Frequently Asked Questions about our Summer Camps

Frequently Asked Questions…

 

What language is spoken at The Open Studio?

While each week of camp varies slightly, the language of instruction is primarily in English with translations given into Hebrew (for those that need). Although the majority of our campers are English AND Hebrew speakers that live in Israel year round, we usually have a few campers that speak only Hebrew and a few campers that speak only English. Between the bilingual staff and a majority of bilingual campers, we all manage to understand each other and communicate. The Open Studio is a great place to learn and be surrounded by both Hebrew and English and it is a great opportunity to expose your child to a new language. If you have a specific language preference, please make it known on your camp registration form.

Where is pick-up and drop-off?

Pick-up and Drop-off is at The Open Studio in the San Simone neighborhood (Southern Jerusalem). We just moved to a beautiful brand new location and are very excited to be having camp here. Our new space is four floors up and has lots of sunlight and air conditioning. There is one large studio space with three smaller break-out rooms. We are also just accross the street from San Simone park where we will go to each lunch and have free time each day.  The exact location is Ben Tabai 2/15 and the building is the old ministry of health building just across the circle from the youth village (Havat Hanoar HaTzioni) and Luigi Restaraunt.

 What food is included?

Children receive a snack between 10 and 11 am. It is usually a fruit or vegetable with hummus and cookies, crackers, popcorn or a granola bar. Children bring a dairy or pareve lunch from home. Children are required to bring water bottles to camp and are encouraged to drink throughout the day. Please make us aware of any allergies at the time of registration. Those staying for the afternoon program will also get an afternoon snack at 2pm.

My child is a picky eater; can you heat up food that I send in for lunch?

Unfortunately, we do not have the facilities to heat up lunches or boil water as we often eat picnic lunches in the park or on our site visits. Please also include with your child’s lunch, any napkins and utensils that are required.

 What do you do for transportation?

We travel to our site visits either by foot or public transportation (bus and light rail). Children always travel with counsellors, the camp director and a partner. There are safety rules we follow for crossing streets, and riding the busses.

 What is included in the price of camp?

The price includes, snack, art materials, staff, cleaning and maintenance fees, insurance, transportation, entrance fees to museums and site visits and guest artists. Those registering for a week also receive a sketchbook and a camp T-shirt.

We are members at the ___ museum, since it’s free for us, can you refund us the entrance fee?

Absolutely, The Open Studio is happy to refund the entrance price paid for your child to a specific site, provided that you present the child’s membership card to the Camp Director at morning drop off on the day of the trip. Fees paid such as to see shows, art workshops, etc that are not included in membership are not refundable.

 What is your refund policy?

For cancellation up to 3 weeks before the start of camp= 80% refund, up to 2 weeks before=50%, after which no refund are given. Each session is subject to refund policy on a session by session basis.

Can we register for less than a week of camp?

Yes. Registration can be done by the week or the day at the rate of 185 NIS per day. Daily registrations are subject to available space, while weekly registrations are given priority. Certain weeks of the summer do fill up so get in you Registration Form early.

Is there a sibling discount?

Yes, for more than one sibling, or if the same child signs up for more than one session there is a discount on both children or both sessions. This is the second price listed on our brochure.

I have children that are different ages, have different artistic abilities, twins or triplets? Can you accommodate them in your camp at the same time?

Yes, we have a lot of experience working with multiple children from the same family in the same camp sessions. Please read our Testimonials or contact us for references or more information.

What must my child wear or bring to camp each day?

A full water bottle, a hat, sketch-book, close-toed shoes (no flip-flops or crocs), clothing that can get stained. Valuables – cash, I-pods, etc are not allowed at camp as we are not responsible for lost valuables.

Additional Information

Work that is not completely dried by the last day of camp, can be picked up 1 week after the end of the session.

Payment in full is required at the time of registration and can be made through Paypal or check.

Camps are taught by Avigayle Adler, Director of the Open Studio and her team.

Triplet boys each find their own place in the Open Studio

Many of the camps we have sent our children to over the years end up being just glorified babysitting. Avigayle’s art camp is different. She uses her educational background to really teach the kids about art, Jersualem, what it means to be a mensch, and about Judaism.

We have identical triplet boys and finding the right person to work with them is no easy feat. Avigayle succeeded in getting to know each one of them personally, was able to see each child for whom he was, and made each feel special. She creates a stimulating and supportive environment that enables children to learn about art, create things without pressure, and express themselves without embarrassment.

By the end of the first week of camp with Avigayle, five of our children, aged 5 to 11, had joined; not only did each child have a wonderful time in her camp, they each learned something new about Jersualem and their own artistic self-expression.

Avigayle’s pre-Sukkot camp taught our boys so much about what is a kosher sukkah. She found a way to make it fun, educational, creative and artistic, and based on real Jewish content.

Avigayle is a wonderful educator who really works hard to meet each child on his or her own level and to help children express themselves, each in his or her own unique way. She gives the kids a wonderful opportunity to learn about different kinds of artistic media and empowers them to see themselves as artists and helps each child find his or her artistic voice. She is very supportive and respectful of each kid, and in addition to giving them wonderful artistic guidance, she really creates a warm, loving environment that is based on middot tovot.

 Avigayle’s short time in Israel she has already made a unique, important, and lasting contribution to the lives of children living in and visiting Jerusalem.

                                            – Tunie & David Schorr, Baka???????????????????

2 Weeks of Camp left…Daka Tishim Specials!

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“My daughters’ experience at Avigayle’s summer camp was about so much more than the fantastic artwork they made. While I had simply hoped to keep them busy, with some enrichment thrown in as an added bonus, the experience instead resulted in a priceless boost to their self-esteem. Avigayle succeeds, without exception, in getting to know each camper personally, and in creating the kind of stimulating yet supportive environment that enables children to create without pressure, express themselves without embarrassment, and develop crucial interpersonal skills. I highly recommend Open Studio camps to parents of all kinds of children, with all sorts of natures and challenges. A rare and truly positive opportunity.” -Marla Goldfinger (Efrat)

Our Summer Camp Schedule is here!

Summer Program 2013

UPDATE: There will be no camp on Tuesday July 16th in observance of Tisha Ba’av, the price for that week of camp has been updated accordingly below.

A balance of creative choice and art explorations & and professional facilitation, empower and encourage children’s creative identities. At the Open Studio, each artist decides on his or her medium, project, stopping point. This philosophy is extended to several site visits. Multiple age groupings encourage a flow of ideas and limitless possibilities. Programs are taught by master educator and artist, Avigayle Adler, (MA Ed) and her team in Hebrew & English.
Open Studio Traveling Arts Camp: An artist’s View of Jerusalem

Each theme-based week includes trips to various art venues that will inspire our creative work back at the studio. Camps run Sunday-Thursday from 9 am-2 pm (with the exception of the first week, starting on Monday) for options for early drop-off & an afternoon program.

July 1- 4
Glass Camp
Glass Painting, Mosaics and Stained Glass work will be the focus of this week, which will include a visit to the Chagall Stained Glass Windows at Hadassah Ein Kerem. Note: Camp starts this week on Monday, July 1. Ages 6-12
Cost (NIS) 560 (early bird)
600 after June 3/180 per day
July 7-11
Fashion is My Passion:Wearable Arts Camp
We will make our own jewelry, T-shirts, bags & more. Techniques will include; sewing, batik, bead making with Fimo, Shrinky-dink art and tye-dye. Bring in that old piece of clothing & add trim, buttons or beads to give it a new life. We will visit the Yad L’Kashish Beadmaking studio watch fabric artists at work. Start collecting your fabric scraps & extra buttons today! Ages 7-12
Cost (NIS) 725 (early bird)
800 after June 3/200 per day

July 21-25
Art In-Service
We will work with partner organizations on various volunteer & beautification projects:paint a mural, plant flowers, paint signs, build benches out of mud, decorate them with mosaics & more. In the studio, kids can create their own decorations from recycled materials. Ages 7-12
Cost (NIS) 640 (early bird)
700 after June 3/180 per day

August 4-8
Eco-Arts
A combination of art & the outdoors makes this the perfect option for the Naturalist child. Start saving yogurt cups, bottle caps, buttons & old CD’s for re-use in our environmentally friendly art camp. Trips may include: Emek Hamatzlevah and theBotanical Gardens. We will explore color, pattern & sequence in nature, paint & sketch in the field, make prints from leaves & vegetables & more. Ages 6-12
Cost (NIS) 685 (early bird)
750 after June 3/180 per day

August 18-22
Glass Camp
See description above

The Open Studio, located in the Katamon neighborhood of Jerusalem is a teaching art studio where kids and adults choose their own Art-Ventures. Several media are available such as; watercolor, acrylic paints, mosaics, glass painting, papercutting, sand painting, stained glasswork, stamping, collage, fabric arts and more. While summer day camps, workshops in English writing and Illustration and Open Studio time are our primary programs, we are also available for private events, birthday parties and more. Please call 054-626-8496 with your special requests or emailopenstudiojlem@gmail.com to be added to our mailing list.
The Open Studio, located in the Katamonneighborhood of Jerusalem is a teaching art studio where kids and adults choose their own Art-Ventures. Several media are available such as; watercolor, acrylic paints, mosaics, glass painting, papercutting, sand painting, stained glasswork, stamping, collage, fabric arts and more. While summer day camps, workshops in English writing and Illustration and Open Studio time are our primary programs, we are also available for private events, birthday parties and more. Please call 054-626-8496 with your special requests or emailopenstudiojlem@gmail.com to be added to our mailing list.
July 7-11
Architecture of Jerusalem
We will explore the architecture of Jerusalem in the new and old cities, the YMCA tower, The Supreme Court building, Katamon & Baka. We will visit an architect and create models from our own designs while learning about drafting, scale & symmetry. Ages 7-12
Cost (NIS) 700 (early bird)
750 after June 3/180 per day
July 14-18 (Excluding July 16)
Paper Arts
Papermaking, marbeling, papercutting, printmaking, sculpture, pop-up art & more…Our morning program will include trips to the Jerusalem Printmakers Workshop & the Yad L’Kashish paper mache studio. The afternoon program will focus on 3D arts such as sculpture, pop-up papercuts & paper mache. Ages 7-12
Cost (NIS) 560 (early bird)
600 after June 3/180 per day

OR
Fashion is My Passion:Wearable Arts Camp
See full description above
Notes: There will be NO Camp on Tuesday July 16 (Tisha ba’av)
Theme for the week will be chosen based on the interest of registrants. When registering please indicate first choice
July 28 – August 1
Creative Creatures
A preview week geared towards the younger child to explore their inner creativity. Visiting the zoo, we will sketch the creatures around us and explore symmetry, texture & camouflage. Back at the studio we will create our own creatures out of paper mache, sock puppets, plastalina & more.Ages 5-10
Cost (NIS) 700 (early bird)
750 after June 3/180 per day

August 11-15
Exploring the Israel Museum
Two days of exploring the Israel Museum for inspiration will be interspersed with studio work in sculpture, papercutting, calligraphy, painting & more. We will visit the sculpture garden, illuminated manuscripts, Jewish Ritual & Lifecycle, Modern Art & much more. Ages 8-14
Cost (NIS) 700 (early bird)
750 after June 3/180 per day

“Avigayle’s “Monster camp” empowered my children to see themselves as artists, and they basked in the glory of their monster creations. With foresight and creativity, Avigayle fashioned a program that encompassed many forms of art and allowed for valuable self-expression. My six-year-old and four-year-old sons had a great time and grew immensely from the experience. It is apparent how much Avigayle enjoys the children and how skilled she is at understanding who each one is–his/her spirit, and what makes him/her sing inside. Send your child to Avigayle: you will be so glad that you did.” 
-Ruth Ebenstein, mother of three, Jerusalem

Register Today!

Email:      openstudiojlem@gmail.com
Phone:    054-626-8496
Web:       www.judaicuts.com
Siblings & Multiple Sessions 10% discount
Early Bird Discount expires June 3, 2013
No multiple discounts
All Prices are in NIS and include VAT

Early Drop-of (from 8:15) 80/per session)

Afternoon Program (2:15-4 pm) 200/per session)
Payment in full is required upon registration and can be made through PayPal or by check.
Refunds: up to 3 weeks before – 80% refund, 2 weeks before 50%, after which no refunds given.

What’s Happening at the Open Studio

What's Happening at the Open Studio

Rainbow liqueur glasses (by Avigayle Adler)

A New Home

Difficult situations often force us to solve problems in creative ways and can even bring about amazing results. Several weeks ago, a siren sounded in Jerusalem, warning us residents of the threat from a rocket that landed just outside of Jerusalem. I brought my Writers’ & Illustrators’ Workshop students downstairs to our Miklat (shelter) to show them and their parents that we had a safe space to be, should there be another siren. One of the children mentioned that if the siren went off again, we could bring our art supplies down and do our work in the shelter. What an excellent idea!

After consulting the Vaad bayit (Building Committee) of the building of the Open Studio’s current home (my living room), I made the decision to rent and renovate the Miklat downstairs to serve as the new home of the Open Studio. This would give us the opportunity to have a more professional and dedicated space. Students will have more room to work and there will be a private painting area for myself, storage, drying shelves and of course, our famous “Inspiration Station.”

While there is a lot to be done, the Miklat has been emptied & cleaned and has begun its transformation into the Open Studio. We hope to be fully moved in time for our Purim Workshop on Taanit Esther (see Upcoming Events). Thank you to those that have already pitched in by helping with scrubbing, painting or donations of lighting, carpets and other needed materials. If you or your child would like to lend a hand, please contact me ahead of time so we can set up a time.

Additionally, we are still in search of a few items. Please check out the Wish List below. If there is anything that you would like to donate or help me find at a discounted price, please email me at openstudiojlem@gmail.com

 Grownups…

     

 Introduction to Papercutting


Come learn everything you need to know to create beautiful papercuts from idea to finished piece. You’ll never have to buy a wedding gift again! Materials Included. Starting February 12. Space is limited.
Tuesdays 7-9pm
5 sessions: February 19, 26, March 5, 12 & 19
500 NIS (if registered by Feb. 12), 550 NIS after
 

Open Studio for Adults

Have a project in mind? Allow your imagination to run free in our Open Studio. Come blow off some creative steam or bring a friend/date for a special treat. Media available: glass painting, sand painting, mosaics, calligraphy, collage, advanced papercutting & more.
Fridays 10 am-12 pm, Tuesdays 7-9 pm (after March 19)
65 NIS/650 for class card (11 sessions)
Bring a Friend and you each save 20 NIS (first timers only)

Upcoming Events (for Kids)…

PuRiM wOrKsHoP (Taanit Esther) 

    
Bring your kid, or someone else’s! Join us in the afternoon after school gets out early for lots of fun Open Studio Style…make your own Crazy hats, Noisemakers, Paint a Friend’s Face, or Paint a Jar (to fill with goodies for Mishloach Manot). Bring your costumes for any last minute additions, or fixes…and any cookie tins or clean glass jars to paint.
Thursday February 21, 2013, 2-4 pm
Ages 4-14 (children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult)
60 NIS (Before February 18) / 75 NIS (At the door)

Pre-Pesach Kaytanah (Day Camp)

        

Pesach is coming and with that, two weeks of school vacation. Our second Annual Pre-Pesach Travelling Arts Camp is going to be tons of fun! We will visit the Botanical Gardens, Tayelet, and more as we sketch, paint & explore Jerusalem. Each afternoon we will return to the Open Studio where children can choose their own Art-Ventures.
March 17-21, 2013, 9 am-3 pm
Ages: 8-14
700 NIS for the week / 180 NIS per day (If registered by March 8), 800/200 after

Children’s Art Exhibition

You’ve painted, you’ve sketched, you’ve made a big mess!

          

For over a year now, your children have come to the Open Studio and created so many amazing pieces of artwork. Their creativity has stretched well beyond anything I would have imagined when first envisioning the Open Studio. This spring, the AACI (Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel) will be hosting its annual Children & Teens Art Exhibit. The Open Studio has been asked to encourage our students to submit their favorite pieces for representation in the show. In the past the show has been mainly drawings, paintings and ceramics. However, this year we are hoping to expand the medium represented at the show to: glass painting, miniatures, sand paintings and more. Children ages 5-18 are encouraged to submit up to 2 entries each. Prizes will be awarded in each age and medium category. For entry form and guidelines, visit the AACI website. Submissions will be accepted until February 28, 2013 at the AACI – 37 Pierre Koenig St. (corner of Poalei Tzedek) in Talpiyot (Jerusalem) and the show will take place April through May 2013 with an opening reception and prize ceremony on Aprill 11th. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Photo Gallery

In Writer’s & Illustrator’s Workshop our 6 & 7’s

are working on Alphabet Books. We are stretching apart words and writing them down, while learning about alliteration and illustrating with collage, plastalina (clay) & sand painting. Meanwhile our 8-10’s are writing children’s stories and personal narratives, while illustrating using collage, sketching, acrylics & watercolors. 

      

This past semester, Open Studio kids have been working with plastalina (clay), papercutting, sand painting, collage & (of course) painting lots of glass…Stay tuned for our own exhibition in June!

          

To Register for any of our programs…

Email:  openstudiojlem@gmail.com

Call:     054.626.8496

For more information, visit our website

Wish List

If you have any of the below that you would wish to donate, please email: openstudiojlem@gmail.com

  • PVC, artificial grass or other flooring material (scraps are great too)
  • 2nd hand printer/copier, reading light, CD player, radiator or other portable heater
  • Art/Craft books
  • Cereal boxes (empty and flattened), tea boxes, tin containers with lids, buttons, glass coffee jars (with lids)

“Our daughter’s 11th birthday party at the Open Studio was wonderful! The girls were engaged in multiple, creative activities that our daughter designed with Avigayle and all who attended loved it. I would highly recommend The Open Studio for groups of children or adults, or special events like birthday parties.”

                      -Laura Solomon, Wynnewood, PA