The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program is a hands-on volunteer opportunity for middle and high school students interested in working with children, developing leadership skills, and gaining experience in an art education setting. CITs assist with camp activities, classroom organization, material setup and cleanup, and supporting younger artists throughout the day.

This program is free to participate, with a $20 supply fee to help cover materials and administrative costs.

Emma’s Art Studio is happy to sign Student Service Learning (SSL) forms for MCPS schools. Please note that while MCPS lists educational organizations as eligible volunteer sites, approval of SSL hours is ultimately determined by each individual school, and acceptance of hours cannot be guaranteed.

This program is best suited for responsible, motivated students who enjoy working with children and are eager to learn in a creative, collaborative environment.

Deco Arts Camp is a week-long fine arts experience rooted in the creative spirit and thoughtful craftsmanship that defined our original Glen Echo Park program—now reimagined in our new studio space in downtown Bethesda. Young artists explore a rich mix of classic and contemporary art-making techniques, including silkscreen printing, marbleized paper, fossil casting, terra cotta sculpture, and tempera painting on real canvas.

Each day balances structured, skill-based lessons in color, shape, line, and texture with ample time for creative exploration and self-expression. Returning campers are offered new challenges and alternative projects that build on prior experience, allowing them to deepen skills and expand ideas.

Join us for a week of imagination, fine art, and joyful making at Deco Arts Camp—where tradition, creativity, and craft come together in every brushstroke.

Designed for motivated teen artists, this portfolio development camp emphasizes observational drawing, composition, and concept development. Students will receive individualized guidance as they create finished, portfolio-quality pieces in a supportive studio environment.

Our summer camp aftercare program runs daily from 3:00–6:00 PM and offers a relaxed, comfortable extension of the camp day. Children enjoy free-play time with toys, games, board games, and open-ended art materials, allowing them to unwind and choose how they spend their afternoon. The final hour of aftercare is dedicated to quiet reading time, helping campers transition into a calm end-of-day routine. On Fridays, students enjoy an age-appropriate movie beginning at 3:30 PM. A great option for families needing flexible pick-up while keeping kids engaged in a warm, supervised environment.

Join Emma Stevenson Cowan for a relaxed and inspiring Open Studio experience at Emma’s Art Studio in downtown Bethesda. This is your time to slow down, explore, and create in a welcoming, thoughtfully designed space.

A curated selection of high-quality materials will be available, including acrylic paints, watercolors, and collage supplies. Whether you’re continuing a personal project or starting something new, Emma will be there to offer guidance, encouragement, and artistic insight as needed—without the pressure of a structured class.

Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this open-format session invites you to make art at your own pace in a calm, creative community setting.

Come make art, experiment, and reconnect with your creative practice.

Ages 18+

All DIGITAL camera types are welcome, including cell phone cameras.

This workshop introduces photography as a mindful, reflective practice. Rather than focusing on technical perfection, participants are guided to slow down, observe deeply, and create images rooted in presence and personal meaning. Through simple exercises and prompts, you'll explore light, texture, and emotion while reconnecting with the joy of seeing. Based on the Look Again methodology in which Melissa is certified. Students will leave with printed photos.

(Learn more about guest instructor Melissa)

Enjoy an evening out while your young artist dives into three hours of creative fun! Parents' Night Out - held on the last Saturday of each month - offers a relaxed but thoughtfully guided creative environment where children can explore high-quality art materials, experiment with new techniques, and create at their own pace. Instead of following a single step-by-step project, students choose from a curated selection of drawing materials, paint, collage supplies, sculptural media, art books, and creative tools that spark curiosity and imagination.

An experienced art educator is always present to offer demonstrations, encouragement, and guidance when needed—helping children build confidence while still allowing the freedom that makes open studio time so special. This program is ideal for curious, creative kids who enjoy independence, experimentation, and making art their own way.

Alatri Bros will be providing cheese pizza for the group. Please let us know in advance if your child has any food allergies or dietary restrictions. You are also welcome to send your child with their own nut-free dinner if preferred.

While your child enjoys a fun, screen-free evening of art, parents can take advantage of Bethesda’s vibrant restaurant scene just steps from the studio. Nearby favorites include:

• Gringos & Mariachis – A lively spot for tacos, tequila, and margaritas.
• Bethesda Tavern & Beer Garden – Cozy and casual, with great pub fare and local drafts.
• Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant – A warm, inviting place serving authentic Ukrainian comfort food.
• Mussel Bar & Grille Bethesda – Belgian-inspired classics, wood-fired pizzas, and great cocktails.
• And so many more!

Take time for yourself — we’ll take care of the fun!

The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program is a hands-on volunteer opportunity for middle and high school students interested in working with children, developing leadership skills, and gaining experience in an art education setting. CITs assist with camp activities, classroom organization, material setup and cleanup, and supporting younger artists throughout the day.

This program is free to participate, with a $20 supply fee to help cover materials and administrative costs.

Emma’s Art Studio is happy to sign Student Service Learning (SSL) forms for MCPS schools. Please note that while MCPS lists educational organizations as eligible volunteer sites, approval of SSL hours is ultimately determined by each individual school, and acceptance of hours cannot be guaranteed.

This program is best suited for responsible, motivated students who enjoy working with children and are eager to learn in a creative, collaborative environment.