Art has a powerful capacity to illustrate narratives and perspectives. Due to the expressive nature of art, artists are often activists who build their artistic output for a cause near and dear to their hearts. From fighting for AIDS awareness, to protesting government censorship, artists have been at the forefront of activist movements throughout time.

In this camp students will build their own canvas and create an original protest painting. Students will prepare for this endeavor by learning about the life and history of protest artists such as Kehinde Wiley, Zanele Muholi, Banksy, The Guerilla Girls, Marcel Duchamp,  Artemisia Gentileschi, and Judy Chicago. Participants will also learn about protest art through music and the written word.

We recognize the serious and sensitive nature of some artist’s works and have built a curriculum that is age appropriate. All materials and safety equipment will be provided.

Class Details

Date: June 13-16, 2022

Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm

(youth enrolled in both morning and afternoon sessions may bring a lunch and stay with us from 12:30-1:30pm)

Cost: $225*

Who: Middle School youth

*A Dapper Hammer scholarship fund is available to LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC youth. We also offer a sliding fee scale. Please contact us to inquire about our financial support options.

Adults

Please complete a waiver upon arrival on the first day and plan to return 15 mins before the end of camp each day. 

Covid Safety

Camps are held at The Dapper Hammer Workshop, which is a large, open, well ventilated space. As of May 1, 2022, The Dapper Hammer has moved to a mask optional policy. .

What To Bring:

• Upon arrival, please complete a waiver for your youth before camp begins
• Please wear closed-toed shoes
• Avoid wearing clothing with long ties (ie no hoodie strings)
• Any long hair should be tied/clipped back
• Sanitized eye and ear protection will be provided
• Please bring a water bottle and light snack

About the Instructors:

Kim Shaw (she/hers) is an educator, illustrator, and working art maker with an emphasis in painting and the practice of expressive art therapy. Kim currently teaches at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Education for the Arts, and is on the faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. The focus of Kim’s work in education and therapeutic practice is to grow individual and community enrichment through creative process, active art-making, and human experience. Her goal is to encourage students to follow curiosity, cultivate emotional resilience, foster self-esteem, and nurture wonder. Kim has a great love for Lake Michigan, twinkle lights, tap dancing, nachos, and collaborative art endeavors.

Dell Darnell (they/them) is the founder of The Dapper Hammer and is a carpenter, contractor, and woodworking educator. Dell started The Dapper Hammer in 2019 to chase a dream…a dream of supporting the community with their hands, helping families in need, building beautiful things, and sharing their passion of teaching people who are not traditionally represented in the trades including women, trans, & non-binary folks. Dell loves the energy & empowerment that comes from a space designed for inclusivity & diversity. When they aren’t swinging a hammer, Dell provides facilitated trainings, keynote speeches, and customized workshops as a Certified Transgender 101 Facilitator and serves on the Board of Directors for both Equality Michigan and Radicle. Dell loves Jeeps, vintage motorcycles, campfires with friends, and being Kim Shaw’s fiancé.