Camp Tannery Arts

Camp Tannery Arts offers small classes where students work with experienced artists in hands-on art disciplines such as painting, mixed media art, abstract painting, mural art, faux finishes, recycle and upcycle fabric art, upcycle sewing, pottery, linoprint, printmaking, caricature, portrait art, spoken word, and mixed media art. Camp activities also include umbrella painting workshops, tinikling workshops, Senegalese and West African dance, Moroccan music, African drumming, studio tours, and an art exhibit for families at the end of camp.

• Ages: 7–15 years old
• Schedule: June 15–19, 2026, one full-day session from 10am to 4pm
• Price: The price is $500 per student, with a 10% registration discount for siblings of current students and returners.

Camp Tannery Arts began in 2009 and this is the 15th year of the camp. Each camp session is described as unique and packed with artists from the Santa Cruz Tannery community, and each session features different artists. Camp Tannery Arts is described as a small camp that maintains an excellent student-teacher ratio, and artists open their studios and homes to young artists.

The leadership team includes founder and teacher Linda Cover, co-director Eva Johnstone, and co-director Daniel Johnstone. Linda Cover has worked with students throughout Santa Cruz County as a SPECTRA artist for over 10 years and has directed several art and nature based camps for summer students. Eva Johnstone has over 12 years of teaching experience and has worked with students across the US, China, and Thailand. Daniel Johnstone works full-time for a chain of tutoring centers designing curriculum to teach students how to code. Ibou Ngom is a SPECTRA artist who was born into a Griot family of traditional musicians in Senegal, West Africa, and has worked with and performed for elementary through university schools.

The camp’s mission states that Camp Tannery Arts connects students and artists, with small classes working together with experienced artists to explore a wide variety of hands-on art disciplines. According to the mission, students take away a deeper understanding of the many kinds of art in the world and get to know artists who share their inspirations and skills that give voice to thoughts and enrich lives.

Camp Tannery Arts was voted the Good Times best kids art program in Santa Cruz County. Good Times is described as Santa Cruz County’s most comprehensive guide to events and a trusted source for news, food, culture, and information about Santa Cruz.

Camp is held outside as much as possible, with occasional moves indoors for a studio tour or due to inclement weather. Parents are asked to make sure that their child has plenty of sunscreen and weather- and art-appropriate clothing because some projects are messy and it can be chilly in the mornings. The camp usually provides a light, nut-free snack, but students are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water, and if a child is staying for both sessions they should bring a lunch. Sharing food is not allowed due to dietary restrictions of some campers, and parents are asked to note any food allergies on the camp registration form and notify a camp counselor of any medical equipment the child may need in an emergency situation, such as an epi pen. The camp is not responsible for any lost or damaged property, keeps a lost and found, and does not keep items longer than one week after the end of camp.

Last updated March 12, 2026.