You must be logged in as a CAT member to see this page.

2026 Guide to Arts Summer Camps in St. Louis

by Savannah Babington | May 4, 2026 | Newsroom, RAC News

School’s almost out, and summer in St. Louis is packed with ways for kids and teens to get creative. Across the region, arts camps are opening their doors for hands-on experiences in theater, music, visual art, and more.

Artist First: Youth Studio

Through guided creative instruction, Artists First helps kids without disabilities explore their creativity, build skills, and connect with others.

Visual Arts/Craft

Age groups: 5-18

Dates: April 23-Aug. 13

Artscope: Camp Create

A 12-week immersive camp experience that allows campers to explore nature in Tower Grove Park while developing creative skills.

Visual Arts/Craft

Age groups: 6-12

Dates: May 26-Aug. 7

Camp C.A.P.E (Community, Arts, Power, Education)

Camp C.A.P.E. brings together arts, academics, and enrichment through a curriculum rooted in Black liberation, holistic health, and trauma-informed practices.

STEAM, Visual Arts/Craft

Age groups: 5-18

Dates: N/A

Central Print: Summer Camp

Join one of three camp sessions and dive into the art of printmaking.

Visual Arts/Craft

Age groups: 6-10

Dates: June 13-Aug. 7

Central Studio Academy Summer Camps

From dance to visual arts and crafts, these weeklong summer camps and classes spark creativity, exploration, and confidence through immersive experiences.

Dance, Visual Arts/Craft

Age groups: 3-18

Dates: July 13-24

Circus Harmony Summer Performance Camp

Circus Harmony invites participants of all ages and skill levels to explore the art of circus through engaging camps offering hands-on training in juggling, object manipulation, aerial arts, and more – all culminating in a fun public performance at City Museum!

Theater/Performance (Circus Arts)

Age groups: 7-17+

Dates: June 1-Aug. 7

COCA Summer Arts Camps

Try new things, build your skills, and have a whole lot of fun at COCA’s camps for kids and teens.

Art, Dance, Theater/Performance, Music

Age groups: 3-18

Dates: May 26-Aug. 14

Image courtesy of Craft Alliance

Craft Alliance Summer Camp

Get creative this summer with Craft Alliance through hands-on sessions in pottery, flame-worked glass, fibers, metalsmithing, and more.

Visual Arts/Craft (Pottery, Weaving, Metalsmithing, Screen Printing and more)

Age groups: 7-18

Dates: June 1-Aug. 14

Image courtesy of DaySpring Arts & Education

DaySpring Summer Camp

Work with highly qualified instructors who bring expertise in dance, drama, musical theater, visual arts, circus, music, and more.

STEAM, Visual Arts/Craft, Music, Dance, Theater/Performance

Age groups: 3-18

Dates: June 8-Aug. 7

Grand Center Arts Academy Summer Arts Camps

Sit in on interactive courses in instrumental and vocal music, theater, dance, and visual arts.

Music, Dance, Theater/Performance, Visual Arts/Craft

Age groups: Grades 5-9

Dates: July 6-10 and July 13-17

Ignite Theatre Company: Production Summer Camp

During Ignite Theatre camps, young performers sing, dance, act, and gain hands-on experience with sets, props, and costumes in a fun, creative environment.

Theater/Performance

Age groups: 5-12

Dates: June 1-July 23

Kinetic Tapestry: Summer Circus Camps

Kinetic Tapestry summer classes teach campers of all levels circus and aerial arts.

Theater/Performance (Circus Arts)

Age groups: 6-18

Dates: June 22-July 24

Image courtesy of Laumeier Sculpture Park

Laumeier Sculpture Park Art Camp

Summer art programs hosted on the green spaces of the park’s 105-acre campus feature classes centered around natural wonders and imaginative art projects.

Visual Arts/Craft (Art History, Design, and more)

Age groups: 3.5-18

Dates: June 5-July 31

LitShop Summer Programs

Featuring a full lineup of reading, writing, building and making, LitShop’s summer programing creates space for girls to explore their creativity.

Visual Arts/Craft, STEAM

Age groups: 10-18

Dates: June 1-Aug. 13

Metro Theater Company Creative Arts Camp & Grand Theater Camp

From playing with storytelling through movement at Creative Arts Camp to learning how to audition for a play at Grand Theater Camp, MTC’s professional teaching artists bring fun and growth through the arts to campers of all ages.

Theater/Performance, Music, Visual Arts/Craft

Age groups: Pre-K-5th grade

Dates: June 8-July 17

Ms. Andrea’s Art Camp

Explore artists inspired by plant life, bugs, and animals through torn paper collage, sculpture, ink, watercolor, and printmaking with local St. Louis artist Andrea Henry Tharian.

Visual Arts/Craft

Age groups: 4-10

Dates: May 6-May 29

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Join the Opera Explorers and learn about the ins and outs of theater or sign up for Sing Out and discover your voice at vocal camp.

Theater/Performance, Music (Opera)

Age groups: 9-12

Dates: June 1-26

Pianos for People Summer Piano Camp

Pianos for People offers a variety of free and low-cost classes focused on building campers’ piano skills.

Music, Dance

Age groups: 6-16

Dates: June 8-July 27

Image courtesy of Saint Louis Dance Theatre

Saint Louis Dance Theatre Summer Intensive

Full-day training in ballet, jazz, contemporary techniques, and new choreography and company repertoire, all wrapped up with an end of summer showcase for friends and family.

Dance (Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary)

Age groups: 10-18+

Dates: July 6-July 17

Saint Louis Ballet Summer Intensive

Explore a range of dance styles this summer, all grounded in strong ballet training at the core.

Dance (Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theater, Hip Hop)

Age groups: 7-18

Dates: June 15-July 17

STAGES St. Louis Summer Camps

Acting intensives, intro to improv, triple threat training, and full-fledged summer productions—STAGES has it all.

Theater/Performance (Acting, Improv, Musicals)

Age groups: 3-18

Dates: June 1-Aug. 3

STL Rhythm Collaborative Summer Camp

Tap into summer with Rhythm Collaborative’s classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

Dance (Tap)

Age groups: 6-18

Dates: July 15-Aug. 15

St. Louis Artist Guild: Camp STLAG

Running across six weeks in 5-day sessions, these classes make space for students of all ages to develop their abilities and imagination while exploring new mediums.

Visual Art/Craft

Age groups: 6-18

Dates: June 8-July 24

St. Louis Irish Arts

Join St. Louis’ first and oldest school of Irish music and dance school this summer and discover the fun of learning Irish dance, songs and games.

Dance, Music (Irish Dance, Ensemble Music, Small Group Instrument, Singing, and more)

Age groups: 8-12

Dates: June 1-12

Image courtesy of St. Louis Shakespeare Festival

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival: Summer Shakespeare Studio

These summer sessions provide passionate young actors from across the US with rigorous training in stage performance, text analysis, and the artistic process.

Theater/Performance

Age groups: 9-13 and 14-19

Dates: June 1-30

St. Louis Writers Guild Summer Writers Camp

Grow as a writer with hands-on workshops, dedicated writing time, and guidance from published authors.

Writing/Literature

Age groups: 10-18

Dates: June 15-26

Stray Dog Theatre Summer Camp Program

Join a Stray Pups Youth Theatre Production of James and the Giant Peach Jr. — a whimsical journey packed with heart, humor, and the power of imagination.

Theater/Performance

Age groups: 5-19

Dates: June 26-28

The Novel Neighbor Summer Camp

Book-themed arts and crafts, storytelling, games and activities.

Writing/Literature

Age groups: 5-12

Dates: June 1-Aug. 14

The Magic House Summer Camp

Explore art, science, performance, and innovation at a magical summer camp.

STEAM, Theater/Performance

Age groups: 5-11

Dates: June 1-Aug. 7

The Repertory Theatre St. Louis: Camp Rep

Experience all the magic of acting, music, movement, and creative storytelling at Camp Rep.

Theater/Performance (Acting, Music, Movement, and Creative Storytelling)

Age groups: 7-13

Dates: July 27-Aug. 7

Webster University Community Music School (CMS) Summer Programs

From instrument intensives to Kindermusik Family Camp, CMS offers campers of all ages and interests opportunities to grow their music skills.

Music

Age groups: Pre-K-Grade 12

Dates: May 25-Aug. 1

Longtime RAC Grantee Circus Harmony Celebrates 25 Years

by Savannah Babington | Mar 20, 2026 | Impact Stories, In the News, RAC News

Did you know that St. Louis has a place where you can run away and join the circus… and still be home in time for dinner?

Circus Harmony, for which RAC was one of its first funders, is a recognized worldwide leader in circus arts education and youth development.

This St. Louis-based nonprofit uses circus arts to promote social change, with programming designed to inspire individuals and connect communities across the St. Louis region and around the globe.

This year, Circus Harmony is marking its 25th anniversary as a nonprofit organization with a Silver Circus Soiree on Saturday, April 11.

Founder and Artistic/Executive Director Jessica Hentoff has taught people of all ages to defy gravity for more than 50 years. She has built a community at Circus Harmony where a shared sense of joy extends from the performers to the audience and out into the world. Her lifetime dedication to promoting and preserving circus arts was recognized by the World Circus Federation in 2026, when she was named an official Circus Ambassador.

This milestone anniversary celebrates not just 25 years as a nonprofit, but decades of impact through performance, education, and community-building. The Silver Circus Soiree will bring together supporters, alumni, and friends for an unforgettable evening featuring live performances, special guests, and a look back at the organization’s incredible journey.

Returning to St. Louis for the celebration is Circus Harmony alum and WWE star Sidney “Iking” Bateman. Sidney’s story began in North St. Louis City, where he could often be found practicing flips around his neighborhood. After training at Circus Harmony, he continued on to the National Circus School of Montreal and toured internationally with Cirque du Soleil and The 7 Fingers. In 2020, he joined WWE, translating his artistry from the big top to the wrestling ring.

Circus Harmony Silver Circus Soiree

WHEN: Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 4:00 to 6:30 PM
WHERE: City Museum, 750 N. 16th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103

Learn more and get tickets or RSVP for the livestream here.

Mini biography of Sidney “Iking” Bateman before he joined the WWE | PBS’ American Experience

Requiem of Light – A Mural Honoring the Lives Lost to COVID-19 in St. Louis

by Savannah Babington | Dec 4, 2025 | Impact Stories, In the News, Newsroom, RAC News

The Requiem of Light mural was created as a permanent representation of the civic arts project honoring the thousands of St. Louisans who lost their lives to COVID-19. Conceived and brought to life by artist Fatou Kane, the mural reflects the project’s central vision: that the light of those lost continues to illuminate the grief, love, and hope of those who remain.

As part of the St. Louis Mural Project, funded through ARPA for the Arts and managed by RAC, this mural joins the 28 murals created by local artists across the city in 2024, and is in addition to the IMAGINE! mural created in 2025, commemorating the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis’ work over the last four decades.

Representing the impact of COVID-19 in St. Louis, the Requiem of Light mural was a fitting final addition to a project supported by the American Rescue Plan Act to address the pandemic’s economic and public health effects.

The Requiem of Light Memorial Lantern Ceremony was held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the Grand Basin in Forest Park. Envisioned by Washington University in St. Louis professor Rebecca Messbarger, a leader in Medical Humanities and cultural historian of medicine, the gathering was inspired by East Asian paper lantern traditions and featured original music composed for the memorial concert by Dr. Philip Woodmore.

“This project reflects the best of St. Louis—the spirit of generosity and togetherness that shines most brightly in times of need. Just as the Requiem of Light concerts and lantern ceremony gathered our community in song, story, and shared ritual, so too does this mural proclaim that we will not forget,” said Professor Rebecca Messbarger. “We are grateful to the Regional Arts Commission and the Requiem Fund for this enduring partnership, which ensures that those we lost remain present in the life of our city.”

The mural marks the memorial ceremony in history, standing at the heart of the city as a place of remembrance and renewal, where grief may be honored and hope continually rekindled.

Title: Requiem of Light

Artist: Fatou Kane

Location: 2209 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103

IMAGINE! – A Mural Celebrating 40 Years of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis

by Savannah Babington | Aug 19, 2025 | Celebrating 40 Years, In the News, Newsroom, RAC News

To celebrate the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis’ 40th anniversary and highlight the importance of art and community, RAC invited two of St. Louis’s most prolific muralists, Cbabi Bayoc and Robert Fishbone, to create a special mural commemorating RAC’s work over the last four decades.

As part of the St. Louis Mural Project, funded through ARPA for the Arts and managed by RAC, this mural builds on the 28 murals created by local artists across the city in 2024.

“Receiving and distributing ARPA funds was a historic milestone for RAC. In addition to ensuring residents and visitors could experience memorable art, it was equally important to me that we help create lasting opportunities,” said Vanessa Cookesy, RAC president and CEO. “When Cbabi and Fishbone came together on this mural, it wasn’t just about depicting RAC’s history—it was about making it.”

Collaborating for the first time, the two artists worked together to create a signature piece of artwork that celebrated RAC and combined the artists’ different styles and approaches to murals.

“Because the mural is in a very public place, it mattered that it not only spoke to creatives but also brought joy and inspiration to all that caught a glance,” said Cbabi.

Bright colors, bold shapes, texture, movement, and positive messaging guided the design. They used a back-and-forth, collaborative process in creating the design and eventually agreed on a starting point that would further develop as they worked on the wall.

Drawing on their combined experience and expertise, the collaboration flowed easily.

“I would use one word to describe the process: smooth,” said Fishbone. “We are both good at certain things, and we were both really loose about it.”

Title: IMAGINE!

Artists: Cbabi Bayoc and Robert Fishbone

Location: Latham Bell / 5654 Delmar Blvd, 63112

RAC and 4 Hands Brewing Co. Partner to Celebrate Local Artistry with Limited-Edition City Wide Beer Cans

by Savannah Babington | Jun 9, 2025 | In the News, Newsroom, RAC News

The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC) is proud to announce a creative partnership with 4 Hands Brewing Co. to launch a new limited-edition four-pack of City Wide beer featuring artist-designed labels.

This collaboration highlights the exceptional creativity of St. Louis-based artists and exemplifies how the city’s thriving arts community continues to inspire and energize the region. The new can designs transform every sip of City Wide into a celebration of St. Louis’s arts and culture community.

Each limited-edition can features original artwork by an artist from the St. Louis Mural Project – an unprecedented RAC initiative that brought 28 murals to all 14 wards of St. Louis City in just three months.

Participating artists include:

“This collaboration is all about shining a spotlight on the artists who make our city beautiful every day,” said Jay Scherder, RAC communications and partnerships director. “When we approached 4 Hands with this idea, they were immediately on board. They care deeply about the arts and culture community, and the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis is honored to have them as a partner. Somehow, we managed to make a great beer even better.”

The limited-edition cans will be available starting July in local grocery and liquor stores, as well as bars and restaurants who carry City Wide. To celebrate the collaboration, 4 Hands and RAC is holding a launch party for the public to attend.

City Wide Artist Series Meet & Greet
What: A celebration of the St. Louis’ creative community featuring live artist talks and Q&As, a live DJ, and delicious beer.
When: July 18, 2025 – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 4 Hands Brewing Co., 1220 S. 8th Street, St. Louis

Reserve Spot

This initiative is part of 4 Hands Brewing Co.’s City Wide mission, where one dollar from every case of City Wide beer sold supports St. Louis non-profits. In 2025, 4 Hands selected the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis as one of four quarterly beneficiaries. Since launching the initiative in 2016, 4 Hands has partnered with 35 nonprofit organizations and given back over $375,000 to the local community.