LITTLE ARTIST RESIDENCY
Presented by Atelier Nagaharu
Summer 2026 | West Springfield Fine Art • Sculpture • Design
WHAT IS A RESIDENCY?
At Atelier Nagaharu, we move beyond "arts and crafts." Every student is an Artist-in-Residence, working in a professional studio environment. Our residents use gallery-grade oil paints, heavy-body acrylics, and professional air-dry clay to build a curated collection of work.
EARLY BIRD: Save $20 per week if registered by April 15, 2026
✳︎
SIBLING DISCOUNT: 10% off the second child’s tuition
✳︎
EARLY BIRD: Save $20 per week if registered by April 15, 2026 ✳︎ SIBLING DISCOUNT: 10% off the second child’s tuition ✳︎
Group 1: The Junior Residents (Grades K–3)
Focus: Creative Foundations & Tactile Exploration
"In the Junior Atelier, we believe young artists are ready for real tools. Our Junior Residents transition from 'coloring' to 'creating' by exploring the sensory world of professional mediums. This program focuses on building a strong artistic foundation through bold expression and 3D form."
Medium Mastery: Discover the buttery texture of Professional Oil Pastels and the vibrant layering of Heavy-Body Acrylics.
Tactile Sculpture: Developing fine motor skills through 'Score & Slip' techniques with artist-grade air-dry clay.
Color Magic: Introduction to the "Color Wheel" and the art of mixing 'Pastel' tints and 'Earth' shades.
The Goal: Building creative confidence and a love for the studio environment.
Group 2: The Senior Residents (Grades 4–6)
Focus: Technical Mastery & Conceptual Design
"Designed for the maturing artist, the Studio Residency dives deep into the 'How' and 'Why' of fine art. Residents move beyond basic shapes to explore complex light, shadow, and anatomy. This is a portfolio-building experience where students learn to blend modern pop-culture aesthetics with classical studio techniques."
Advanced Painting: Mastering Acryla-Gouache for flat, professional anime-style finishes and Sgraffito techniques with oil pastels.
Anatomy & Proportion: Learning the 'rules' of the human and animal form to create dynamic, realistic characters.
Environmental Storytelling: Using landscapes (Miyazaki & Impressionist styles) to create mood and depth in their work.
The Goal: Developing a personal artistic "voice" and professional-level technical skills.
At Atelier Nagaharu, we believe that fine art is a language. Our Summer Residency is designed to move beyond simple crafts, offering students a sophisticated studio environment where they can master professional mediums. By blending classical techniques with modern themes—from the lush landscapes of Miyazaki to the vibrant world of K-Pop—we empower every young artist to find their unique voice and create work they are truly proud to display.