5th-8th Grade Youth Art Class-Wednesdays
Wednesdays | 6:15–7:30 PM
Fall Session 1: Character Development
Week of Sept 15 – Oct 20
In this exciting first session, students will develop their own original character (OC)—from the inside out. Each class begins with a creative brain-building activity that helps students explore personality, movement, emotion, and story through the lens of character development.
Artists will sketch, plan, and draw their characters in 2D, imagining everything from what they wear in each season to how they express themselves. Then, they’ll bring their ideas to life as they move into 3D character building using a wide variety of materials like papier-mâché, fabric, cardboard, and more. Whether it's a plush figure or a sculptural form, each artist’s character will be uniquely their own.
Perfect for youth who love world-building, animation, cosplay, and creative invention.
Fall Session 2: Storytelling Through Art
Week of Nov 3 – Dec 15 (No class Thanksgiving week)
In the second session, we take the characters to the next level. Youth artists will explore the many ways to tell a story visually. Each class will start with a group warm-up that sparks imagination and problem-solving, then dive into storyboarding and developing narrative.
Students will bring their stories to life through their choice of format—comic books, handmade “television” boxes with scrolling film reels, pop-up books, zines, or other imaginative forms of visual storytelling.
New students are welcome! The first class will include time to develop their own original character so they can fully participate in the storytelling experience.
Meet Your Instructors
Jo Schramer
Lead Youth Educator
Jo Schramer is a multidisciplinary storyteller passionate about sharing the art of visual narrative with creative youth. With a background in Sequential Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Jo previously worked as a background painter for animated television and cartoons. Since moving to Wisconsin, Jo has immersed herself in the Midwest’s indie art scene, presenting at comic fests, zine fairs, and self-publishing her zine-format comics—including her long-running mini-comic series, Pizza Rat.
Jo’s teaching is rooted in Zen principles, valuing joy in the creative process, curiosity, resourcefulness, and confidence. Her classroom encourages out-of-the-box thinking and celebrates the path less traveled, making space for every young artist’s unique voice.
Lola Jakimczyk
Program Assistant
Lola Jakimczyk is a Sheboygan-based muralist whose vibrant, imaginative work can be seen throughout the community—including at Sunday Dough and Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. With a deep love for public art and playful color, Lola brings creativity, warmth, and positivity to everything she does.
As a returning mentor from our youth art camps, Lola brings experience, patience, and encouragement to the studio, helping young artists feel seen, supported, and inspired to create boldly.
Wednesdays | 6:15–7:30 PM
Fall Session 1: Character Development
Week of Sept 15 – Oct 20
In this exciting first session, students will develop their own original character (OC)—from the inside out. Each class begins with a creative brain-building activity that helps students explore personality, movement, emotion, and story through the lens of character development.
Artists will sketch, plan, and draw their characters in 2D, imagining everything from what they wear in each season to how they express themselves. Then, they’ll bring their ideas to life as they move into 3D character building using a wide variety of materials like papier-mâché, fabric, cardboard, and more. Whether it's a plush figure or a sculptural form, each artist’s character will be uniquely their own.
Perfect for youth who love world-building, animation, cosplay, and creative invention.
Fall Session 2: Storytelling Through Art
Week of Nov 3 – Dec 15 (No class Thanksgiving week)
In the second session, we take the characters to the next level. Youth artists will explore the many ways to tell a story visually. Each class will start with a group warm-up that sparks imagination and problem-solving, then dive into storyboarding and developing narrative.
Students will bring their stories to life through their choice of format—comic books, handmade “television” boxes with scrolling film reels, pop-up books, zines, or other imaginative forms of visual storytelling.
New students are welcome! The first class will include time to develop their own original character so they can fully participate in the storytelling experience.
Meet Your Instructors
Jo Schramer
Lead Youth Educator
Jo Schramer is a multidisciplinary storyteller passionate about sharing the art of visual narrative with creative youth. With a background in Sequential Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Jo previously worked as a background painter for animated television and cartoons. Since moving to Wisconsin, Jo has immersed herself in the Midwest’s indie art scene, presenting at comic fests, zine fairs, and self-publishing her zine-format comics—including her long-running mini-comic series, Pizza Rat.
Jo’s teaching is rooted in Zen principles, valuing joy in the creative process, curiosity, resourcefulness, and confidence. Her classroom encourages out-of-the-box thinking and celebrates the path less traveled, making space for every young artist’s unique voice.
Lola Jakimczyk
Program Assistant
Lola Jakimczyk is a Sheboygan-based muralist whose vibrant, imaginative work can be seen throughout the community—including at Sunday Dough and Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. With a deep love for public art and playful color, Lola brings creativity, warmth, and positivity to everything she does.
As a returning mentor from our youth art camps, Lola brings experience, patience, and encouragement to the studio, helping young artists feel seen, supported, and inspired to create boldly.