Lake Champlain Summer Arts Institute

The 2024 Lake Champlain Summer Arts Institute, held from July 8th to 11th at Clinton Community College, brought together talented students aged 12-17 for a series of fun and engaging workshops. These unique sessions made for an unforgettable creative experience.

During the four-day event, students enjoyed hands-on sessions with professional artists. Dennon Walantus, Adirondack artist and former Artist in Residence at Adirondack Interpretive Center, shared his techniques and experience while encouraging students to capture the beauty of the outdoors using Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont as inspiration, as well as the moody and stormy atmosphere of the week’s weather.

Patricia Downs, a native of Plattsburgh, graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and skilled fiber artist and sculptor, introduced participants to the exciting world of abstract relief sculpture. Students learned how to create an armature to support their 3-D creation using a variety of medium.

The program wrapped up with an art show where students proudly displayed their hard work for family, friends, and the campus community. The event was a great success, highlighting the creativity and dedication of these young artists and was followed by the students enjoying ice cream sundaes on a warm summer afternoon.

“The primary goal of the Summer Arts Institute has always been to open the world of art and creativity to area youth,” stated Vice President for Academic Affairs Carey Goyette.  The Lake Champlain Summer Arts Institute nurtures young talent and provides unique opportunities to learn and create. This year's event showcased the incredible potential of our community's youth.

“It’s amazing to see the progress of their work over the week and how incredibly talented these burgeoning artists are,” said Goyette. “Clinton is thrilled to be a part of their artistic journey and creating core experiences and memories.”

(Some of our 2024 participants & Instructor)

Have fun with arts at Clinton!