Instructor: Rachel Dantona

Biography: Rachel Dantona is an art instructor for Community Education at COCC who is a visual artist, outdoor enthusiast and graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design. She took a break from her interior design position in 2015 to hike 2,655 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail, and from there her company, HikerBooty, was born. HikerBooty focuses on the creation of artistic maps that highlight Rachel's favorite National Scenic Trails, National Parks, and many other public lands. Rachel instructed several summer Youth Camps in 2026 that emphasized creative, educational learning with subjects like Mapmaking with Watercolor and Shapes of Oregon: Creative Collages.

Classes by this instructor

Create Your Own Tote Bag Youth Camp

Design it, decorate it, make it yours! In this hands-on workshop, students will transform a plain tote bag into a one-of-a-kind creation using their own ideas and artistic style. Explore fun ways to design and customize a tote with colorful patterns, nature-inspired artwork, landscapes or a completely original design. No previous experience needed, just bring your creativity and get ready to make a tote bag you'll be proud to carry! Ages 10-15.
Saturday, February 20, 2027 | 9:00am-12:00pm PST | Bend

Watercolor Youth Camp

Explore the possibilities of watercolor while creating landscapes, maps and worlds of your own imagination! In this hands-on camp, students will learn basic watercolor skills such as color mixing, brush techniques, layering, blending and creating texture. They'll put those skills to work painting natural landscapes, designing illustrated maps and/or developing fictional places filled with imaginative details. From mountain ranges and forests to mysterious islands and entirely invented worlds, students will experiment with watercolor as a way to tell stories and bring their ideas to life. No previous watercolor experience is needed. Ages 10-15.
Saturday, March 6, 2027 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend

Birdhouse Building and Painting Youth Camp

This is a hands-on camp where student makers will build, decorate and take home a birdhouse of their very own! Campers will learn basic woodworking skills as they assemble a birdhouse, then let their creativity take flight by painting and decorating it with their own unique designs. Along the way, they'll explore how birdhouses provide shelter for backyard birds and discover a little about the birds they may attract. No building or art experience is needed, just a willingness to get creative, work with their hands, and have fun! Ages 10-15.
March 22-23, 2027 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend

Night Lamp and Glow-in-the-Dark Rocks Youth Camp

Explore light, color and creativity in this hands-on camp focused on making things that glow! Campers will design and create their own night lamp while experimenting with materials, color and light. They'll also make glow-in-the-dark rocks that can be used to add a fun illuminated touch to bedrooms, gardens or outdoor spaces. Along the way, campers will learn about how different materials interact with light and develop their own creative designs. No previous art or crafting experience is required. Ages 10-15.
March 24-25, 2027 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend

Painting: Watercolor Made Easy: A Step-By-Step for Beginners

Discover the joy of watercolor in this welcoming and beginner-friendly workshop led by a talented local artist. Whether you've never picked up a paintbrush, or are looking to build confidence with a new medium, this class offers a relaxed and encouraging environment to learn the fundamentals of watercolor painting.

Through step-by-step guidance, you'll explore essential techniques such as color mixing, brush control, washes, and layering while creating your own beautiful work of art.

Come ready to experiment, connect with fellow learners, and enjoy the creative process. By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with new artistic skills, a finished painting, and the inspiration to continue your watercolor journey!
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PST | Bend

Make It Merry: Handmade Cards and Tote Bags Youth Camp

Get creative and make something merry! In this fun, hands-on holiday art workshop, you will design and create your own handmade greeting cards and personalized tote bags. Students will bring their ideas to life using watercolor and other art materials. Students will leave with one-of-a-kind creations and plenty of holiday spirit. Ages 10-15.
Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend
Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 9:00am-12:30pm PST | Bend