Registration Information
Winter/Spring Classes & Programs
Registration for VMFA Members & Nonmembers is currently underway online, by phone, and in person.
Explore the Winter/Spring Classes & Programs BrochureRegistration 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, Nov 12 | 8 am (online or by phone) or 10 am (in person)
Teen and All Children’s Classes
Wed, Nov 13 | 8 am (online or by phone) or 10 am (in person)
Registration for Nonmembers
Nonmember registration for all classes begins Tue, Nov 19 | 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.
Visit VMFA’s Art Education Center for innovative art projects that foster creativity, critical thinking, and FUN! Students explore the museum’s world-renowned collection of fine art, experiment with studio materials, and learn from expert instructors who accommodate all levels of skill and talent. Each studio program is tailored to a specific age group and correlates with the SOLs for Virginia Public Schools. For children ages 5 – 12.
Youth and Family Studio Programs at VMFA are generously supported by R.E.B. Foundation.
View Program GuidelinesKids Studio classes run September-May.
View Summer Camps HereYouth Studio Programs
Art Adventures- ages 5–8
Thursdays
4:30 – 6 pm
Art Education Center, Studio 2
$30 (VMFA members $25), per class
Enrollment Limit: 12
[CA12] Portraits & Presents
Thu, Dec 19, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy
Ages 5–8 | Draw your own mini self-portrait and decorate a wooden frame with paint, gems, and more—a perfect personalized gift for the holidays!
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA13] Gallery Getaway
Thu, Jan 16, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Start a new sketchbook for the new year! Explore the galleries while learning fun tips and tricks to make your drawings look more realistic. Focus on fundamentals like lines, shapes, and observation to boost confidence and creativity.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA14] Painting Perspective
Thu, Jan 23, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Go sightseeing through the museum in search of inspirational landscapes! Experiment
with color mixing, painting techniques, and basic elements of art to add depth and dimension, capturing the season’s essence through atmospheric perspective.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA15] Chinese Ink Painting
Thu, Jan 30, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Celebrate Chinese New Year with traditional ink painting. Learn to use a bamboo brush to create imagery inspired by the Year of the Wood Snake and explore Lunar New Year traditions.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA17] Papercraft & Design
Thu, Feb 13, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Create art from the heart! Use papercraft and collage techniques to design cards and
keepsakes, perfect for sharing with loved ones for the holiday—or just because!
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA18] Powerful Portraits
Thu, Feb 20, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Capture the essence of someone who has impacted your life! Paint a portrait inspired by bold and iconic styles of African and African American artists such as Beauford Delaney in VMFA’s galleries.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA19] Meaningful Masks
Thu, Feb 27, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Discover the history and traditions of mask-making across African cultures! Explore
the galleries to learn about the colors, symbols and rituals, and gather inspiration to create your own powerful mask design.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA20] Bones & Blossoms
Thu, Mar 6, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Explore Georgia O’Keeffe’s striking floral paintings and serene desert landscapes.
Discover her unique approach to nature and create your own dynamic compositions, capturing the essence of her iconic style with watercolors.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA21] Impressionist Inspirations
Thu, Mar 13, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Discover the beauty of French Impressionism by exploring how artists capture light
and color. Create your own artwork using complementary colors and quick strokes to reflect the essence of Impressionist style.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA22] Wild about Weaving
Thu, Mar 20, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Be inspired by fiber arts in the galleries to start your textile adventure! Working on a cardboard loom, enjoy weaving with yarn and other fibers, while adding your own flare with funky embellishments.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA23] Ancient Art Studio
Thu, Mar 27, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Journey through time with a visit to the galleries and hear captivating stories of ancient civilizations! Draw inspiration from early artisans to sculpt and paint your own objects inspired by the art of the past
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA24] Sketch & Design
Thu, Apr 10, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Venture into the galleries to explore dynamic work by Tsherin Sherpa and other Southeast Asian art, blending traditional and contemporary styles. Return to the studio to create your own detailed pen and ink drawings inspired by the region’s rich artistic heritage.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA25] Trash to Treasure
Thu, Apr 17, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Unleash your creativity by turning everyday items into art! Discover how artists transform found objects into unique creations, then tap into your resourcefulness to craft your own
imaginative and sustainable sculptures.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA26] Still Lifes with Style
Thu, Apr 24, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Check out still lifes and painting styles from VMFA’s collections. Use shapes, lines, and colors to create your own still life compositions, focusing on proportion and the basics of drawing objects.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA27] Functional Arts
Thu, May 1, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Find out how art can be both fascinating and functional! Construct usable designs
inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles from VMFA’s collections, turning everyday items into original works of art.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA28] Appreciation Station
Thu, May 8, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Craft heartfelt gifts for the special people in your life! Explore mixed-media techniques to create keepsakes that show appreciation for caretakers, family members, and loved ones, celebrating those who make a difference every day.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
Foundations in Art- ages 9–12
Thursdays
4:30 – 6 pm
Art Education Center, Studio 1
Enrollment Limit: 12
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF12] Printed Presents
Thu, Dec 19, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka
Ages 9–12 |Learn the art of block printing to produce batches of images of your own design!
Print your artwork onto custom cards and decorative totes to give to loved ones (or keep for yourself).
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF13] Shapes & Shades
Thu, Jan 16, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Piece together shapes to create compelling still life compositions! Learn to use soft pastels, blend colors, and add value with tints and shades, highlighting the beauty of geometric
forms and thoughtful arrangements.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF14] Mosaic Motifs
Thu, Jan 23, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Uncover the ancient art of mosaics! Explore Roman patterns and motifs, then
design your own using colorful papers to create a personalized mosaic that reflects your style and creativity.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF15] Lunar Legends
Thu, Jan 30, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Celebrate the Lunar New Year by exploring the legends of the Chinese zodiac! Learn block printing techniques with foam sheets to create striking prints inspired by the Year of
the Wood Snake and other zodiac animals.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF16] Wearable Art
Thu, Feb 6, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Get inspired by African textiles and beadwork to create your own wearable art! Design vibrant necklaces or belts, crafting with bright colors and patterns that reflect the beauty and symbolism of traditional African art forms.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF17] Handcrafted Connections
Thu, Feb 13, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Celebrate the art of love and friendship with 3D paper crafts! Explore paper quilling and collage to create dimensional cards inspired by contemporary art and design, perfect for gifting.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF18] Patchwork Patterns
Thu, Feb 20, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Discover the art of Gee’s Bend quilts! Use color, pattern, and composition to create collaged artworks by piecing together decorative papers and fabric scraps. Let your creativity and
improvisation lead the way in your designs.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF19] Art in Action
Thu, Feb 27, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Influenced by action painting and other abstract painting methods, splatter, splash,
drip, and sprinkle paint onto your own canvas to create a one-of-a-kind composition. Be sure
to wear clothes and shoes that can get messy!
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF20] Shapes & Patterns
Thu, Mar 6, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Explore abstract art by crafting playful mixed media collages! Focus on circles, ovals, and creative color schemes, using layers and textures to bring your artwork to life.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF21] Going Green
Thu, Mar 13, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Go on a treasure hunt through the galleries in search of everything green! From emerald sculptures to leafy paintings, sketch the vibrant finds as you explore the hues in art.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF22] Watercolor Botanicals
Thu, Mar 20, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 | Welcome Spring by learning botanical drawing and watercolor techniques. Capture the beauty of blooming flowers and fresh foliage with delicate brushstrokes and vibrant hues.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF23] Painters in Paris
Thu, Mar 27, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Explore Postimpressionism through the eyes of artists like Van Gogh and his contemporaries! Experiment with color theory and optical mixing to create vivid artworks in oil pastel.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF24] Charcoal Creations
Thu, Apr 10, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Enjoy some messy fun while drawing with charcoal! Focus on value, shapes, and
composition to reveal your images by erasing highlights and adding depth and contrast.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF25] Artful Upcycling
Thu, Apr 17, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 | Celebrate Earth Day by turning trash into treasure! Use recycled materials to create
imaginative mixed-media artworks, exploring the possibilities of sustainable art.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF26] Handmade Heritage
Thu, Apr 24, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 | Learn hand-building techniques to craft clay vessels inspired by Native American artistry. Decorate your creations with detailed patterns, echoing the beauty and function of traditional designs.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF27] Elements of Architecture
Thu, May 1, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 | Embark on a sketching quest filled with adventure and hidden surprises in the galleries! Focus on perspective and architectural details as you fill your sketchbook with observations of the museum’s captivating spaces.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF28] Color & Kahlo
Thu, May 8, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 | Celebrate Frida Kahlo’s creativity with mixed-media self-portraits! Explore color theory and use fun materials to craft expressive artworks, inspired by her brilliant use of color and personal themes.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
Kids Discover- ages 5–8
Select Saturdays
1 – 4 pm
Art Education Center | Studio 2
Enrollment Limit: 12
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CD5] Superheroes in Art
Sat, Jan 25, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Elizabeth Daly
Ages 5–8 | Explore the heroes and heroines from diverse cultures in VMFA’s collection. Be inspired by their stories, then create your own powerful character with unique powers and a bold style!
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CD6] Quilted Creations
Sat, Feb 1, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Mary Swezey
Ages 5–8 | Be inspired by the resourceful artistry of the Gee’s Bend quilters! Use colorful paper
and fabric scraps to design unique patterns and collages, celebrating the creativity and tradition of Southern quilting.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CD7] Playing with Paint
Sat, Feb 22, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Kerry Mills
Ages 5–8 | Explore the elements of art and painting! Learn how to hold a brush, mix colors, and
apply paint to canvas. Experiment with techniques to create colorful compositions bursting with creativity and style.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CD8] Gallery Games
Sat, Mar 15, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Kassidy Strosnider
Ages 5–8 | Enjoy art in a whole new way! Explore VMFA’s collection with playful challenges and
creative activities that make learning about art an engaging and interactive experience where fun and discovery go hand in hand.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CD9] Egg-cellent Explorers
Sat, Mar 22, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Theo Tweeddale
Ages 5–8 | Spring has sprung, bees are buzzing, and eggs are hatching! Embark on an “egg hunt” through the galleries to find eggs in art. Hatch your own creative ideas and craft artsy eggs
inspired by Ukrainian Pysanky, Mexican Cascarón, and Russian Fabergé eggs.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CD10] Animal Prints
Sat, Apr 26, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Mary Swezey
Ages 5–8 | Go on a gallery safari to find animals in art! Sketch your favorite furry friends, then head to the studio to create animal-inspired prints using foam plates and basic relief-printing techniques.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CD11] Flower Power
Sat, May 3, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Elizabeth Daly
Ages 5–8 |Celebrate the season by using fresh blooms and organic materials in your art! Learn how artists are endlessly inspired by natural beauty and use real flowers as tools and art media.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
Studio Explorations- ages 9–12
Select Saturdays
1 – 4 pm
Art Education Center | Studio 1
Enrollment limit: 12
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CX5] Watercolor FUNdamentals
Sat, Jan 25, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Catherine Purdy
Ages 9–12 | Embark on an exploration of watercolor painting that will boost your confidence in your artistic abilities. Learn basic techniques and experiment with different methods and applications to incorporate into your wonderful watercolor paintings.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CX6] Embroidery Essentials
Sat, Feb 1, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Lizzie Green
Ages 9–12 | Stitch your way through the basics of embroidery! Learn fundamental hand stitches and get creative with fun embellishments to craft designs that mix traditional techniques with modern flair.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CX7] STEAM Studio
Sat, Feb 22, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Elizabeth Daly
Ages 9–12 | Unleash your creativity with STEAM challenges inspired by museum objects! Blend science, technology, engineering, art, and math to build imaginative sculptural creations, exploring problem-solving in playful and inventive way.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CX8] Creative Drawing
Sat, Mar 15, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Theo Tweeddale
Ages 9–12 | Explore VMFA galleries and unleash your creativity! Learn techniques for depicting space, volume, and depth, and make drawing from observation exciting with unique approaches to
composition, texture, and value.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CX9] All about Manga
Sat, Mar 22, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Anh Do
Ages 9–12 | Discover the art, history, and culture of manga, Japan’s iconic comic art form! Through guided exercises, learn step-by-step how to illustrate traditional characters and develop the skills to create your own manga-inspired comics.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CX10] National Parks in Art
Sat, Apr 26, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Elizabeth Daly
Ages 9–12 | Celebrate National Parks Week with an artistic adventure! Explore the galleries to discover how art connects with nature and history, then create multimedia artworks inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of America’s beloved parks.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CX11] Portraits with Personality
Sat, May 3, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Kassidy Strosnider
Ages 9–12 | Paint an expressive self-portrait inspired by Frida Kahlo! Using acrylic paints, focus
on facial proportions, intense colors, and personal symbols that capture your mood and identity. Add fresh florals for a natural touch to your creative process.
$40 (VMFA members $30)