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Carnegie Arts Center offers summer fun for all ages
Carnegie Arts summer camp
The Carnegie Arts Center offers summer art camps for kids starting next week (Photo contributed).

The Carnegie Arts Center’s summer calendar offers everything from art classes to exhibitions, family activities and gallery talks.

Kicking off the summer is the CAC’s annual youth art exhibition, Ready, Set, Show! on view now through June 27. Youth in grades K-12 (ages 5-18) from communities throughout the region are sharing their artwork with the public in the CAC’s Ferrari Gallery. This year, over 125 works in a variety of media are on display, including the entries for the Spring 2026 Downtown Banner Contests.

“It’s always so exciting and refreshing to show works by school-age artists,” said Carnegie Director Lisa McDermott. “Getting to see such creative work from some of the most talented youth artists in the valley is what makes this exhibition a CAC visitor favorite.”

Following Ready, Set, Show! in the Ferrari Gallery will be another returning favorite, the Carnegie Art Showcase. On view July 7 through Aug. 29, this annual juried exhibition is the finest showcase in the Central Valley for new work by California artists in a variety of media. Free Gallery Talks with CAS award winners will take place during the run of the exhibition, one on July 23 and another on Aug. 27, both at 6 p.m.

Summer Art Camps are back. The CAC is offering weeklong art camps for ages 5 and up starting June 8. Camps range in theme from comics to printmaking, and sculpture to wearable art. Returning to CAC’s summer class offerings are Summer Workshops for adults; these one-off workshops focus on a different medium or subject and are beginner friendly. The CAC’s ceramics program continues into the summer with classes in Wheel Throwing, Hand-building, and the popular Date Night @ the Clay Studio. To see a full summer class schedule and to register visit CarnegieArtsTurlock.org/learn/classes.

CAC’s Block Party will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 13. Featuring art activities, a variety of booths from local non-profits, and free admission to the annual Youth Art Exhibition, it will be a fun day for the whole family.

“The CAC is dedicated to promoting vibrant ideas and experiences. We are excited to offer a free creative event for the whole community, showcasing who we are and what we do. We hope everyone will come out for an hour or two to get creative and have fun,” said McDermott.

This year the Block Party will take place at Central Park in Downtown Turlock. Admission is free. The event is sponsored by the City of Turlock Community Events & Activities Fund and Turlock Mom’s Club.

The CAC’s ongoing monthly programs, including Art Chat Happy Hour, Family Friday and Saturday Studio, will continue throughout the summer.

The Carnegie Arts Center is located at 250 N. Broadway in Downtown Turlock. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission to the Ferrari Gallery is $7 general; $5 seniors/college students; free for CAC Members and youth 12 and under. The first Friday of every month is free admission for all.