Summer in the Studio

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.

Whether you enjoy drawing, painting, sculpting, film, or fashion, these studio classes teach you new skills and 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.

Note: Upon registration, VMFA will send a confirmation to the email address you used in your registration. Please review this information carefully as it provides further details about the program and the student emergency form, which should be submitted on the first day of class. It is important that both teens and their parents or guardians understand all policies and procedures pertaining to this program, including check-in/check-out, lunch options, Code of Conduct, studio attire, and VMFA’s cancellation policy.


Class Schedule

[T17] Design: Fun with Felting

Mon–Fri, Jul 21–25, 9 am–noon | Pauley Center, Studio B
LAUREN BLEAM

Ages 13–17 | Craft fun felted projects, including your very own “stuffie” and other unique fiber designs. Combine needle felting with basic sewing techniques to sculpt, assemble, and stitch soft and cozy creations.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T18] Painting: Explorations

Mon–Fri, Jul 21–25, 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 original abstractions on canvas.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T19] Digital: Moviemaking

Mon–Fri, Jul 21–25, 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 wired headphones. All other equipment is provided.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T20] Pottery: Hand Building

Mon–Fri, Jul 21–25, 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. Finished works will be clear-glazed and fired by staff; they will be available for pickup when complete.

Pottery Pickup: Wed–Fri | Aug 13–15, 8:30 am–5 pm

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T21] Portfolio: Projects & Prep

Mon–Fri, Jul 28–Aug 1, 9 am–noon | Pauley Center, Studio B & Lab
LINDSAY STEELE

Ages 13–17 | Build a submission-ready portfolio that will equip you to apply to any art program. Become familiar with historical and contemporary art in the galleries and take advantage of high-quality art tools and materials to work on new projects or refine works in progress. 

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T23] Pottery: Wheel Throwing

Mon–Fri, Jul 28–Aug 1, 1–4 pm | Studio School, lower level*
*On Monday, meet in the Pauley Center for initial check-in

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. Finished pieces will be clear-glazed and fired by staff; they will be available for pickup when complete. 

Pottery Pickup in the Pauley Center: Wed–Fri | Aug 13–15, 8:30 am–5 pm

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T24] Studio: Powerful Portraits

Mon–Fri, Jul 28–Aug 1, 1–4 pm | Pauley Center, Studio A
THEO TWEEDDALE

Ages 13–17 | Explore how portraits convey identity and meaning. Study features and proportions, incorporate Surrealist ideas, and transform personal stories into drawings and paintings that highlight the strength and individuality of your vision.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T25] Fashion: Illustration

Mon–Fri, Aug 4–8, 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.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T26] Painting: Pet Portraits

Mon–Fri, Aug 4–8, 9 am–noon | Pauley Center, Studio A
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Bring animals to life on canvas! Practice proportion, color mixing, and texture techniques to create portraits that capture personality and character while exploring both realistic and expressive painting styles.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T27] Digital: Photo Lab

Mon–Fri, Aug 4–8, 1–4 pm | Pauley Center, Computer Lab
TYGER BELTON

Ages 13–17 | A crash course in the art and history of photography! Gain an understanding of how cameras work and what makes an image successful, whether using a digital camera or cell phone. Explore a variety of editing tools and apps to enhance photos and designs. Plus, enjoy outdoor sessions, gallery visits, and a sneak peek into the darkroom. DSLR cameras are available for use, but students are welcome to bring their own cameras or smartphones; flash drives are also recommended. 

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T28] Animation: History & Illustration

Mon–Fri, Aug 4–8, 1–4 pm | Pauley Center, Studio B
ANH DO

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

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T29] Drawing: Inspired by Art

Mon–Fri, Aug 11–15, 9 am–noon | Pauley Center, Studio A
KENDRA WADSWORTH

Ages 13–17 | Spend the week honing your drawing skills—from landscapes to still lifes—and sketch it all in the studio, outdoors, and in the galleries. Explore different techniques, build confidence, and simply relax while immersing yourself in the creative process.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

[T30] Painting: Oil on Canvas

Mon–Fri, Aug 11–15, 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.

$160 (VMFA members $140)