Hey Early Birds! The first 5 students to register for the summer program by March 1st receives $100 credit for Extras, single day drop in, and any upcoming sessions at The Painter’s House through August 2026. One $100 credit per household and can be transferred to a friend.
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Dream Bird Art School (DBAS) is a summer art program for elementary school aged kids, geared towards 7 to 10 year olds in the Houston Heights. We aim to foster skill development in painting and drawing and boosting creative confidence. We emphasize self-expression, engagement with the visual arts community, and the practice of creating art for its own sake.
Curriculum Overview
Each 3-week session covers art fundamentals and progresses to mural creation. We will explore painting and illustration techniques focused on the central theme.
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
Schedule
Artist & Muralist
Caroline Truong
Lead Instructor
“As a community artist and former art teacher, I’ve led thousands in creative activities and painted over 50 murals for spaces like Rice University, Miller Outdoor Theater, 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 join us each week to share insights about their inspirations, career journeys, creative processes, and lead a hands-on activity. 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.
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? How does Thomas bring his Vietnamese roots into his artistic journey?
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.
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
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 .
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, drinking water, all supplies, and shirt/apron are included.
Students can register for the full 6-week program, 3-week session (June or July), or single week sessions.
Flexible enrollment - After confirming your spot, you can change dates. When choosing multiple weeks, they do not have to be consecutive.
Small classes limited to 8 kids.
Single day drop-ins will open in May if spots are available with priority to students who are registered to attend a full week.
Link to Brochure PDF: Dream Bird Art School - Summer 2025