Verge Center for the Arts

We tell stories to live.

In this camp, we will create original stories and storybooks. We will discuss what makes our favorite stories stay with us like a memory.

We will begin by sharing objects and what they mean to us. We will use our connection to these objects to carve out narratives, characters, plots and fantasies. We will explore not only the book as an object to open and read, but also ask ourselves whether all stories belong in books and think about the value of oral storytelling and performance.

Hands-on, we will be experimenting with illustration, calligraphy, collage, sculptural books and paper-making. We will also be practicing language skills, creative thinking and grammar. The goal is to complete a story/artwork, created by a single author or in collaboration with others; for example, one writer and one illustrator, by the end of the week. We will be sharing our works-in-progress as they are being created.

This camp is highly participatory and will ask participants for generosity when we share with one another and sensitivity when we listen to stories.

WHO: 10-13 year olds

Camp runs M-F from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Campers may be dropped off after 9:30am in the morning and picked up before 3:30pm. Staff will remain on site throughout drop-offs and pick-ups. Snacks are provided, but please send your camper with a cold lunch. Lunch is between 12-1 on site.

Automatic discounts applied for siblings. Contact education@vergecontemporary.org regarding potential scholarship opportunities!

About the Instructor 

Orlando Tirado (b. 1982, El Organo, San Luis Potosí, Mexico) is a photographer, writer and award-winning screenwriter. He wrote three feature films: Medeas (2013), Hannah (2017), and Monica (2022), all which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival (Italy). He received the Sergei Parajanov Award for Outstanding Poetic Vision, for Medeas, at the Tbilisi International Film Festival and the Suso Cecchi d'Amico Award for Screenwriting, for Monica, winner of Best Film at the 35th GLAAD Awards. His second film, Hannah, was nominated for a César for Best Foreign Film in 2018 and star Charlotte Rampling won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 74th Venice International Film Festival. 

He received a BA from Hampshire College, an MA in Comparative Literature from SUNY-Binghamton, and an MFA from CalArts in Photography and Media. He has been a fellow and artist-in-residence at MacDowell and Yaddo, and is this year’s Verge Regional Artist-in-Residence. 

His current project includes a photography book that documents his place of origin, El Órgano, a secluded village named after the iconic pipe organ cactus, a project that spans the last 25 years. He is also writing a novel. He lives and works in Sacramento. 

Cancellation and Refunds Policy

Verge Center for the Arts reserves the right to cancel classes, to change instructors, and to make other changes that may become necessary to ensure a quality experience for participants. In the event that a class is canceled, we will contact all registrants and offer the option of transferring to another available session, or receiving a full refund.

If a participant wishes to withdraw from a class, they must do so in writing at least seven days prior to the first class meeting to receive a full refund, less a $25 processing fee. Withdrawals occurring within seven days prior to the first class meeting will receive a refund of 50% of the total class fee or may transfer to a class of equal or lesser value. Participants are only eligible for one transfer per registration and must get it approved by Verge staff. No refunds or transfers are given to withdrawals that occur 24 hours or less before the class begins. Membership fees are non-refundable. Please note we are unable to issue cash refunds.

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