Summer in the Studio

Teen working on a canvasAges 13–17
Five-day programs run Jul 4–Aug 26
Mon–Fri, 9 am–noon or 1–4 pm
Meet in the Pauley Center lobby
$140 (VMFA members $120)

Whether you enjoy drawing, painting, sculpting, film, or fashion, these studio classes teach you new skills, enhance your talents, help you develop personal vision, and strengthen your portfolio for college. Professional artists and instructors use a wide range of concepts and media to expand your knowledge of art, art history, culture, and perspective while building new relationships with peers and mentors within the arts community. Classes offer individual instruction to accommodate students of all levels of experience.

Download Programs Info and Emergency Form.

Note: Upon registration, VMFA will send a confirmation email to the address you provide. Please review this information carefully as it includes further details about the program and required emergency form, which is to be submitted on Monday, before the start of class. It is important that both teens and their parents or guardians understand all policies and proce¬dures pertaining to this program, including check-in/check-out, lunch options, Code of Conduct, studio attire, and VMFA’s cancellation policy.

Class Schedule


[T1] Design: Visual Journaling

Mon–Fri, Jun 24 –28, 9 am – noon | Pauley Center Studio A
LAUREN BLEAM

Ages 13–17 | Explore creative ways to integrate writing into art and use both for self-expression. Learn fun techniques to cut, collage, paint, print, and transfer images and graphics to turn your book into a treasure trove of ideas. (Sketchbooks are provided, but students can also bring their own, if desired.)

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T2] Art History: Manga 101

Mon–Fri, Jun 24 –28, 9 am – noon | Pauley Center Studio B
ANH DO

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

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T3] Digital: Moviemaking

Mon–Fri, Jun 24 –28, 1 – 4 pm| Pauley Center Computer Lab
TODD RAVIOTTA

Ages 13–17 | Through script writing, production, and editing, create your own short movie while also building connections with peers. This experience presents a unique setting and perspective with productions made on the museum campus, where the art and the environment sparks storytelling and creativity. Students are encouraged (but not required) to bring a flash drive and headphones. All other equipment is provided.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T4] Studio: Drawing & Painting

Mon–Fri, Jun 24 –28, 1 – 4 pm| Pauley Center Studio A
THEO TWEEDDALE

Ages 13–17 | Alongside gallery explorations, benefit from learning both traditional and nontraditional drawing and painting techniques while working from observation. Gain a better understanding of color theory, perspective, marks and applications, and composition to create captivating works of original art.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T5] Painting: Watercolors

Mon–Fri, Jul 1–5, 9 am – noon| Pauley Center Studio A
CAROLINE VELAZQUEZ

Ages 13–17 | Explore watercolor techniques while painting from life, creating detailed studies, and experimenting with abstractions. Find inspiration in the galleries and Sculpture Garden and begin a watercolor journal (provided) to collect your notes, ideas, and paintings.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T6] Drawing: Figures & Faces

Mon–Fri, Jul 1–5, 9 am – noon| Pauley Center Studio B
EMMY GARCIA

Ages 13–17 | Learn how to draw facial features and the human figure by gaining a better understanding of anatomy and proportion. Practice drawing from guided exercises, maquettes, clothed models in the studio, and observational studies in the galleries before completing your own portraits and figure drawings.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T7] Arts: Portfolio Building

Mon–Fri, Jul 1–5, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Studio A
LINDSAY STEELE

Ages 13–17 | Prepare your portfolio for submission to any art program! Learn about common requirements for applications. Spend time in the galleries focusing on historical traditions and contemporary trends in art and enjoy taking advantage of a studio full of quality tools and art materials to start new projects or finalize works in progress.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T8] Fashion: Studio Sampler

Mon–Fri, Jul 1–5, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Studio B
JONATHAN CLARKE

Ages 13–17 | Interested in fashion design but not sure where to begin? Get a taste of illustrating, sewing, draping, and more. Every day is a new and stylish adventure in this introductory course designed to give you inspiration and direction!

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T9] Digital: Animation

Mon–Fri, Jul 8–12, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center Computer Lab
ANH DO

Ages 13–17 | Get a basic introduction to various software tools that can be utilized in the creation of animation. Learn how to animate through exploratory exercises using shapes, text, and images from the museum’s collection. Students are encouraged (but not required) to bring a flash drive.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T11] Digital: Graphic Design

Mon–Fri, Jul 8–12, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Computer Lab
CAMERYN NORRIS

Ages 13–17 | Discover the world of graphic design and digital arts. Learn the basics of professional design tools and software to create a variety of projects including digital illustrations, graphics, and collages. Students are encouraged (but not required) to bring a flash drive.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T12] Cosplay: Props & Design

Mon–Fri, Jul 8–12, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Studio B
ELENA KEELER

Ages 13–17 | Uncover the essentials of cosplay! Learn design illustration, sewing basics, and working with foam. Daily challenges provide more possibilities, transforming cosplay fantasies into achievable projects. Whether dreaming of fantasy characters or embodying beloved favorites, use your creativity in the dynamic world of cosplay fashion. 

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T13] Digital: Video Game Design

Mon–Fri, Jul 15–19, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center Computer Lab
STEPHANIE O’DELL DAUGHERITY

Ages 13–17 | Learn a combination of new software tools and discover how to design, build, and edit your own video game. Enjoy bringing ideas to life and interacting with your own environments and characters. Students are encouraged (but not required) to bring a flash drive. 

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T14] Fashion: Clothing in Art

Mon–Fri, Jul 15–19, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center Studio B
JONATHAN CLARKE

Ages 13–17 | Infuse fine art with fashion! Spend time in the galleries gaining knowledge and inspiration for making your own wearable art in response to different styles, cultures, and art movements that draw you in. Learn basic sewing and draping techniques to turn design concepts into creative clothing.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T15] Painting: Pet Portraits

Mon–Fri, Jul 15–19, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Studio A
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | If you’re interested in painting a picture of a pet or you just love animals and art, then you’re barking up the right tree! Learn how to draw and paint animal portraits that capture a pet’s best features and unique character.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T16] Fashion: History & Design

Mon–Fri, Jul 15–19, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Studio B
JONATHAN CLARKE

Ages 13–17 | Explore elements of the fashion design process by examining examples of historic dress. While learning about the history of the industry, practice similar approaches and curate your own inspirational designer’s process book with fashion line ideas, designs, illustrations, collages, etc.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T17] Digital: Moviemaking

Mon–Fri, Jul 22–26, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center Computer Lab
TODD RAVIOTTA

Ages 13–17 | Through script writing, production, and editing, create your own short movie while also building connections with peers. This experience presents a unique setting and perspective with productions made on the museum campus, where the art and the environment sparks storytelling and creativity. Students are encouraged (but not required) to bring a flash drive and headphones. All other equipment is provided.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T18] Painting: Explorations

Mon–Fri, Jul 22–26, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center Studio A
KENDRA WADSWORTH

Ages 13–17 | Check out paintings from VMFA’s special exhibitions and collections and be inspired to think outside the box! Experiment with a range of painting applications and acrylic media while painting your own innovations on both small and large canvases.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T19] Pottery: Hand Building

Mon–Fri, Jul 22–26, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Studio A
KENDRA WADSWORTH

Ages 13–17 | Unearth the fundamentals of hand building with clay. Enjoy shaping your own forms, experimenting with surface textures, and applying underglazes to add more dimension, color, and creativity to original ceramic artworks. Final pieces will be clear-glazed and fired by staff and then available for pickup near the check-in table.

*Pottery Pickup: Wed–Fri | Aug 14–16

8:30 am–5 pm

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T20] Animation: History & Illustration

Mon–Fri, Jul 22–26, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Studio A
ANH DO

Ages 13–17 | Make your drawings come to life! Explore the history, language, and technique of animation through exploratory exercises, flip-books, and more.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T21] Drawing: Urban Art & Architecture

Mon–Fri, Jul 29–Aug 2, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center Studio A
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Embark on an artistic journey through architecture illustration. Practice daily sketching on the museum grounds and learn to capture depth, details, and a sense of place using a variety of tools including watercolor and ink.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T22] Fiber: Art in Nature

Mon–Fri, Jul 29–Aug 2, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center Studio B
LIZZIE GREEN

Ages 13–17 | Discover the magic of natural dyes with textiles. Drawing inspiration from the ingenuity, aesthetics, and creativity of cultures that utilized pigments and fibers, make your own art with materials from nature. Enjoy silk painting, fabric dying, and much more!

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T23] Fashion: Digital Illustration

Mon–Fri, Jul 29–Aug 2, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Computer Lab
ELENA KEELER

Ages 13–17 | Get to know the basic functions of Adobe Illustrator to create digital illustrations for fashion. Enjoy the process, from planning a mood board combining inspirational ideas, silhouettes, colors, and texture to designing an original fashion illustration. Students are encouraged (but not required) to bring a flash drive.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T24] Pottery: Wheel Throwing

Mon–Fri, Jul 29–Aug 2, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Pottery Studio
STEVEN GLASS

Ages 13–17 | Wheel throwing is a challenging yet rewarding experience that teaches not only artistry but also discipline and self-awareness. Learn to center clay, make basic forms, and paint pots with colorful slips and underglazes. Final pieces will be clear-glazed and fired by staff, and then available for pickup in the Pauley Center near the check-in table.

*Pottery Pickup: Wed–Fri | Aug 14–16

8:30 am–5 pm

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T25] Digital: Photography Today

Mon–Fri, Aug 5 - 9, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center Computer Lab
TYGER BELTON

Ages 13–17 | Interpret artistic concepts, improve photography techniques, and learn today’s options for shooting images, from digital cameras to cell phones. Use a variety of editing tools and apps for enhancing images and designs. DSLR cameras are available for use, but students are welcome to bring their own cameras or smartphones; flash drives are also recommended.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T26] Fashion: Illustration

Mon–Fri, Aug 5 - 9, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center Studio B
MORGAN SWANK

Ages 13–17 | Benefit from using tools of the trade, from professional quality ink markers to archival pens, and learn how to illustrate stylish clothing, textures, and accessories.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T27] Drawing: Botanicals & Beyond

Mon–Fri, Aug 5 - 9, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Studio A
CELESTE JOHNSTON

Ages 13–17 | Discover the history and technical qualities of botanical illustration, bridging science and art. Focus on plant anatomy, artisanship, and traditional techniques through various nature-themed arts, including the art of papermaking.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T28] Fashion: Sewing Made Simple

Mon–Fri, Aug 5 - 9, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Studio B
SARAH BROWN

Ages 13–17 | Interested in learning how to sew or simply wish to improve your skill? Join us in the studio to learn all about sewing essentials—how to use a sewing machine, make simple seams, add buttons, and more—to fabricate fun little projects and accessories.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T29] Drawing: Museum Muse

Mon–Fri, Aug 12 - 16, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center Studio A
KENDRA WADSWORTH

Ages 13–17 | From still lifes to landscapes, enjoy spending the week sketching in the studio, outside in the Sculpture Garden, and in the galleries, studying new art concepts and drawing techniques each day.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T30] Printmaking: 101

Mon–Fri, Aug 12 - 16, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center Studio B
CAMERYN NORRIS

Ages 13–17 | Explore the wonderful world of printmaking! Learn techniques for relief printing, screen printing, lithography, and more with an emphasis on color, pattern, and illustration to make eye-catching compositions!

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T31] Digital: Graphic Design

Mon–Fri, Aug 12 - 16, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Computer Lab
CAMERYN NORRIS

Ages 13–17 | Discover the world of graphic design and digital arts. Learn the basics of professional design tools and software to create a variety of projects including digital illustrations, graphics, and collages. Students are encouraged (but not required) to bring a flash drive.

$150 (VMFA members $130)


[T32] Painting: Oil on Canvas

Mon–Fri, Aug 12 - 16, 1–4 pm| Pauley Center Studio A
KENDRA WADSWORTH

Ages 13–17 | Explore classical through contemporary oil paintings in the galleries to discover both traditional techniques and alternative applications to integrate into your own work on canvas.

$150 (VMFA members $130)