Visual Art Institute is a South Salt Lake art school offering summer camps for children and teens, from a Drawing from Life camp for ages 5–11 to the intensive 2-to-4-week Figure Academy (figure drawing and painting) for ages 12 and up. It serves students ages 5–18-plus and runs year-round classes as well.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Visual Art Institute directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Mandy CWe had a wonderful experience hosting our birthday party at Visual Art Institute. Yami was very helpful and responsive during the planning process, and Kindra, the art teacher, was super friendly, patient, and supportive with the kids. She made every child feel confident and excited about their artwork. The acrylic Starry Night painting activity was a big hit, highly recommend for kids’ art parties!
★★★★★eva chanHad my first ever watercolor painting class at the Institute. What a wonderful experience. The teacher graciously accommodated a new student with zero experience and the classmates who mostly know what they are doing were welcoming. The registration process was easy and the admin staff were helpful, flexible and responsive for various questions and requests from me. Also, very important to note: the class material list for students look intimidating but I think it is easier to comply as there are low cost options on Amazon that will get you there. It stresses me out a bit but all fears melted away in class. Overall a healing experience.
★★★★★Marilyn HendricksonWe participated in a pottery class with our grandchildren. Our teacher was your Artist in Residence, Shelbie Colton. Her enthusiasm and friendly personality were only surpassed by her amazing skill and talent. Her instructions were clear, easily understood. She was so helpful as we tried to create our pottery. Everyone loved the experience! Thank you Shelbie and Visual Art Institute for this memorable fun day making pottery.
★★★★★Megan GayWhen I came into VAI for the first time, it was with the feeling that I didn’t have an artistic bone in my body, but I was looking to learn and try something new. I joined beginners ceramics in the winter semester and had a wonderful experience. I’ve signed up for every semester since and have even joined a few pop up classes. The instructors at VAI are extremely knowledgeable and all the students are supportive of one another. I started with pinch pots and now I am able to create pieces that I am proud of, from jewelry holders, to bowls, cups, and even a vase. It is a true joy to spend time at the studio and I find that creating pieces in ceramics is great for my mental health. I highly encourage anyone to check out ceramics at VAI!
★★Zachariah HansonMy dad knew the founder of Visual Art Institute and since I had heard so many good things about him and the classes, I decided to try out their Beginners Foundations of Art class. In short, I was disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the teacher and the environment I was in, however I could never grasp the lessons given. There was no clear goals, no homework, and no ways to apply the lessons into other future work. It felt like we were just winging it most of the time. We were also required to buy art supplies before the classed started. By the end of the semester, we didn't even use half of them. I went into the class wanting to improve my skills and build confidence in myself. I hate to say it, but I actually lost confidence to draw when I finished the classes. I felt like I was back at square one again and it made me feel like my money was spend for nothing and it's a $300 class. Maybe they will get better, I have hope because I love the people there and I've heard so many good things about them. I just hope they can rethink their way of teaching.