2025 Summer Camp Dates:

  • June 2-6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • June 6, 4-5 p.m. Final Exhibition in Hunt Gallery

Camper Ages: 14-18

Tuition: $350

Discover your creative potential with Webster University’s immersive summer programs for high school students. Ideal for students who are beginning to consider options for college, our summer camps will help you build your portfolio with artwork that reflects your individuality and unique skills.

This camp explores the magic associated with the black-and-white analog darkroom — from developing film in a light-tight canister to watching an image materialize in front of your eyes in the developer. We will utilize the darkroom as a laboratory for experimentation to create hand-crafted unique images using the silver-gelatin process.

Investigation of light, paper, and process is essential to the photographic medium and we will investigate these ideas by learning various photographic techniques.. Students will produce a portfolio of original artwork, and this experience culminates with an exhibition at the Hunt Gallery on Webster University’s campus.

This camp is a collaboration between the Media Arts Department and the Department of Art, Design and Art History.

Register for Darkroom CampDarkroom Camp Deposit and Payment
Fine Arts Camp

Develop Photographs at Webster's Darkroom Camp

Student working under red light looking at 35mm film strips on a light box
  • Explore the film development process.
  • Learn about photo exposure and development.
  • Receive guidance and creative feedback from faculty members.
  • Create original artwork as you develop your portfolio.
  • Showcase your work at a public exhibit in the Hunt Gallery at the end of the camp.
Student working at desk next to camera.

Typical Day

Student working at desk next to camera.
  • Lessons with faculty and guest artists
  • Creative brainstorming sessions
  • Experiential investigations into techniques and media
  • Peer feedback sessions

Instructors: Robin Assner-Alvey and Zachary Kaufman

How to Apply

Space is limited and our camps fill quickly. Make a deposit of $50 to hold your place.

Register for Darkroom Camp

Tuition

The enrollment fee for camp is $350. The balance is due by Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Darkroom Camp Deposit and Payment

Contact Us

To learn more about our camps, contact Barbara Rutledge.

Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119

Camp Facility

Founded in 1915, Webster University is committed to ensuring high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Webster University’s Department of Art, Design and Art History (DADAH) offers students an art academy-like education within a liberal arts institution, encouraging students to confront challenging ideas and technologies while understanding and synthesizing tradition.

Front entrance to the Visual Arts Studio

Visual Arts Studio

Front entrance to the Visual Arts Studio

The Webster University Visual Arts Studio is located on Big Bend Boulevard between Hunt House and Sverdrup Building on the Webster Groves campus.

8342 Big Bend Blvd.
Webster Groves, MO 63119