Teen Studio – Art Classes

Registration Information

Summer Classes & Programs

Explore the Summer Classes & Programs Brochure

Registration for VMFA Members

To accommodate the high demand, members-only registration for the following categories will begin as noted. Not a member? Join today.

Studio School and Art History Classes (ages 16+)

Tue, Apr 8 | 8 am (online or by phone) or 10 am (in person)

Teen and All Children’s Classes

Wed, Apr 9 | 8 am (online or by phone) or 10 am (in person)

Registration for Nonmembers

Nonmember registration for all classes begins Wed, Apr 16 | 8 am (online or by phone) or 10 am (in person)

In need of assistance?

Visitor Services is available by phone 804.340.1405 starting at 8 am or in-person at the museum starting at 10 am on registration days.

Expand your creativity and artistic awareness, build your own portfolio for college, or simply spend time with peers and professional artists through these studio classes related to VMFA’s world-renowned collection. Enrollment is limited in order to provide individual instruction and accommodations for teenagers of all skill levels. Register online or by phone 804.340.1405.

View Summer Camps Here

Teen Studio Programs

Select Wednesdays (2- or 3-session classes)
5–7 pm
Smurfit WestRock Art Education Center or Pauley Center
Enrollment limit varies per class
$50-70 (VMFA Members $40-60)

Focus on your favorite style, medium, or technique in one or all of these innovative classes. Designed for teens in middle or high school, these classs help students grow creatively, explore self-expression, and develop works for a college portfolio.

View Program Guidelines

[TW1] Digital: Photoshop Fun

Wednesday, Oct 1, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Pauley Center, Computer Lab
ANH DO

Ages 13–17 | Learn to edit images and create digital art using fundamental tools in Adobe Photoshop.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TW2] Digital: Illustrator Basics

Wednesday, Oct 8, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Pauley Center, Computer Lab
ANH DO

Ages 13–17 | Explore essential tools in Adobe Illustrator to create graphics and develop foundational digital art skills. 

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TW3] Digital: Animation Station

Wednesday, Oct 15, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Pauley Center, Computer Lab
ANH DO

Ages 13–17 | Bring your ideas to life by creating short animations while learning the fundamentals of this digital art form!  

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TW4] Digital: Graphic Design

Wednesday, Oct 22, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Pauley Center, Computer Lab
ANH DO

Ages 13–17 | Learn the fundamentals of graphic design while exploring hands-on projects and guided exercises.   

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TW5] Studio Arts: Drawing

Wednesday, Oct 29, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Art Education Center, Studio 1 
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Practice drawing from observation using the charcoal medium while focusing on perspective, proportion, and value through still life studies.    

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TW6] Studio Arts: Watercolors

Wednesday, Nov 5, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Art Education Center, Studio 1 
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Experiment with different watercolor applications and fine-line pens to create expressive illustrations inspired by patterns, botanicals, and your own ideas.     

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TW7] Studio Arts: Printmaking

Wednesday, Nov 12, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Art Education Center, Studio 1 
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Explore color, texture, and composition while experimenting with layering to create amazing abstract prints!       

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TW8] Studio Arts: Pet Designs

Wednesday, Nov 19, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Art Education Center, Studio 1 
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Create a personalized animal portrait using a pic of your pet (or any animal) along with mixed–media and collage techniques. Students should bring in a printed photo of an animal or choose from images in the studio.     

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TW9] Creative: Wood Crafts

Wednesday, Dec 3, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Art Education Center, Studio 1 
LINDSAY STEELE

Ages 13–17 | Paint and personalize wood items like coasters, trays, or panels—perfect for gifts or creative keepsakes!    

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TW10] Creative: Trinkets & Charms

Wednesday, Dec 10, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Art Education Center, Studio 1 
LINDSAY STEELE

Ages 13–17 | Design miniature art on shrink plastic to turn into keychains, magnets, pins, or wearable charms.    

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TW11] Creative: Needle Felting

Wednesday, Dec 17, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Art Education Center, Studio 1 
LINDSAY STEELE

Ages 13–17 | Learn the basics of needle felting to craft soft, fun, and festive ornaments and designs with colorful wools.  

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TD1] Drawing: Animals

Thursday, Sep 18, 5–6:30 pm (1 session) | VMFA Galleries
Meet in the Art Education Center for check-in

RACHEL DEUTCH

Ages 13–17 | Journey through the galleries in search of pet portraits and animals in art. Focus on drawing furry textures and other detailed characteristics.    

$20 (VMFA members $15)

[TD2] Drawing: Portraits

Thursday, Oct 16, 5–6:30 pm (1 session) | VMFA Galleries
Meet in the Art Education Center for check-in

RACHEL DEUTCH

Ages 13–17 | Gaze at the masterful portraits in the museum and practice drawing more realistic faces and features in proportion.   

$20 (VMFA members $15)

[TD3] Drawing: Still Life

Thursday, Nov 20, 5–6:30 pm (1 session) | VMFA Galleries
Meet in the Art Education Center for check-in

RACHEL DEUTCH

Ages 13–17 | Find inspiration in foods and flowers by drawing your favorite still lifes, concentrating on shape, value, and perspective.   

$20 (VMFA members $15)

[TD4] Drawing: Landscapes

Thursday, Dec 18, 5–6:30 pm (1 session) | VMFA Galleries
Meet in the Art Education Center for check-in 

RACHEL DEUTCH

Ages 13–17 | No need to go outside to see the great outdoors! Venture through the galleries to gain perspectives and insights into drawing landscapes and nature.     

$20 (VMFA members $15)

Important Dates
Select Fridays
5–7 pm
Smurfit WestRock Art Education Center, Studio 1
$20 (VMFA members $15)
Enrollment Limit: 12

Explore the galleries and boost drawing skills associated with different art movements, styles, and cultures. Designed for teens in middle or high school, monthly sessions include demos, art talks, and independent instruction to accommodate both beginning and accomplished artists.

View Program Guidelines

[TF1] Painting: Color Combos

Friday, Oct 10, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Art Education Center, Studio 1 
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Practice mixing and pairing colors while experimenting with bold combinations on a series of cute mini canvases.    

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TF2] Painting: Applications

Friday, Nov 14, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Art Education Center, Studio 1 
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Explore brushwork, layering, and texture using acrylic mediums and creative techniques.     

$30 (VMFA members $25)

[TF3] Painting: Start to Finish

Friday, Dec 12, 5–7 pm (1 session) | Art Education Center, Studio 1 
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Work from observation and learn how to begin, build, and complete an acrylic painting with depth and dimension.     

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Select Saturdays
11 am–4 pm or 1–4 pm
Art Education Center or Pauley Center
$40–55 (VMFA members $30–45)
Enrollment limit  varies per class

Each of these innovative workshops focuses on a unique art movement, culture, and medium associated with the VMFA collection. Teenagers benefit from learning new techniques and using a variety of professional tools and materials.

View Program Guidelines

[TS1] Cosplay: Costume Challenge

Saturday, Oct 18, 11 am–4 pm (1 session) | Pauley Center, Studio A 
ELENA KEELER

Ages 13–17 | Step into character for a one-day cosplay challenge! With an array of materials and techniques for constructing wearable art, create your own costume armor or accessory. 
Please bring a nut-free bagged lunch from home.      

$55 (VMFA members $45)

[TS2] Digital: Intro to Animation

Saturday, Nov 8, 11 am–4 pm (1 session) | Pauley Center, Computer Lab
ANH DO

Ages 13–17 | With Adobe Photoshop and Animate software, learn about basic animation principles and techniques to create some short and sweet digital animations! Please bring a nut-free bagged lunch from home. Students are also encouraged to bring a USB flash drive to save their files.      

$55 (VMFA members $45)

[TS3] Manga: History & Illustration

Saturday, Dec 6, 1pm–4 pm (1 session) | Pauley Center, Studio A
ANH DO

Ages 13–17 | Learn the history, style, characteristics, and culture of Japanese manga art. Discover different ways to develop drawing skills and apply these methods in exercises to illustrate in the manga style.     

$40 (VMFA members $30)