Family Programs

Registration Information

Summer 2023 Classes & Programs

Registration for VMFA Members

To accommodate the high volume of enrollment, members-only registration for the following categories will begin as noted below:

Tue, Apr 11 | 8 am (online or by phone) or 10 am (in-person)
Studio School and Art History Classes (ages 16+)

Wed, Apr 12 | 8 am (online or by phone) or 10 am (in-person)
Early Childhood Classes & Camps (age 5 and under), Youth Summer Camps (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, Apr 18 at 8 am (online or by phone) or 10 am (in-person)
Non-member registration for all classes begins

Questions: 804.340.1405

Explore the summer 2023 Classes & Programs Brochure

You won’t find a more enlightening — and inspirational — environment than the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts! Enroll in a Friday Family Art Night for an intimate and engaging evening of learning and making art with your child, or bring the whole family to one of our Open Studios or Family Events for an enriching experience that is fun for every age and interest.

Youth and Family Studio Programs at VMFA are generously supported by R.E.B. Foundation.

Family Studio Programs & Events

Recommended for ages 5 – 12; each child accompanied by one adult.
3rd Fridays, 5 – 7 pm
Art Education Center | Studio 2
$25 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $20)
Limit: 6 children (6 adults)*

Note: separate registration is not required for parent/guardian of child enrolled in this program

[F7] Fantastic Fabrics

Fri, Feb 17, 5–7 pm| Art Education Center, Studio 2 
Mary Swezey

Recommended for ages 5–12, each child accompanied by one adult | Explore the mesmerizing techniques of silk painting to design a vibrant silk scarf of your own, as well as other fun fabric- painting projects!

$25 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $20)

Register Now

[F9] Inspired by Botanicals

Fri, Apr 21, 5–7 pm| Art Education Center, Studio 2 
Kerry Mills

Recommended for ages 5–12, each child accompanied by one adult | Spring into this fun-filled art adventure while learning about different plants and flowers found at VMFA! Families will illustrate, paint, and print nature-inspired works on paper to create their own botanical books.

$25 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $20)

Sold Out

[F10] Visual Journaling

Fri, May 19, 5–7 pm| Art Education Center, Studio 2 
Catherine Purdy

Recommended for ages 5–12, each child accompanied by one adult | Discover the art of journaling and how to keep a visual record of experiences and explorations. Learn how to artistically capture those family memories and outings using pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor techniques and mediums. Each family will receive their very own travel sketchbook and tools to continue their journey.

$25 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $20)

Sold Out


All ages; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
First Sundays, noon–3 pm
Art Education Center
Free. No registration required.

Make Open Studio Sundays a part of your family’s monthly routine! Visit the Art Education Center anytime between noon and 3 pm to participate in an art activity inspired by an object from the VMFA collection. A new art activity, led by VMFA Youth Studio Staff and volunteers, is offered every month. Select months will feature additional activities and events.

Note: For groups of eight children or more, please email youthstudio@vmfa.museum

 

Please note that programs are subject to change based on conditions related to COVID-19. Select months may offer alternate options such as Take-and-Make or Grab-and-Go projects.

 

Upcoming Dates:

Apr 2, May 7, Jun 4, Jul 2, Aug 6, Sep 3, Oct 1, Nov 5, and Dec 3

 

Open Studio Sunday

Sun, Apr 2, 2023 | noon–3 pm
WestRock Art Education Center| Free

For all ages; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Make Open Studio Sundays a part of your family’s monthly routine! Visit the Art Education Center anytime between noon and 3 pm to participate in an art activity inspired by an object from the VMFA collection. A new art activity, led by VMFA Youth Studio Staff and volunteers, is offered every month. Select months will feature additional activities and events.

Learn MoreCheck Availability


Bring the entire family and discover the richness of cultures from around the world, the science behind art making, and the stories of the artists and their art. Become an artist for the day while exploring traditional art objects, art activities, and performances and entertainment related to VMFA’s collection and special exhibitions. Activities are recommended for children ages 3–12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All ages welcome.

Free. No tickets required.

Learn more!

For questions about Family Day events, please contact natalie.feister@vmfa.museum.