The annual Banana Factory Art Camp was filled to capacity this summer. Every age group from age four to high school was sold out for the full eight weeks. The camp offered full-day and half-day sessions, as well as before and after camp care. Ages 4-6 and 7-9 groups were the most popular. To accommodate more campers, additional classes were added in July. Student to teacher ratio is 1:12. Additional aides are in classrooms as needed. Four hundred students attended overall, with as many as 80 students in attendance per day.

Three floors of the Banana Factory were in use for classrooms, including some of the artists’ studios.

New building construction starts fall 2025. Camp will still happen at alternative sites.

Camp Director and Manager of Visual Arts Elena Ostock was brainstorming themes when she realized she wanted a different approach for this year’s camp. “In prior years we always had themed, project-based work. This year we are focusing less on projects and more on the artistic process.” The young artists were able to work in different media, including pottery, watercolors and glass art. Campers could work in up to four different areas daily.

“Ceramics and glass art are things most people are not able to do at home,” noted Senior Director of Arts and Education Lisa Harms.

New this year was a Sensory Room. The Banana Factory commissioned artist Mallory Zondag to create soft felt sculptures for the room. The Sensory Room is available anytime the Banana Factory is open for kids who need a break.

In the fall of 2025, the Banana Factory will be under construction. Additional space for classrooms and studio spaces for artists will be added in the new building. Camp will still happen, but at other sites in the city.

ArtsQuest members receive a discount on camp fees, and financial aid is also available. For more information visit Artsquest.org.