The 2500 square foot gallery in the Scottsdale Civic Center Library provides ample space for us to bring engaging artistic and educational experiences to the public—building community through free, accessible, quality exhibitions and workshops. Each summer, we work with artists and library staff to create an interactive installation filling the entire gallery, providing an air-conditioned escape for children and their families. This summer, we invite you to experience Camp Dreamtree!

This is a camp like you’ve never seen before! Camp Dreamtree is an interactive art installation in the shape of a camp. It is based upon the fantastic story of camp founder Evan Stevens and his accidental journey to the land of Crystal Burn. Local artist Roy Wasson Valle and visual arts instructor Koryn Woodward Wasson are the co-creators of the exhibition and the story behind it.  Kids of all ages are invited to become a part of Camp Dreamtree’s history by becoming Dreamscouts who pledge their love of books, nature, and the utmost respect for wonder.

Come and explore the Fireweather Forest within Crystal Burn, home to the four Dreamhouses that Evan was inspired to create after meeting Izimbra, a benevolent and intelligent being that he befriended. The four houses include the Fire House in the north, the Water House in the south, the Scroll House in the east, and the Wonder House in the west. If you are feeling adventurous, you may choose to go on one of the two interactive achievement trails that the camp has to offer, but be prepared to come back to collect them all!

Camp Dreamtree is ever-changing and evolving depending on the season and its campers, so return to camp for new adventures all summer long and help us keep the magic and mystery of this special place alive and growing! Above all make sure you respect wonder and remember that even though you may be small, you are a part of the whole.

About the Artists

Roy Wasson Valle was born in Mexico, where he lived until the age of 11 when his family moved to Prescott, AZ. In 1998 he moved to Karlsruhe, Germany where he studied sculpture and film. Two years later, he returned to the US to attend Arizona State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture in 2003. He has shown work throughout the Valley and is known for his clothing and merchandise line, Fuzzy Balls Apparel.

In 2007 he married Koryn Woodward. Koryn was born and raised in Phoenix. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education with an emphasis on Printmaking from Arizona State University. Currently she teaches visual arts at Metropolitan Arts Institute in Phoenix.  Roy and Koryn have a 2 year old daughter and seek to create artwork that appeals to children and adults alike.

Camp Dreamtree began as a concept that Roy has been exploring and evolving in his artwork for years. In his early career, he created a series of characters that he sees as being the present inhabitants of Crystal Burn. In 2006 he created a print of the first Dreamhouse, and in 2010 he and his wife, Koryn, exhibited an installation entitled Village, a miniature tabletop island environment.

A good Dream Scout always comes prepared! Learn about the history of Camp Dreamtree and the interactive activities before you visit:

Camp Dreamtree History

About the Houses

Adventure Trail

Chronicle Trail

Scout Bag Making Instructions

Knot Tying Instructions

Campfire Building Instructions

Fireweather Forest Birds Field Guide Worksheet

Stop by the Gallery on Wednesdays from 9am-Noon thoughout the duration of the exhibition (except July 16) to meet “Camp Counselor” and co-artist of the exhibition, Koryn Woodward. She will be there to answer your questions and help you with the activity trails.

Learn more about the special events we have planned in conjunction with this exhibition here.

Follow Camp Dreamtree on Instagram here.

MORE ABOUT CAMP DREAMTREE

>Phoenix New Times Preview of the Opening Celebration by Katrina Montgomery

>>Raising Arizona Kids article by Lynn Trimble

>>>AZCentral’s article by Sonja Haller

>>>>Phoenix New Times article by Becky Bartkowski

>>>>>YabYum article by Nicole Royse

>>>>>>Phoenix New Times article by Robert Pela

>>>>>>>Kellie Hwang’s video interview with the artists and curator for AZCentral

>>>>>>>>FOX 10’s Kristy Siefkin’s visit to Camp Dreamtree

>>>>>>>>>Channel 3’s Heidi Goitia interviews the artists and curator

>>>>>>>>>>Channel 12 EVB Live’s Vanessa Ramirez stops by Camp Dreamtree

>>>>>>>>>>>Lynn Trimble writes about Camp Dreamtree for Art Musings