clevers & Levers — Ages 8–10
- June 22, 2026 9:00 am - June 26, 2026 3:00 pm
Clevers & Levers Ages 8-10 Week 1: June 22nd- June 26th Christine Langford (ages 8-10) Lindner Annex (Media Lab) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: A fun mashup of science and art where campers create artwork using levers and mechanisms—explore, invent, and..
Mad Hatter Tea Party — Ages 5–7
- June 22, 2026 9:00 am - June 26, 2026 3:00 pm
Mad Hatter Tea Party Ages 5-7 Week 1: June 22nd- June 26th Lynne Gibb KHAC Basement Studio Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, campers will make ceramic teapots and saucers, create “Mad Hatter” hats, and enjoy a..
Daily Dose of Art — Ages 5–7
- June 29, 2026 9:00 am - July 2, 2026 3:00 pm
Daily Dose of Art Ages 5-7 Week 5: June 29th- July 2 (4 days) Terry Oestreicher KHAC Basement Studio Tuition: $220, or sliding scale Description: Through a series of fun and imaginative activities—everything from game boards to puppets to 3-D building projects—campers..
The World of Photography — Ages 11–13
- June 29, 2026 9:00 am - July 2, 2026 3:00 pm
The World of Photography Ages 11-13 Week 5: June 29th- July 2 (4 days) Terrance Marshall Lindner Annex(Media Lab) Tuition: $220, or sliding scale Description: Explore photography from behind the lens—learning how to use a camera while capturing objects, nature, landscapes, portraits,..
Bold Faces, Big Ideas — Ages 8–10
- June 29, 2026 9:00 am - July 2, 2026 3:00 pm
Bold Faces, Big Ideas Ages 8-10 Week 5: June 29th- July 2 (4 days) Ren Overmeyer Lindner Annex(Large Room) Tuition: $220, or sliding scale Description: Create playful, imaginative portraits and characters using mixed media, bold features, and creative expression. Sliding Scale Tuition..
Project Runway — Ages 11–13
- July 6, 2026 9:00 am - July 10, 2026 3:00 pm
Project Runway Ages 11-13 Week 5: July 6th- July 10th Robin Hartman Lindner Annex(Media Lab) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Rock the runway! Campers will design, sew, and style their own one-of-a-kind creations—then take the spotlight in a fashion show at..
Game On! — Ages 8–10
- July 6, 2026 9:00 am - July 10, 2026 3:00 pm
Game On! Ages 8–10 Week 6: July 6th- July 10th Terry Oestreicher Lindner Annex(Large Room) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Campers will design and solve all kinds of puzzles—hidden word, crossword, concentration, jigsaw—and invent a Candyland-style board game. Sliding Scale Tuition..
I Spy With My Little Eye — Ages 5–7
- July 6, 2026 9:00 am - July 10, 2026 3:00 pm
I Spy With My Little Eye Ages 5-7 Week 6: July 6th- July 10th Karley Holdeman KHAC Basement Studio Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Build imaginative scenes, snap photos, and create interactive I Spy projects—including a personalized book and a search-and-find..
Big Heads — Ages 11-13
- July 13, 2026 9:00 am - July 17, 2026 3:00 pm
Big Heads Ages 11-13 Week 7: July 13th- July 17th Frances Newberry KHAC Basement Studio Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Dream big–literally! Campers will design and build wearable art and bring them to life through character creation and physical performance. The..
Springs & Things — Ages 5-7
- July 13, 2026 9:00 am - July 17, 2026 3:00 pm
Springs & Things Ages 5-7 Week 7: July 13th- July 17th Christine Langford Lindner Annex (Media Lab) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: A science-and-art mashup where campers use springs and things to create kinetic, inventive artwork—explore, create, and play. Sliding Scale..
Robots & Monsters — Ages 8–10
- July 20, 2026 9:00 am - July 24, 2026 3:00 pm
Robots & Monsters Ages 8–10 Week 7: July 20th- July 24th Lauri Ann Aultman KHAC Basement Studio Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Using upcycled materials, we’ll create imaginative monsters and robots—bigger, bolder, and wilder than Frankenstein’s Monster! Sliding Scale Tuition Rates: Kennedy..
Digital Art — Ages 11–13
- July 20, 2026 9:00 am - July 24, 2026 3:00 pm
Digital Art Age 11-13 Week 7: July 20th- July 24th Frances Newberry Lindner Annex (Media Lab) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Using iPads/tablets and drawing apps, learn digital drawing and painting fundamentals, explore creative tools, and develop your artistic style. Sliding..
Call & Response — Ages 5–7
- July 20, 2026 9:00 am - July 24, 2026 3:00 pm
Call & Response Ages 5–7 Week 8: July 20th- July 24th William Brock Lindner Annex (Large Room) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Through rhythm games, listening activities, and group performances, kids will discover how musical “conversations” happen across cultures—all while having..
Mosaic Masterpieces — Ages 11–13
- July 27, 2026 9:00 am - July 31, 2026 3:00 pm
Mosaic Masterpieces Ages 11-13 Week 9: July 27th- July 31 Billie Cunningham KHAC Basement Studio Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: It’s often called “painting with glass.” Explore the art of mosaic design using glass pieces to create bold, colorful compositions. Sliding..
Project Runway — Ages 8–10
- July 27, 2026 9:00 am - July 31, 2026 3:00 pm
Project Runway Ages 8-10 Week 9: July 27th- July 31 Robin Hartman Lindner Annex (Media Lab) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Campers will design, sew, and style their own one-of-a-kind creations—then take the spotlight in a fashion show at the end..
Playful Performers — Ages 5–7
- July 27, 2026 9:00 am - July 31, 2026 3:00 pm
Playful Performers Age 5-7 Week 9: July 27th- July 31 Brandi LaSherrill Lindner Annex (Large Room) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: This performance-based camp focuses on voice, movement, and building self-confidence through theatre games and creative expression. Sliding Scale Tuition Rates: Kennedy..
Things That Float & Spin — Ages 5–7
- August 3, 2026 9:00 am - August 7, 2026 3:00 pm
Things That Float & Spin Ages 5-7 Week 10: August 3-August 7 Christine Langford KHAC Basement Studio Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Let’s fly! Campers explore the history and science behind parachutes, kites, windsocks, and weather vanes while creating multiple wind-driven..
Dream Builders — Ages 8–10
- August 3, 2026 9:00 am - August 7, 2026 3:00 pm
Dream Builders Ages 8-10 Week 10: August 3-August 7 Billie Cunningham Lindner Annex (Media Lab) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Explore the fundamentals of architecture through creative building using cardboard constructions, colorful window designs, and clay details—strengthening creativity, problem-solving, and design..
Bed Buds: A Squishy Soft World of Stuffies — Ages 11–13
- August 3, 2026 9:00 am - August 7, 2026 3:00 pm
Bed Buds: A Squishy Soft World of Stuffies Ages 11-13 Week 10: August 3-August 7 Ren Overmeyer Lindner Annex (Large Room) Tuition: $275, or sliding scale Description: Design and create soft, squishy stuffed creations—bringing imaginative “bed buddies” to life through hands-on making..
Adult and Teen Classes
Nurture your creativity, develop skills, reconnect with community, and learn from professional artists!
Registration for 7-week Spring term begins at 10:00 am on February 3, 2026, and ends at 5:00 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.
Writing to Exhale: Healing the Unspoken – Monday Evenings
- February 23, 2026 6:30 pm - March 30, 2026 8:30 pm
Instructor: Jamie-Lee Morris (Artist-in-Residence) Mondays, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm Dates: Feb. 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30 Tuition: FREE, Registration required. Please commit to attending all sessions. We carry so much on a daily basis that lingers in..
Writing to Exhale: Healing the Unspoken – Thursday Mornings
- Thursdays, February 26, 2026 11:00 am - April 2, 2026 1:00 pm
Instructor: Jamie-Lee Morris (Artist-in-Residence) Mondays, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm Dates: Feb. 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30 Tuition: FREE, Registration required. Please commit to attending all sessions. We carry so much on a daily basis that lingers in..
“Exploring the Many Colors of Grief” An Art Therapy Workshop
- March 11, 2026 1:00 pm
Instructor: Lynne Gibb Date: Wednesday, March 11 from 1:00 – 3:00pm Free to attend, but registration is required as space is very limited. Open to ages 14+ Join us to explore the many colors that we feel and see each day, as..
First Frames: Intro to Photography
- Tuesdays, March 17, 2026 1:00 pm - April 28, 2026 3:00 pm
Instructor: Dylan Firlie Tuesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 pm Dates: Mar. 17-April. 28, 2026 Tuition: $203 or sliding scale *material fee included This beginner-friendly course is designed for anyone ready to move beyond “auto” and take control of their camera. Through a mix..
Paint Your Story: Narrative Acrylic Painting
- Tuesdays, March 17, 2026 6:00 pm - April 28, 2026 8:00 pm
Instructor: Cedric Cox Tuesday, 6:00 – 8:00 pm Dates: Mar. 17-April. 28, 2026 Tuition: $203 or sliding scale *material fee included Join nationally recognized artist Cedric Michael Cox for an inspiring painting class exploring storytelling through art. Students will be guided to..
Open Studio
- March 18, 2026 10:00 am - April 29, 2026 1:00 pm
Facilitator: Lynne Gibb Wednesdays, 10:00 am-1:00 pm Dates: March 18-April 29, 2026 Tuition: FREE! Registration required Meet with fellow artists of all skill levels to inspire each other! Basic art supplies and tools are provided, but you are encouraged to bring what..
Drawing with Color
- Wednesday, March 18, 2026 6:00 pm - April 29, 2026 8:00 pm
Instructor: Paul Loehle Wednesday, 6:00 – 8:00 pm Dates: Mar. 18-April. 29, 2026 Tuition: $173 or sliding scale Drawing is the vocabulary that unites all of the disciplines of art. This class will explore this essential medium in color. Using a variety..
Collage and Create: Handmade Journals
- March 19, 2026 1:00 pm - April 30, 2026 3:00 pm
Instructor: Jenny Caffery Thursday, 1:00 – 3:00 pm Dates: Mar. 19-April. 30, 2026 Tuition: $183 or sliding scale *includes materials fee This class explores “junk” and journals in a fresh, creative way. Using materials that might otherwise end up in the trash..
A Watercolor Journey
- March 19, 2026 6:30 pm - April 30, 2026 8:30 pm
Instructor: Beth Goldstein Thursdays, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm Dates: March 19-May 7, 2026 (no class on April 2) Tuition: $203 or sliding scale *material fee included For anyone who has wanted to try watercolor painting but has barely—or never—dipped their brush in the..
Clay Hand-Building
- Monday, March 23, 2026 6:30 pm - May 4, 2026 8:30 pm
Instructor: Lynne Gibb Mondays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Dates: Mar. 23-May 4, 2026 Tuition: $203 or sliding scale *material fee included Beginner and advanced clay artists alike will enjoy exploring working with clay. Beginners will learn the three basic building techniques, pinch,..
Teen Artists for Change: Spring 2026
- March 28, 2026 2:00 pm - May 16, 2026 4:00 pm
Ages: 13-18 Instructor: Susan Byrnes Saturdays, 2:00-4:00pm Dates: March 28-May 16, 2026 (no class on 4/4) Tuition: FREE! Registration required Join a collective of creative teens using art to make a difference in their community. This term, participants will collaborate with artist..
2026 Artist in Residence: Jamie-Lee Morris
Jamie-Lee Morris is a Cincinnati-based poet, writer, and spoken word artist whose work is deeply rooted in themes of identity, resilience, and transformation. Jamie-Lee brings a strong cultural perspective and a commitment to amplifying voices through the literary arts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University and has a wealth of experience in youth development and community engagement in nonprofit organizations, which informs her ability to guide participants in using creative writing as a tool for self-discovery and healing.
Jamie-Lee has performed her original poetry at numerous venues across Greater Cincinnati, including the Cincinnati Art Museum, Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge, and other cultural spaces. Her performances are known for their authenticity, emotional resonance, and ability to inspire audiences to connect with their own stories. In 2023, she was selected as a Vibrancy Fellow at Kennedy Heights Arts Center, where she successfully led community writing workshops exploring identity and belonging. She also served as Artist-in-Residence at the Contemporary Arts Center, designing and facilitating creative writing programs for diverse participants. In 2024, she co-founded the Maroon Collective Artist Wellness House in Walnut Hills, a co-living and co-working space for artists that provides wellness programming for surrounding communities.
Kennedy Heights Arts Center has chosen Jamie-Lee as our 2026 Artist in Residence because of her artistry, teaching experience, and commitment to community impact. She has a proven ability to create safe, inclusive environments that encourage vulnerability and authentic self-expression, making her an ideal facilitator for both youth and adults.
This residency builds on Jamie-Lee’s prior collaborations with Kennedy Heights Arts Center. We believe Jamie-Lee’s artistry and leadership will inspire participants to embrace creative risk-taking, strengthen their voices, and recognize the power of storytelling as a vehicle for personal growth and community connection.
Learn more and register to participate in her Writing to Exhale: Healing the Unspoken workshop series featuring poetry and spoken word.
Free to participate, but registration is required. Space is limited.
Writing to Exhale: Healing the Unspoken – Monday Evenings
- February 23, 2026 6:30 pm - March 30, 2026 8:30 pm
Instructor: Jamie-Lee Morris (Artist-in-Residence) Mondays, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm Dates: Feb. 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30 Tuition: FREE, Registration required. Please commit to attending all sessions. We carry so much on a daily basis that lingers in..
Writing to Exhale: Healing the Unspoken – Thursday Mornings
- Thursdays, February 26, 2026 11:00 am - April 2, 2026 1:00 pm
Instructor: Jamie-Lee Morris (Artist-in-Residence) Mondays, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm Dates: Feb. 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30 Tuition: FREE, Registration required. Please commit to attending all sessions. We carry so much on a daily basis that lingers in..
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 Elementary
- 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 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 was founded Dr. Isidore Rudnick, a nationally recognized music educator, jazz trombonist, conductor and composer.
The academy is led by Artistic Director Ralph DiSylvestro and Program manager Brandon Graves.
All students admitted to the Jazz Academy program receive a full tuition scholarship in the amount of $1,500. Each student is eligible to receive free transportation from their school to the Kennedy Heights Arts Center and after school snacks. A weekly private lesson will be provided, as well as weekly ensemble rehearsals. Students needing an instrument will be checked out an instrument for the entire school year.
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 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.
To gain admission to the Jazz Academy program, students must: (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; and (3) submit a completed and parent/guardian signed registration form. Parents/guardians will receive notification of their child’s acceptance into the jazz academy via e-mail or phone call.
To inquire about how your child might join the Cincinnati Jazz Academy, or for more information, please contact Artistic Director Ralph DiSylvestro at ralphdisylvestro@kennedyarts.org.
More information can be found at cincinnatijazzacademy.org.
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, Albert Harris, and private donors.
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Albert Harris |
- Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 - 5:00
- Saturday: 11:00 - 4:00
- Closed Sunday - Monday