Registration Information
Registration for winter/spring 2023 classes and programs begins at 8 am on November 15 for current VMFA members and November 22 for non-members.
Explore the Classes & Programs brochureYou 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)
[F8] Fused-Glass Designs
Fri, Mar 17, 5–7 pm| Art Education Center, Studio 2
Dan Kaczka
Recommended for ages 5–12, each child accompanied by one adult | Caregivers will enjoy assisting their children in glass-cutting and arranging pieces to create beautiful designs from real glass! Each design will be kiln fired after class by the instructor and ready for pick-up the following week, Fri, Mar 24 (or contact youthstudio@vmfa.museum for other arrangements). Please bring your own safety glasses and gloves to ensure proper fit; extra glasses are available if needed.
$25 per child/adult pair (VMFA members $20)
[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)
[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)
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:
Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7, Jun 4, Jul 2, Aug 6, Sep 3, Oct 1, Nov 5, and Dec 3
Open Studio Sunday
Sun, Feb 5, 2023 | Noon–3 pm
WestRock Art Education Center
For all ages; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Make Open Studio Sundays a part of your family’s monthly routine! A new art activity, led by VMFA Youth Studio Staff and volunteers, is offered every month. Select months will feature additional activities and events.
In honor of Black History Month, February's Open Studio has two fun projects for families! On Feb 5, beginning at noon, join us in Studio #2 to participate in an art activity inspired by an object from the VMFA collection. Beginning at 1 pm, join artist Hamilton Glass and videographer Myles Brown in studio #1 to create a colorful collage as a movie poster for the 5th annual RVA Community Makers public art project. The final work of art will be included in the 2023 RVA Community Makers installation in VMFA’s Cochrane Atrium from Thu, Feb 16 to Fri, Mar 17, 2023.
Note: For groups of eight children or more, please email youthstudio@vmfa.museum
Free, no tickets or registration required.
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.