Teen Studio – Art Classes

Registration Information

Fall 2023 Classes & Programs

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

Questions: 804.340.1405

Explore the fall 2023 Classes & Programs Brochure

Winter/spring 2023 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, Nov 14 | 8 am
Studio School and Adult Art History Classes

Wed, Nov 15 | 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, Nov 21 | 8 am
Non-member registration for all classes begins

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 Program Guidelines

Teen Studio classes run September-May.

View Summer Camps Here

Teen Studio Programs

Select Wednesdays (2- or 3-session classes)
5 – 7 pm
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


[TW2] Digital: Moviemaking

Wednesdays, Oct 4, 11, & 18, 5–7 pm | Pauley Center, Computer Lab
Todd Raviotta

Ages 13–17 | Through screenplay 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, as 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.

$70 (VMFA members $60)


[TW3] Photography: Alternative Processes

Wednesdays, Nov 1, 8, & 15, 5–7 pm | Art Education Center
Theo Tweeddale

Ages 13–17 | Learn about the art and history of photography and alternative ways to create
and process images. Enjoy building a pinhole camera, developing cyanotypes, and more,
while focusing on concepts such as positive and negative space, contrast, and opacity. 

$70 (VMFA members $60)


[TW4] Painting: Fun with Acrylics

Wednesdays, Dec 6 & 13, 5–7 pm | Art Education Center
Kendra Wadsworth

Ages 13–17 | Be inspired by paintings in the galleries that have revolutionized the meaning of
art! Enjoy painting with acrylics on canvas while experimenting with different tools, mediums, and applications. 

$50 (VMFA members $40)

Important Dates
Select Fridays
5 – 7 pm
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


[TD2] Drawing: Still Lifes

Friday, Oct 20, 5–7 pm | Art Education Center
Rachel Deutch

Ages 13–17 | See potential and creativity in everyday objects. Learn how to arrange interesting
still life compositions and use perspective and value to capture a variety of shapes and surfaces.

$20 (VMFA members $15)


[TD3] Drawing: Mix It Up

Friday, Nov 10, 5–7 pm | Art Education Center
Rachel Deutch

Ages 13–17 | Use both traditional and nontraditional drawing media to make artwork that reaches outside the box. Explore how combining different materials can add variety and dimension to your work.

$20 (VMFA members $15)


[TD4] Drawing: Portraits with Contrast

Friday, Dec 8, 5–7 pm | Art Education Center
Rachel Deutch

Ages 13–17 | Learn how to effectively apply value and shading using black and white drawing media to draw high–contrast, expressive portraits.

$20 (VMFA members $15)


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


[TS2] Fashion: Cosplay

Saturday, Oct 21, 11 am–4 pm | Pauley Center Studios
Elena Keeler

Ages 13–17 | Learn the basics of design illustration, sewing, and working with foam to turn your cosplay dream into reality. Express your creativity and learn new skills during this one–day cosplay
challenge! Students will need to bring a bag lunch. Please, no peanut products!

$55 (VMFA members $45)


[TS3] Digital: 3D Modeling

Saturday, Nov 4, 11 am–4 pm | Pauley Center Studios
Anh Do

Ages 13–17 | In this intro to digital 3D modeling, learn how to design and model with polygons by creating objects using simple geometric shapes. Safe and reliable open–source software will be
used to provide students a free opportunity to continue designing graphics from home. A personal flash drive is recommended (but not required) for saving files. Students will need to bring a bag lunch. Please, no peanut products!

$55 (VMFA members $45)


[TS4] Fashion: Beaded Jewelry

Saturday, Dec 2, 11 am–4 pm | Pauley Center Studios
Saajida Chohan

Ages 13–17 | Awaken your creative spirit in the African art galleries and be inspired to design
your own exquisite wearable art! Practice traditional and contemporary beading techniques using an array of natural and fabricated materials, while learning about African cultures, body adornment, and natural stones. Students will need to bring a bag lunch. Please, no peanut products!

$55 (VMFA members $45)


[TS5] Drawing: Sketchbook Essentials

Saturday, Dec 16, 1–4 pm | Pauley Center Studios
Lindsay Steele

Ages 13–17 | Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, explore a variety of practices and techniques designed to enhance proficiency and boost confidence in drawing. Receive a sketchbook and drawing tools and benefit from both group and one–on-one instruction.

$40 (VMFA members $30)