Summer Camp at the Museum
Session 1: July 6th - 10th, 9 am – 3 pm
Ages 13—17
Session 2: July 13th - 17th, 9 am – 3 pm
Ages 8—12
AmeriMasala Parade July 18th, 2026 specifics for event TBA
Registration - $285
The Erie Art Museum invites participants to create a variety of wearable and functional costume-like regalia, including puppets, masks, and wings, with the exciting goal of participating in AmeriMasala 2026!
Weeks One and Two are separate camp programs, each tailored to a different age group. Both weeks feature instruction from two accomplished regional artists, and each camp culminates in a creative project showcased in this year’s AmeriMasala Parade.
Camp Details Session 1
July 6th - July 10th 9 am – 3 pm
Teens ages 13—17
What Campers will Make
During this first week, campers will work with Teaching Artist Emily Gaudioso to develop a collective theme and collaborative project that will culminate in a participatory presentation during the 2026 AmeriMasala Parade on State Street. Using a range of materials, Campers will learn essential tool safety and competency while gaining introductory carpentry and creative problem solving skills as they bring their shared vision to life.
About the Teaching Artist
Emily Gaudioso is a ceramic artist and arts educator with over 20 years of experience working across community-based arts organizations in Erie, PA. She holds a BFA in Ceramics with a concentration in Art Education and Sculpture from Edinboro University, along with a minor in Art History.
Owner and artist of Broken Egg Clay, she produces joyful and distinctive ceramic works that reflect her playful spirit and love of material. Her teaching practice spans institutions such as the Erie Center for Arts and Technology, DAFMARK Arts Center, Neighborhood Art House, the Erie Art Museum, Erie Clay Space, and more. She has taught a range of courses including Ceramics, Printmaking, and a variety of workshops focused on upcycling and mixed media.
At her core, Emily’s research explores conscious, sustainable approaches to artmaking with a strong commitment to accessibility in the arts. She has served on the Board of Directors at Erie Clay Space and recently presented "Shifting Perspectives: Synergistic Art Making" at the 2024 Regional Common Inservice Day at the Erie Art Museum..
Camp Details Sesson 2
July 13th – 17th 9 am – 3 pm
Youth ages 9—12
What Campers will Make
Participants in this week-long camp will build their own giant backpack-style puppet to participate in the AmeriMasala Parade on Saturday, July 19, 2026. Led by artist and instructor Cheryl Capezzuti, campers will create their puppets using boxes, recycled materials, papier-mâché, and paint, then refine and decorate them to bring their characters to life. Campers will also learn basic puppeteering skills to get parade-ready.
Cheryl Capezzuti and additional assisting teaching artists will provide hands-on support throughout the camp, ensuring participants receive individualized guidance and exposure to a range of artistic techniques and perspectives.
Spaces are limited, sign up today to secure your spot and join us for another successful and inspiring year!
About the Teaching Artist
Cheryl Capezzuti is a sculptor, puppetmaker and master teaching artist best known for her interactive public art project Puppets for Pittsburgh. Her work includes a free lending library of giant puppets in collaboration with the Braddock Carnegie Free Library and pop-up puppet parades around her hometown of Pittsburgh; she is always creating opportunities for community collaboration and joyful performance. She also serves on the Visual Arts Faculty at Falk Laboratory School at the University of Pittsburgh.
About AmeriMasala
AmeriMasala is a vibrant arts and culture festival that brings the community together through large-scale, wearable art, including 15–20-foot puppets, dragons, stilt walkers, and pieces created by local artists and organizations.
The parade is accompanied by live music, including a New Orleans–style marching band, West African drumming and dance, and Batalá, an all-female Afro-Brazilian samba ensemble from New York City.
The celebration begins with a parade down State Street and concludes in Perry Square, where all can enjoy cultural food vendors, performances, and hands-on activities throughout the afternoon.
AmeriMasala 2025 Parade
Camp Details
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This camp offers a 5 day session Monday, July 13th to Friday, July 17th from 9 am – 3:00 pm. The AmeriMasala parade is scheduled for July 18th, with specific times to be determined. Please note that the date and time for AmeriMasala are subject to change, as this program is organized independently of the Museum. Should any updates occur, we will promptly inform guardians.
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Some woodworking and power tools will be present and utilized during the camp.
Participants will receive comprehensive safety instruction both before and during the program, with continuous monitoring to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
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For safety, please ensure camp participants wear closed-toed shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid wearing jewelry, fake nails or loose clothing that may catch on objects or impede movement. It is encouraged that guardians have campers apply sunscreen and wear a hat as camp will occur outside, weather permitting.
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All drop-off and pick-up guardians will need to be specified prior to the first day of camp. All guardians must sign-in and sign-out campers upon arrival and dismissal of campers.
A comprehensive information package will be sent out one week before the camp begins, covering further details and instructions.
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Campers are required to bring their own packed lunches. Snacks will be provided by the Museum. Please indicate any allergies or dietary restrictions on the registration form.
If your camper has a severe allergy, please ensure they come with any necessary medications, such as EpiPens, and any directions on administering medication.
Additional questions? Email our Education Manager Alex Anthes.
We are excited to welcome you to our camp and look forward to an enriching and creative experience together!