create with us this summer
We offer evening and weekend classes year-round for a variety of age ranges. Join us for hands-on fun in Visual Art, Film & Digital Media, Family Music, Teen Night, Dungeons & Dragons, and more!
Most of our classes take place at the Tigermen Den in the Bywater. You’ll also find our D&D campaigns at Z’otz Café (Oak St.), Go 4 Games (Metairie), and Mojo Coffee House (Magazine St.).
SCHOLARSHIPS & SLIDING SCALE:
RISING ARTISTS PROGRAM: We offer full and partial scholarships based on merit and financial need. Priority is given to students with the highest financial need. APPLY HERE
SLIDING SCALE: If you don’t qualify for a scholarship but still need support, we offer 10–25% off tuition. Use code SLIDING10% or SLIDING25% at checkout.
InFO & IMPORTANT POLICIES
CLICK to learn about our behavior expectations, refund policy, daily schedule and class structure, electronics, substitutes, photo release, dogs and more.
UPCOMING - FALL SEMESTER AFTER SCHOOL:
Classes run from August - December, meeting once a week for 90 minutes
Ages 5-15. Class size 5 - 10 students. Cost $30/session, all supplies included
Registration opens June 6
REGISTER for summer classes:
To register, click on the class links below. If you have trouble registering through Coursestorm, email info@artcamp504.org to pay through alternate electronic payment methods.
Scroll down to the next section to view class descriptions, photos and teacher bios.
MONDAY:
Film Club | Ages 10 - 14 | 5:15 - 6:45 | SESSION ONE: June 2 - 23, SESSION TWO: July 7 - Aug 4 | Tigermen Den | Mr. Fin
TUESDAY:
Sketch Squad: Drawing Beyond the Line | Ages 8 - 11 | 5:15 - 6:45 | SESSION ONE: June 3 - 24 | SESSION TWO: July 8 - Aug 5 | Tigermen Den | Mr. Fin
Dungeons & Dragons | Ages 10 - 14 | 5:15 - 6:45 | July 8 - 29 | 4 Sessions | Tigermen Den | Riley Trahant
WEDNESDAY:
Dungeons & Dragons | Ages 10 - 14 | 5:30 - 7:00 | July 9 - 30 | 4 Sessions | Z’otz on Oak | Sasha Kruger
THURSDAY:
Dungeons & Dragons | Ages 9 - 13 | 5:30 - 7:00 | July 10 - 31 | 4 Sessions | Z’otz on Oak | Sasha Kruger
friday:
SATURDAY:
Dungeons & Dragons | Ages 10 - 14 | 1:00 - 2:30 | SESSION ONE: May 24 - June 21, SESSION TWO: July 5 - Aug 2 | Go 4 Games | Adam Ledet
Family Music | Ages 0 - 4 | 9:30 - 10:00am | May 31 - June 21 | 4 Sessions | Chris Sheard
Teen Night | Ages 12 - 17 | 5:00 - 8:00 | SESSION ONE: June 7 - July 5 | SESSION TWO: July 12 - Aug 9 | Tigermen Den | Jane Talton (Drop in available)
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
Mixed Media Visual Arts Studio
This class is for students who want to build their visual art skills over a variety of mediums. Students will work with ArtCamp504 teachers over the course of the semester exploring illustration, painting fundamentals using acrylic and watercolor, mixed media collage, design using repurposed and recycled materials, and sculpting using polymer and air dry clays. Students receive weekly creative assignments to complete at home and bring in to share with the class. Our goal is to foster a love of art and creativity in our youngest campers! This is a small group class and we will take feedback from students, designing projects based around student interest.
MEET THE TEACHER:
LEAH DOOLING (she/her) is a local sculptor, painter, and digital artist. Find her work in various galleries and coffee shops around New Orleans. She has completed formal training under Pixar animators in 3d design and modeling, and has worked as a full time artist for the past 5 years. She is so excited to be with Art Camp 504 for a third semester teaching Visual Art Studio. Insects, amphibians, and gastropods are her main interests and points of study, and can be seen expressed in her artwork.
FINE ART DRAWING & PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
This class is for young artists who are interested in developing a portfolio and furthering skills in observational drawing. Students will begin with simple still lives and self portraits in black and white. We will begin with contour drawing and shading to successfully render form and eventually move on to colored pencil with a focus on color theory. Students will take home and draw in their own personal sketchbooks to develop a regular drawing practice. This class will aim to teach the patience and discipline it takes to start and finish a well rounded drawing. We work with each student to assist in documentation and help them gain confidence in their art skills. By the end of the semester students will have several completed pieces that they can use in their portfolio!
MEET THE TEACHER:
BLAIR PRICE (she/her) is a New Orleans native interior designer, freelance artist, and NOCCA alum. She earned her BA in Graphic Design from Loyola University New Orleans, before moving on to an AA in Interior Design, and Kitchen and Bath Design, at Delgado. She has spent the last decade cultivating her skills in the decorative arts, working under several notable designers and artists in the city, before opening her own residential design firm in 2020. Blair has also traveled twice to Reggio Emilia, Italy, to attend the Reggio Children's conference, where she observed children who were given the instruction that they needed to learn and discover holistically through art. She believes that students must be able to see themselves as unique contributors to our culture and society. Visit Blair’s website!
FILM club
Lights, camera, action! In this class, you'll dive into the world of filmmaking—from old-school Hollywood legends to today’s indie flicks and global hits. We’ll break down epic movie scenes, figure out what makes them unforgettable, and then use that magic to create our own films. You’ll get to experiment with scriptwriting, storyboarding, cinematography, production design, and acting. Chose to team up with friends or work on your own project! We encourage students to work on their films between sessions, bringing in new content to share each week. We’ll also get hands-on with apps like Capcut, Procreate, Stop Motion Studio and Canva. Whether you're into deep stories, hilarious sketches, or artsy edits, this class is your chance to bring your vision to life. Check out our students’ films on our YouTube Channel!
MEET THE TEACHER:
FINLEY JANES (he/they) is a filmmaker and musician and has been teaching creative filmmaking for 10 years. He is originally from Gloucester, Ma. Before he moved to New Orleans he was the Director of a film program for elementary school students called See-Hear-Feel-Film. He was lucky to be able to teach and make art with students in the program for four years! He makes both fiction and non-fiction movies but his favorite genre to make is fantasy! He lives in the Bywater with his gentle old dog, Mama, and a cat named Ding. He is currently making his first full-length movie!
The Culinary Gypsy with Chef Vivian Ray
We’re thrilled to welcome The Culinary Gypsy, Dr. Vivian Ray, for an intimate adult cooking class series celebrating the bold and soulful flavors of New Orleans—kids ages 10+ are welcome to join with a parent! With over 30 years of experience in the food-service industry and educational leadership, Dr. Ray brings passion, precision, and storytelling to the kitchen. In this small-group experience (limited to just 10 participants per session), you’ll learn to prepare iconic dishes like Andouille Sausage Gumbo, Blackened Catfish with Creole Sauce, Shrimp Remoulade, NOLA Bread Pudding, and more. Sign up for one class or the full series—every session ends with a shared meal, giving you a chance to taste your creations, make new friends, and enjoy a warm, social atmosphere. Come hungry, leave inspired and ready to cook your own next delicious meal! Visit Chef Vivian’s website to learn more!
MEET THE TEACHER:
Dr. Vivian Ray is a highly trained chef and educator with more than 30 years of experience in the food-service industry and educational leadership. Her expertise is in Culinary Education, Nutritional education, as an Executive Chef, Contract Food Service Management, Catering and Event Planning. Dr. Ray has provided results as the Director of the Miami Dade Culinary Institute, the Founding Director of the Livingstone College Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts program, University Central Florida and Purdue University as Food and Beverage Instructor. She has an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida, a M.S. in Food and Nutritional Sciences from North Carolina A&T University, a B.S. in Restaurant Management from Alcorn State University, and an A.S. in Culinary Arts from Delgado Community College. Additionally, Dr. Ray Completed a three-year ACF apprenticeship program in New Orleans where she learned Creole and Cajun cooking at Commander Palace, Hyatt Regency Hotel, and Key Largo’s Restaurant to name a few. She has worked internationally – studying French cooking at La Varenne Cooking School in Paris, France and opening the New Orleans Jazz Café in London, England. Professional affiliations are with National Restaurant Association, American Culinary Federation, ICHRIE and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
SKETCH SQUAD: drawing Beyond the line
This introductory class is designed for young artists that want to explore and build their technical drawing skills. The curriculum explores fine art techniques such as line work, perspective, shading, and composition. Students will develop their observational skills and artistic vocabulary, from line and form to understanding light, shadow and color theory. We explore a variety of mediums including graphite, charcoal, oil pastels, watercolor paint and ink. With a focus on fostering creativity and confidence, this class provides a supportive environment where each child can discover their unique artistic voice and cultivate a lifelong passion for drawing.
MEET THE TEACHER:
FINLEY JANES (he/they) is a filmmaker, artist and musician with over 10 years of teaching experience. He is originally from Gloucester, Ma. Before he moved to New Orleans he was the Director of a film program for elementary school students called See-Hear-Feel-Film. He was lucky to be able to teach and make art with students in the program for four years! He makes both fiction and non-fiction movies but his favorite genre to make is fantasy! Finley has been lead teaching a variety of art classes with Art Camp 504 since 2023. He lives in the Bywater with his gentle old dog, Mama, and a cat named Ding. He is currently making his first full-length movie!
Imagination nation - creative writing & illustration
In this dynamic Creative Writing and Illustration class, young minds embark on an exhilarating journey of exploration and invention. Craft your very own planet, complete with unique cultures, landscapes, histories and ethos. The class culminates in a session akin to a Model UN, where students proudly showcase their planets, exchange ideas, vote, laugh and dream together. Ms. Jane leads the students through engaging writing exercises and lively discussions, helping students bring their planets to life. Students learn how to give and receive constructive feedback, communicate their ideas effectively, and build oral presentation skills. We are an inclusive community for wildly creative kids, where ideas pop like popcorn and participants cultivate lasting friendships with peers who share their passions. Join us as we embark on an adventure where every idea is valued, every story is celebrated, and every dream becomes a reality.
MEET THE TEACHER:
JANE TALTON (she/her) is a Bywater resident and neighbor of the Tigermen Den. Her imagery is loved by many and reflects much of what it means to live in the Bywater: a place where tongue and cheek humor, theatrics, fine art, rich patterns and fanciful creatures fit right in to the parlors, parades, unexpected pairings and imaginations of those who live here. Jane graduated from the Maryland Institute, College of Art in 1999 with a degree in Illustration. Jane has worked in many creative niches including; caricature art, book illustration, mural painting, portraiture and she has been a featured artist on the Travel Channel and ABC. Her work has shown in several New Orleans galleries as well as the CAC and Jazz and Heritage Museum. Although still a dedicated painter, she has fallen in love with teaching as it has allowed her to share a passion for art with young artists. Check out Jane’s work!
TEEN COMEDY CLUB
Get ready to think fast, crack jokes, and bring the laughs! Art Camp 504’s Teen Comedy Club is a high-energy, interactive class where young performers can explore the world of stand-up and improv comedy. This class is a partnership with the New Orleans School of Comedy Arts. Whether they’re natural jokesters or just curious about trying something new, this class is designed to help students build confidence, sharpen their wit, and find their unique comedic voice—no experience required!
All students need to bring is an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a notebook to capture their inevitable strokes of comedic genius. Through engaging exercises, students will learn the essentials of joke writing, comedic timing, improvisation, and stage presence—all while having an absolute blast! By the end of the course, they’ll leave with a solid grasp of comedy fundamentals and the confidence to apply humor in any creative field—whether it's acting, writing, public speaking, or just making their friends laugh.
MEET THE TEACHER:
Mary Jacobs is a local comedian and Improv educator from New Orleans, Louisiana. She’s trained and taught across America, including and education from infamous Second City in Chicago. Her passion for educating youth in the comedic arts is no joke and believes comedy can connect us to our humanity and community in a deep (and silly) way. In addition to her experience as an educator she can be found across stages in New Orleans as a comedian, host, and MC. She is so looking forward to the opportunity to foster the next generation of jesters here in New Orleans. Mary currently works with Big Couch Nola - a creative incubator that produces standup & sketch comedy, theater productions, drag, film, music and more!
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
Open to new and advanced players. Dungeons and Dragons presents endless possibilities and allows you to roleplay as a hero in your own story. Players work together as a team to decide how to respond to problems and solve them. D&D is not only fun-- it's a group social activity that teaches teamwork, cooperation, storytelling, problem-solving, and even math. D&D has become one of our most popular classes, we are so excited to introduce a new generation to this timeless and unique game!
MEET THE DUNGEON MASTERS:
SASHA RIVERA KRUGER (she/ her) is a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature and a dual minor in Chinese and Asian Studies. Her journey with teaching began in 2008 when she embarked on a volunteering abroad program to teach English in Zhongshan, China. This shaped her understanding of the importance of inclusive communication, and drove her passion for helping her students embrace the challenges of honest self expression, no matter the language. Her love for collaborative storytelling brought her to the world of TableTop Role Playing games, what started as a desire to spend more time playing with her son has turned into an essential part of her career. When not running her own campaigns, she is preparing to attend various conventions where she runs D&D games and assists vending artists, most recently New York Comicon, Jordancon, Cyphacon, Pax Unplugged and Fanexpo New Orleans.
ADAM LEDET (he/him) is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology's Interactive Media and Game Design program with a bachelor's degree in Game Design and Development. He has professional experience in the video gaming industry as a Game Designer for companies including Second Avenue Learning, where he helped to publish a mobile game; Blizzard Entertainment, where he interned with Hearthstone's Mission Design team; and Noxcrew, where he aided in the design and development of the Minecraft server "MCC Island." Adam is happy to be in his third year participating with Art Camp 504. Adam is a pianist, singer, and thespian who loves to evoke emotions in others through his crafts. Adam's love for Dungeons and Dragons has colored his life, and he is excited to guide new players through the TableTop Role-Playing experience! For more information on Adam, you can visit his Linkedin profile or his website.
DANE SCHINDLER (he/him) is a native New Orleanian with over a decade of experience as an Adapted Physical Education (A.P.E.) teacher, and over two decades as a seasoned musician. He has dedicated his career to helping students of all abilities thrive through movement and play. He has performed with many stage bands and marching bands across the New Orleans' music scene, and has gone on tours across the country and even abroad. As a lover of games and being creative, Dane particularly enjoys the collaborative and imaginative aspects of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. He is passionate about fostering a welcoming space for shared gameplay, where creativity and camaraderie can flourish. The sense of belonging and connection that games create among friends is what it’s all about!
RILEY TRAHANT (they/she) is a local chameleon. They graduated Loyola New Orleans with a double major and honors in Theatre and Latin American Studies. Riley specializes in stage management and is skilled in other areas of theatre. They started regularly playing D&D at D4 Cafe the year before it closed. When not running around a theater, Riley continues as a player and DM (with a focus on home brewing). They are also bilingual (English, Spanish), a singer, an avid baker, trained in Muay Thai, and love reading and writing. Riley is grateful for everyone who has shown them magic in their life, so they are very excited to join Art Camp 504 and share the world of magic and adventure with young gamers!”
VIRTUAL - INTRO TO PROCREATE, DIGITAL DRAWING
SUNDAYS: Ages 8 - 12, 10:00 - 11:00am, Virtual on Google Meet
Are you ready to dive into the world of digital art and unleash your creativity? Join us for an exciting and fun-filled Procreate Class led by the talented artist Akshita Monga. This class is designed especially for young learners who are eager to explore the endless possibilities of creating art on their iPads. Procreate is a powerful and user-friendly digital drawing app available on the iPad. It offers a wide range of tools and features that allow artists of all levels to create stunning artworks, from simple sketches to detailed illustrations. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this class will help you enhance your skills and unlock your creative potential. We can't wait to see what amazing artworks are created with Procreate!
What Will You Learn?
Getting Started: Introduction to the Procreate interface and basic tools.
Drawing Basics: How to use brushes, colors, and layers.
Creating Your First Artwork: Step-by-step guidance to complete your first digital masterpiece.
Advanced Techniques: Tips and tricks for adding depth, texture, and special effects.
Project Showcase: Share your creations and receive feedback from Akshita and your peers.
Why Join This Class?
Interactive Learning: Engage in live demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and interactive exercises.
Creative Freedom: Explore different styles and techniques to find your unique artistic voice.
Supportive Community: Connect with fellow young artists and be inspired by each other's work.
Expert Guidance: Learn from a professional artist who understands how to nurture young talent.
Materials Needed: iPad with Procreate installed, Apple Pencil or a stylus, Enthusiasm and imagination!
About Your Instructor: Akshita Monga
Akshita Monga is a distinguished artist with over a decade of experience in creating captivating works of art across various mediums, including oil, charcoal, and digital art. A graduate of the renowned Barcelona Academy of Art, Akshita has honed her skills and developed a unique artistic voice that resonates through her diverse portfolio. Her education at the Barcelona Academy of Art, known for its classical training and emphasis on technical excellence, provided her with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of drawing and painting. This background is evident in the meticulous attention to detail and refined craftsmanship that characterize her work. Akshita’s artistry spans a broad spectrum of subjects, from evocative still life compositions to dynamic figurative pieces and innovative digital creations. In her charcoal works, Akshita excels in creating depth and contrast, bringing her subjects to life with striking realism and emotional intensity. Her digital art showcases her versatility and adaptability, merging traditional techniques with contemporary technology to produce visually stunning and conceptually intriguing pieces. Visit Akshita’s website!
