Summer in the Studio

Mon–Fri, Jun 23–27, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center, Computer Lab
ELENA KEELER

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

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Mon–Fri, Jun 23–27, 9 am–noon| Pauley Center, Studio B
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Develop observational drawing skills through architectural illustration. Practice daily sketching on the museum grounds and learn to capture depth, details, and a sense of place using a variety of media including watercolor and ink.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Mon–Fri, Jun 23–27, 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 offers 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)

Mon–Thu, Jun 30–Jul 3 (no class on Jul 4), 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)

Mon–Thu, Jun 30–Jul 3 (no class on Jul 4), 9 am–noon| Pauley Center, Studio B
EMMY GARCIA

Ages 13–17 | Draw inspiration from Frida: Beyond the Myth and other works in the museum. Strengthen your skills through guided exercises, figure model poses, and gallery observations, focusing on expressive features, anatomy, and proportion.

$150 (VMFA members $130)

Mon–Thu, Jun 30–Jul 3 (no class on Jul 4), 1–4 pm | 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)

Mon–Thu, Jun 30–Jul 3 (no class on Jul 4), 1–4 pm | Pauley Center, Studio A
ELENA KEELER

Ages 13–17 | Transform cosplay concepts into life-like props! With foam, found objects, and tools of the trade, learn methods used by experienced cosplayers. Explore design principles, construction methods, and finishing techniques such as painting and weathering to craft ultimate cosplay creations.

$150 (VMFA members $130)

Mon–Fri, Jul 7–11, 9 am–noon | Pauley Center, Studio B
JONATHAN CLARKE

Ages 13–17 | Learn the basics of sewing or refine your skills! From threading a needle to using a sewing machine, practice making seams, adding buttons, and stitching embellishments to create fun, beginner friendly projects and accessories.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Mon–Fri, Jul 7–11, 9 am–noon | Pauley Center, Studio A
LAUREN BLEAM

Ages 13–17 | Develop a journal that blends art and writing as a creative outlet for self-expression. Utilize techniques to illustrate, collage, transfer images, and design graphics, transforming your book into a personalized hub of ideas. Sketchbooks are provided, but students are welcome to bring their own.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Mon–Fri, Jul 7–11, 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, including artist Frida Kahlo's signature look! 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, and more.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Mon–Fri, Jul 7–11, 1–4 pm | Pauley Center, Studio A
CAROLINE VELAZQUEZ

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

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Mon–Fri, Jul 14–18, 9 am–noon | Pauley Center, Computer Lab
ANH DO

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.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Mon–Fri, Jul 14–18, 9 am–noon | 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. Each day is a new and stylish adventure in this introductory course designed to give you inspiration and direction!

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Mon–Fri, Jul 14–18, 1–4 pm | Pauley Center, Studio B
JONATHAN CLARKE

Ages 13–17 | Infuse fine art with fashion! Spend time in the galleries and the special exhibition Frida: Beyond the Myth to gain knowledge and inspiration to make 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.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

Mon–Fri, Jul 14–18, 1–4 pm | Pauley Center, Studio A
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Explore a variety of art media and techniques, including acrylic painting, block printmaking, and collage. Draw inspiration from cultural influences like artist Frida Kahlo and Mexican folk art to create expressive works filled with personal meaning and vibrant imagery.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Mon–Fri, Jul 28–Aug 1, 9 am–noon | Pauley Center, Studio A
CATHERINE PURDY

Ages 13–17 | Explore the beauty of botanicals through expressive watercolor painting, cyanotypes, and quilling. Experiment with watercolors and layering techniques on high-quality cotton paper and discover creative connections to plants in art and nature.

$160 (VMFA members $140)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)