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A focused five-day studio week for teens in Lake Charles that teaches pyrography, press-free printmaking, and painting. Students finish with a public exhibit—perfect for teens ready to sharpen skills and build a portfolio.
A focused five-day studio week for teens in Lake Charles that teaches pyrography, press-free printmaking, and painting. Students finish with a public exhibit—perfect for teens ready to sharpen skills and build a portfolio.
Book with Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Imperial Calcasieu Museum · Lake Charles, Louisiana
Branch Out: Masterpiece Mashup: Teen Studio Week places serious creative training in the hands of motivated teens in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Set in the museum’s bright studio space, this five-day camp (half-day and full-day options) is aimed at 13–18 year olds ready to refine technique and develop a personal voice. Instructors are professional artists who guide focused projects in pyrography (wood burning), press-free printmaking, and layered painting, finishing the week with a public Branch Out Art Camp Show where students hang and talk about their pieces.
What makes the program special is its balance of craft and concept. Sessions move beyond “make-and-take” crafts into toolbox skills: controlled heat and burn patterns for wood panels, registration and texture tricks for printmaking without a press, color mixing and compositional exercises for painting. The studio itself is a practical feature — sturdy worktables, easels, dedicated ventilation for pyrography, and a gallery wall for critique and display — that mirrors a working artist’s practice rather than a schoolroom exercise.
The setting in Lake Charles places the camp within a Gulf Coast arts community with Creole and Cajun visual influences, where local color and coastal light offer informal source material for young makers. Key features of the week include hands-on demos, daily technique drills, peer critiques, and a formal exhibit (July 30–August 8) that gives students real-world experience in presentation and audience feedback. Materials and safety protocols are emphasized: instructors maintain small class sizes (maximum 18) to keep close supervision during wood burning and printmaking processes.
Families appreciate the program’s clarity: clear age limits (13–18), professional teachers, and options to choose half or full days to fit summer schedules. Practical benefits include a measurable skills lift—students leave with portable portfolio pieces and a sense of how to carry an idea from concept to finished object, and the confidence of showing work in a museum-style setting.
If you’re planning a creative summer stop in Lake Charles, this camp is an efficient, skill-focused week that pairs technical lessons with creative exploration. It’s ideal for teens who already sketch, paint, or tinker with materials and want structured instruction and critique. Register early during Priority Registration in March to lock in lower tuition and secure a spot; class sizes are intentionally small to preserve hands-on guidance.
On the practical side, families should note drop-off and pick-up through the museum’s side entrance. Priority registration in March guarantees member pricing and an early camp shirt. Students should bring a reusable water bottle, a sketchbook, and clothing that can tolerate paint or light scorch marks. The camp’s exhibit window gives friends and family a chance to see finished work in a real gallery setting, closing the week with public recognition and applause.
Camp is for students ages 13–18; no exceptions.
The camp provides core materials for projects; students should bring a sketchbook and a refillable water bottle.
Yes — both half-day and full-day options are available during the week.
Classes are capped at 18 students to ensure close supervision and individualized feedback.
Instructors follow strict safety protocols and provide ventilation; close supervision and safety training are part of the curriculum.
The Branch Out Art Camp Show runs July 30–August 8; students display work and invite family and friends.
Imperial Calcasieu Museum, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and creative traditions of Southwest Louisiana. The museum presents rotating exhibits, community programs, and special events that highlight local heritage and visual arts. Programming ranges from family-focused experiences to seasonal public events staged under the museum’s historic Sallier Oak, a landmark setting that connects visitors with regional stories. The museum’s events include signature experiences such as Lighting of the Oak: SPIRITS, held on October 23. That evening combines storytelling by local historian Adley Cormier, immersive performances by roaming interpreters, and support for the museum’s nonprofit mission. Another public offering is the Kidz Birthday Party program, which provides a guided painting session, a curated museum tour, and free playtime, with cleanup handled by staff to simplify planning for families. These programs are designed to engage children and adults with hands-on art-making and local history. Imperial Calcasieu Museum partners with regional artists, historians, and community organizations to maintain programming that is both educational and welcoming. The museum’s nonprofit status and reliance on community support underscore a commitment to access and preservation. Visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences in Lake Charles will find museum events that prioritize storytelling, creative participation, and the unique traditions of Southwest Louisiana. As a civic resource in Lake Charles, the museum maintains regular hours, hosts community-driven exhibitions, and documents regional stories through collections, educational outreach, and event programming that reflect local identity and support cultural tourism in Southwest Louisiana.
Book with Imperial Calcasieu Museum