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 3 day summer camp experience (1:30pm – 5pm) students will build their own wooden canvas stretchers, stretch 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, 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 28-30, 2021
Time: 1:30pm – 5:00pm 
Cost: $165*
Who: Middle School & High School youth

*A Dapper Hammer scholarship fund is available to young women, LGBTQIA+ youth, & Black, Indigenous, and People of Color for Dapper Hammer classes, lessons, and workshops. Please contact us to request scholarship funds.

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

Safety
Camps are held at The Dapper Hammer Workshop, which is a large, open, well ventilated space. All adults and youth are asked to wear a mask at all times. 

Additional notes:

• 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

About the Instructors:

Kim Shaw (she/hers) is an art educator, illustrator and working art maker with an emphasis in painting and the practice of expressive art therapy. Kim is on the visual arts faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and is the former Arts Director of the Kazoo School in Kalamazoo. She stepped away from the school in response to Covid 2020 in order to create her own virtual and Covid-safe outdoor art programming to better support individuals of all ages in deepening their connection to the art world. 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 people. Dell loves the energy & empowerment that comes from a space designed for inclusivity & diversity – especially when it’s about a niche that has historically been exclusive to so many of us. Dell loves Jeeps, vintage motorcycles, campfires with friends, and being Kim Shaw’s fiancé.