Summer

Inventor's Shed

Entering Grades 9-12, up to age 17*

Teen artists transform the Creative Technology Lab into their personal “Inventor’s Shed,” where technology and arts intersect as students explore digital fabrication, rapid prototyping, and hands-on design through projects that blend art, engineering, and imagination. No prior experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to build, experiment, and innovate.

*This is a Teen program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

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Overview

Inventor’s Shed invites young makers to step into the world of design, prototyping, and invention. Over the course of one week, students will learn to use cutting-edge tools in the Creative Technology Lab, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, alongside traditional design methods like sketching and model-making in softwares like OnShape, Blender, & Adobe Illustrator. Guided by faculty, participants will design original projects that may range from image engraving & relief, stencil & stamp making, interactive sculptures, and product prototypes.

Each day balances structured skill-building workshops with open lab time for students to bring their own ideas to life. Along the way, students develop creative problem-solving skills, learn to collaborate, and gain confidence in turning ideas into tangible prototypes. The week concludes with a public exhibition where students showcase their inventions to peers, family, and the wider community.

*The final culmination is Friday afternoon, with Saturday being a move-out day.

Additional Information

This program does not require any type of assessment or portfolio to get into the program. Instructors will work with your child at their level. Your child will improve and learn new skills, whether they are a beginner or have been an artist for years.

A refillable water bottle
Comfortable clothing for studio work
Sturdy closed-toed shoes (required in the lab)
Notebook/sketchbook and pencils/pens
Personal laptop or tablet for design work (optional)

Morning (9:00am–12:00pm): Hands-on workshops in Creative Tech (3D design, fabrication in Onshape and Adobe Illustrator, prototyping methods)

Afternoon (1:00–4:00pm): Studio lab time for personal projects, one-on-one mentoring, and collaboration

Evening (Residential students): Community activities and outdoor recreation

Jorja Garcia is a Chicano artist from Oxnard, CA. Their creative practice combines drawing/painting, photography, weaving, and sculpture to collapse notions of home, chaos, and everyday queerness. Jorja received their B.A. in Visual Arts from Columbia University in the City of New York. They are an instructor of design in the Creative Technology Lab at Idyllwild Arts Academy where they love to blend the use of technology with craft for projects like furniture design, weaving, and mold making.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs

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