Family Programs

Registration Information

Winter/Spring 2024 Classes & Programs

Registration for VMFA Members & Non-members is currently underway online, by phone, and in person.

Questions: 804.340.1405

Explore the Winter/Spring 2024 Classes & Programs Brochure

 

Summer 2024 Classes & Programs

Registration for Members

To accommodate the high volume of enrollment, members-only registration for the following categories will begin as noted below:

Tue, Apr 9 | 8 am
Studio School and Adult Art History Classes

Wed, Apr 10 | 8 am
Early Childhood Classes & Camps (age 5 and under), Kids Studio Classes (ages 5–12), and Teen Summer Classes (ages 13–17)

VMFA members have the first chance to register for classes. Not a member? Join today.

Registration for Non-members

Tue, Apr 16 | 8 am
Non-member registration for all classes begins

Explore the Summer 2024 Classes & Programs Brochure

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.

You won’t find a more enlightening — and inspirational — environment than the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts! Enroll in a Friday Family Art Night for an intimate and engaging evening of learning and making art with your child, or bring the whole family to one of our Open Studios or Family Events for an enriching experience that is fun for every age and interest.

Youth and Family Studio Programs at VMFA are generously supported by R.E.B. Foundation.

Family Studio Programs & Events

Recommended for ages 5 – 12; each child accompanied by one adult.
Select Fridays, 5 – 7 pm
Art Education Center | Studio 2
$30 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $25)
Limit: 6 children (6 adults)*

Note: separate registration is not required for parent/guardian of child enrolled in this program


[F9] Silk Painting

Fri, Apr 19, 5–7 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Mary Swezey 

Explore the mesmerizing techniques of silk painting as you design a vibrant silk scarf of your own, in addition to other fun fabric painting projects!

$30 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $25)



[F10] Felt like Spring

Fri, May 17, 5–7 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Lindsay Steele

Celebrate spring by crafting cute and fuzzy felt friends! Learn techniques for (safely) needle felting with wool, then make your own tiny flowers, bees, birds, and more. 

$30 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $25)


For questions about Family Day events, please contact natalie.feister@vmfa.museum.


All ages; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
First Sundays, noon–3 pm
Art Education Center
Free. No registration required.

Make Open Studio Sundays a part of your family’s monthly routine! Visit the Art Education Center anytime between noon and 3 pm to participate in an art activity inspired by an object from the VMFA collection. A new art activity, led by VMFA Youth Studio Staff and volunteers, is offered every month. Select months will feature additional activities and events.

Note: For groups of eight children or more, please email youthstudio@vmfa.museum

Please note that programs are subject to change based on conditions related to COVID-19. Select months may offer alternate options such as Take-and-Make or Grab-and-Go projects.


Open Studio Sunday

Sun, Apr 7, 2024 | Noon–3 pm
WestRock Art Education Center

For all ages; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Make Open Studio Sundays a part of your family's monthly routine! Visit the WestRock Art Education Center anytime between noon and 3 pm to participate in an art activity inspired by an object from the VMFA collection. A new art activity, led by VMFA Youth Studio Staff and volunteers, is offered every month. Select months will feature additional activities and events.

Free, no registration required.

For questions about Family Day events, please contact natalie.feister@vmfa.museum.

Bring the entire family and discover the richness of cultures from around the world, the science behind art making, and the stories of the artists and their art. Become an artist for the day while exploring traditional art objects, art activities, and performances and entertainment related to VMFA’s collection and special exhibitions. Activities are recommended for children ages 3–12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All ages welcome.

Free. No tickets required.

Learn more!


For questions about Family Day events, please contact natalie.feister@vmfa.museum.

African American Read-In for Families

African American Read-In for Families

Sat, Feb 24, 2024 | 11 am–12:30 pm
Museum-wide event

Celebrate children’s literature and art created by African and African American artists. Join VMFA educators and Richmond community members for an interactive group experience pairing three works of art by African and African American artists with readings of children’s books by African American authors.  
All children’s literature featured in the African American Read-In for Families is available for purchase in the VMFA Shop on Level 1.

The National African American Read-In is sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English and endorsed by the International Literacy Association.

Free, no tickets required.

Prices

For questions about Family Day events, please contact natalie.feister@vmfa.museum.