Staff photos / R. Michael Semple Gwen Arther, 13, of Hubbard, left, works with Summer Art Camp teacher Joy Christiansen Erb of Poland, professor and chair of the Youngstown State University Department of Art, on Monday while creating a design to make a cyanotype print using a UV light box and light sensitive paper. The camp is taking place through Friday at Bliss Hall at YSU for high school students.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown State University Department of Art is hosting its annual Summer Art Camp this week for high school students ages 13 to 18 for a week of studio instruction, creative exploration and professional feedback.

Taking place in Bliss Hall on the YSU campus, the camp runs daily 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is structured as a workshop-style experience rather than a traditional classroom setting. Participants work across multiple media — including painting, printmaking, photography and graphic design — with instruction and critique from college-level art faculty. Lunch is provided each day.

The week concludes with a public exhibition of student work in a YSU gallery, giving participants the opportunity to display their projects in a professional setting and leave the program with the beginnings of an art portfolio.

Students will receive individualized feedback on their work from YSU art instructors throughout the week, with an emphasis on technique, concept development and artistic voice. The camp is designed to challenge participants who already have some creative interest and want to develop more advanced skills in a college-level environment.

“Summer Art Camp at YSU is an exciting opportunity for young artists to immerse themselves in creative practice, explore new media and experience what it’s like to learn in a college-level environment,” said Joy Christiansen Erb, professor and chair of the YSU art department. “We are proud to provide a space where students can grow their skills, build confidence and be inspired by both our faculty and their peers.”