The Society hosts 14th Summer Illustration Art Academy 2024 in collaboration with NYC Parks
From July 15-19, 2024, the Summer Illustration Art Academy brought together young artists from Williams Bridge Oval Recreation Center for a one week art camp. This free program, run in collaboration with NYC Parks, offered students the opportunity to learn from five professional illustrators and comic artists, while exploring different parts of the city.
We kicked off the week with a visit to Roosevelt Island, where illustrator Yinfan Huang led the students in sketching outdoor scenes. Yinfan’s playful comics style inspired the students to experiment with linework and color, capturing the island’s unique blend of nature and cityscape.
On Day 2, we met Diana Schoenbrun at the NYC Aquarium, where students observed and illustrated marine life. Diana’s expertise in storytelling and illustration guided the group as they created dynamic drawings of sea creatures, exploring texture and movement in their artwork.
At the American Museum of Natural History on Day 3, illustrator Chad Wallace helped the students bring the museum’s exhibits to life. They learned how to bring realism into their work, studying everything from fossils to dioramas while refining their observational drawing skills.
Shinyeon Moon introduced the students to photo reference at Fotografiska. Day 4 was all about exploring how visuals can tell a story. Shinyeon challenged the group to merge photography techniques with their drawings, pushing their creative boundaries in exciting new directions.
We wrapped up the week at Materials for the Arts, where students used recycled and upcycled materials to create mixed-media pieces. This hands-on session taught them about sustainability in art, giving them a new perspective on using everyday materials to create unique works.
The Summer Illustration Art Academy is more than just an art program; it’s a journey through some of New York’s most inspiring locations, all while learning from incredible artists. With all art supplies, t-shirts, food, and transportation provided, this completely free program ensures that creativity is accessible to all.
A special thank you to our partner, NYC Parks, and our sponsors, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, Coyne Family Foundation, Charles Addams Foundation, BLICK Art Materials, and Upstate Merch, for making this program possible. We can’t wait to see what next year’s academy brings!
Thank you to our generous supporters!
