Dream Bird Art School for Kids Summer 2025
Summer Art Program for Kids
Dream Bird Art School (DBAS) is a summer art program developed by Houston-based Artist Caroline Truong for elementary school aged kids. We emphasize making art for self-expression, engagement with the visual arts community, and building skills and confidence through hands-on activities.
Curriculum Overview
Each 3-week session covers art fundamentals and progresses to mural creation.
01 - Keep it Simple: Line, Shape, Form
02 - Life is an Art: Color & Design
03 - Go Big! Mural Painting
Students will practice arts-based activities focused on
Developing style through routine, repetition, and experimentation
Personal expression
Exploring works from Artists of the past and present
Connecting with our Houston arts community and creative professionals
Primary medium: Painting & Drawing
SESSION DATES
DAILY SCHEDULE SAMPLE
ARTISTS
Caroline Truong
Artist, Muralist, Lead Instructor
“As a community artist and former art teacher, I’ve led thousands in creative activities and painted over 50 murals and designs for organizations like Rice University, Miller Outdoor Theater, Houston ISD public schools and Houston Food Bank.
Through DBAS, I get to share my process and artistic journey with kids in a close-knit setting, introducing them to the artists, styles, and mediums that inspire me while helping them develop their own art practice at a young age. There will be lots of flower doodling, wall painting, dream bird, and more!”
Guest Professional Artists will visit to speak on their inspirations, career journeys, and creative process. Students will get to do a hands-on activity either with the Artist or a project inspired by the Artist’s process.
Check out the folks who are scheduled to visit this summer. Artists and dates are subject to change. Parents may join as a volunteer during the guest artist session for the day their child is attending.
Amy Malkan
We’ll get to hang out with Amy and see how her positive energy and cultural roots inspires her artwork, as we create art that uplifts and empowers.
WEEK 1
Carla Lyles
carlasuehouston.com
@carlasuehtx
We’ll get to learn about Carla’s ongoing visual art series titled Momma Loves Jazz. It chronicles the healing journey between a mother and daughter while celebrating the transformative power of jazz and the rich contributions of Black culture. @mommalovesjazzhtx
WEEK 2
Devona Stimpson
devonastimpson.com
@devonastimpson
Let’s annihilate the status quo of “starving artists” with Devona. We’ll dive into her journey of building a career through creative entrepreneurship and explore the inspiring world of art and murals she creates.
WEEK 3
Thomas Tran
artbythomastran.com
@artbythomas
We’ll delve into the mind of a Meow Wolf Houston artist. What sparks the inspiration behind his quirky, psychedelic creations, and what deeper meanings do they hold? We’ll find out the answers, and more! Like how Thomas bring his cultural roots into his artistic journey and what it was like being a student at Columbus College of Art and Design.
WEEK 4
Lisa Chow
Lisa is a book illustrator who loves quirky characters, dry humor, and plot twists. She spends her days illustrating mischievous characters and dreaming up tall tales. We’ll find out what it’s like to be the visual artist behind the creation of storybooks.
WEEK 5
Derrik Diza
influentialwalls.com
@influentialwalls
We’ll explore the transformative mural projects Derrik has created in schools through his California-based education mural agency and discover how mural painting can spark creativity while teaching valuable skills for college readiness.
WEEK 6
Registration & Rates
Regular hours are Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm with option for early arrival (8am), extended day (til 4pm), and lunch for purchase. Daily snacks, all supplies, and shirt/apron are included.
Geared towards ages 7-10. Maximum 10 kids per class. There will be 1 or 2 Instructors for 10 kids.
Base rate starts at $350-$400/week. Single week or multi-week enrollment. After confirming your spot, you can change dates. When choosing multiple weeks, they do not have to be consecutive.
Registration for drop-ins $100/single day will open in May with priority to students who are registered to attend a full week.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund will be given with an email notification 3 weeks prior to class date. If less than 3 weeks, a partial refund or credit could be issued. As a parent myself, I understand flexibility is important so I can work with your family on changes.
Lunch & Snacks
DBAS has a snack pantry available for students, or students may bring their own lunch and snacks. There is option to purchase lunch, which is ordered from a local eatery or store. The Painter’s House is not “nut free”. We cannot ensure that families refrain from sending their student to school with lunches/snacks that might have nuts in them. If your child has a nut allergy, contact us to discuss the degree of severity prior to enrolling and how we can provide reasonable accommodations.
Outings at Woodland Park
On occasion, we will walk the students to Woodland Park to view the public art sculptures, collect materials, and gain inspiration from the outdoors for art projects. A signed permission slip and waiver is required for students to participate. The park is located at 212 Parkview St, Houston, TX 77009 which is 0.3 miles or 4 blocks from the school. We will schedule the activity only if all kids in the class opt-in - it's all or nothing participation.
Link to Brochure: Dream Bird Art School - Summer 2025