Doha, June 08 (QNA) - Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation partner university, has opened registration for its 2026 Summer Art & Design Programs offering preparatory courses for students aged 16-18, alongside programs for middle school students.

Held at the VCUarts Qatar campus from July 12-August 6, the four-week programs offer a wide range of techniques, including 3D modeling and printing, digital artwork, virtual reality spatial design, visual storytelling and portfolio development.

For students aged 16-18, week one introduces participants to the fundamental principles of art and design, such as drawing, model-making, illustration, and art artistic expression. Students will also learn about VCUarts Qatar's four core majors: Graphic Design, Interior Design, Painting and Printmaking, and Kinetic Imaging.

In the following weeks, students will explore a discipline of their choice through coursework modeled on the University's art curriculum. The program provides firsthand experience of campus life and studio-based practice. An optional fourth week focuses on portfolio development for university applications.

For students aged 11-15, the Summer Children's Program features two courses: Creative Chronicles and Beyond the Layer: From Digital Models to Physical Artifacts.

The courses bridge traditional visual storytelling and artmaking with contemporary creative tools through foundational technical instruction and problem-solving.

In Creative Chronicles, participants will learn to develop fictional characters, storylines, and digital artworks, before transforming their ideas into immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experiences using tools such as Tilt Brush and Open Brush. Throughout the program, participants will learn spatial drawing, 3D sketching, environmental design, and mixed-media artmaking techniques to create immersive virtual spaces. The course concludes with participants presenting their projects through VR walkthroughs, recorded experiences, and short presentations explaining their creative process.

The second course, Beyond the Layer, introduces the fundamentals of 3D modeling and printing, guiding students in transforming digital ideas into physical artifacts through hands-on experimentation. Participants will learn to create original 3D designs using beginner-friendly modeling software, prepare files for printing with slicing tools such as Cura and PrusaSlicer, and explore techniques including mold-making, resin casting, clay impressions, sanding, and material finishing. Throughout the course, students develop creative problem-solving skills while experimenting with the relationship between digital design and tactile making.

Program Manager for Community and Continuing Education at VCUarts Qatar, Rasha Alkasab explained: "Early exposure to interdisciplinary art and design education plays a critical role in how students understand their creative potential and future pathways. These programs are designed to mirror the academic depth and exploratory nature of our undergraduate experience, giving participants the opportunity to engage with both traditional practices and emerging technologies."

She added: "By building technical skills alongside critical thinking and creative confidence, we are helping students make more informed decisions about pursuing a creative education at a university level." (QNA)