Teen Stylin’: Student fashion inspired by VMFA’s collection

ILLUSION

Teen Stylin’ is a twelve-week program developed by VMFA Education staff and offered annually at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and includes workshops in which students learn from professional fashion designers and industry specialists to create innovative garments inspired by VMFA’s collection.

During the 2023 Teen Stylin’: Illusion program, youth designers will be assigned an object from VMFA’s permanent collection and, using creative construction and alternative material application techniques, will create wearable works of art to be featured in an exhibition and a runway show. Participants will use the theme, Illusion, to transform materials that are available to them in the studio and their surroundings in innovative and unexpected ways.

Students in grades 6-12 can apply to one of the two offerings.

  1. Stylin’ Campus Series: On-site programming open to all Virginia students in grades 6–12; Limited Enrollment. Weekly workshops occur on Tuesday or Thursday evenings, 5:30-8:30 pm.
  2. Stylin’ Independent Study: Available to statewide students grades 6 – 12 beyond a 30-mile radius from the museum OR students who have previously participated in the Stylin’ program at least once; Unlimited Enrollment."

All Teen Stylin’ students may sign up for a series of free Saturday “Stylin’ in the Studios” courses and work with artists and fashion designers to build on works and class instruction.

Students’ designs are showcased during a highly-popular runway exhibition where a panel of professionals from the field of art, design, and fashion select winners in the following categories: “Best Overall” "Best Use of Alternative Materials,” “Most Creative Construction,” “Best Interpretation of a Work of Art,” “Best Interpretation of the Theme,” and “Most Wearable.” Winners receive VMFA Teen Stylin’ Fashion Certificates and gift packages which may include a Fashion Portfolio Starter Kit, complimentary museum membership, among other prizes.

Following the runway exhibition, the fashion renderings of all Teen Stylin’ participants and the winning garments are displayed in VMFA’s Art Education Center.

Learn How to Apply Here

IMPORTANT PROGRAM DATES FOR ALL SCHEDULES:

Application Deadline: Fri, Jan 13, 2023
Acceptances sent out: Fri, Jan 20, 2023

Campus Series Orientation: Thu, Jan 26, 2023, 6:30–8:30 pm
Independent Study Series Orientation: Sat, Jan 28, 2023, 2–4pm

A detailed syllabus and program calendar will be distributed during orientation.


SCHEDULE OPTIONS

Please note that no workshops will be held over spring break, Apr 3–7.

Schedule I: Tuesdays 5:30–8:30 pm
Open to students in grades 6–12,
Limited enrollment
Feb 7, 14, 21, and 28
Mar 7, 14, 21, and 28
Apr 11, 18, and 25

Schedule II: Thursdays 5:30–8:30 pm
Open to students in grades 9–12,
Limited enrollment
Feb 9, 16, and 23
Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
Apr 13, 20 and 27

Tue, May 2 are open workshops for all students

Schedule III: Independent Study
Open to students in grades 6–12, Unlimited enrollment

Independent Study is an option for statewide students grades 6—12 beyond a 30-mile radius from the museum OR students who have previously participated in the Stylin’ program at least once. In-person attendance is only required at the orientation, dress rehearsal and the runway show. Students have the option to sign up for “Stylin’ in the Studio” on Saturdays for additional mentorship and support.

Dress Rehearsal for Runway Event:
Thu, May 4, 5:30–8:30pm Required for all participants

Runway Event:
Sun, May 7, 1–5pm Required for all participants

Stylin’ in the Studios: Select Saturdays, 10am–2pm
Open to all program participants, limited enroll.
Feb 18
Mar 4 and 18
Apr 1,15, and 29