Visit VMFA’s Art Education Center for innovative art projects that foster creativity, critical thinking, and FUN! Students explore the museum’s world-renowned collection of fine art, experiment with studio materials, and learn from expert instructors who accommodate all levels of skill and talent. Each studio program is tailored to a specific age group and correlates with the SOLs for Virginia Public Schools. For children ages 5 – 12.
Youth and Family Studio Programs at VMFA are generously supported by R.E.B. Foundation.
View Program Guidelines
Kids Studio classes run September-May.
View Summer Camps Here
Youth Studio Programs
Art Adventures- ages 5–8
Ages 5–8
Thursdays
4:30 – 6 pm
Art Education Center, Studio 2
$30 (VMFA members $25), per class
Enrollment Limit: 12
Let your imagination soar in the studio as you make original works of art inspired by objects in the museum. Sign up for one or more of these fun and creative workshops.
[CA23] Ancient Art Studio
Thu, Mar 27, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Journey through time with a visit to the galleries and hear captivating stories of ancient civilizations! Draw inspiration from early artisans to sculpt and paint your own objects inspired by the art of the past
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA24] Sketch & Design
Thu, Apr 10, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Venture into the galleries to explore dynamic work by Tsherin Sherpa and other Southeast Asian art, blending traditional and contemporary styles. Return to the studio to create your own detailed pen and ink drawings inspired by the region’s rich artistic heritage.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA25] Trash to Treasure
Thu, Apr 17, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Unleash your creativity by turning everyday items into art! Discover how artists transform found objects into unique creations, then tap into your resourcefulness to craft your own
imaginative and sustainable sculptures.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA26] Still Lifes with Style
Thu, Apr 24, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Check out still lifes and painting styles from VMFA’s collections. Use shapes, lines, and colors to create your own still life compositions, focusing on proportion and the basics of drawing objects.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA27] Functional Arts
Thu, May 1, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Find out how art can be both fascinating and functional! Construct usable designs
inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles from VMFA’s collections, turning everyday items into original works of art.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA28] Appreciation Station
Thu, May 8, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
DAN KACZKA
Ages 5–8 | Craft heartfelt gifts for the special people in your life! Explore mixed-media techniques to create keepsakes that show appreciation for caretakers, family members, and loved ones, celebrating those who make a difference every day.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
Foundations in Art- ages 9–12
Ages 9 – 12
Thursdays
4:30 – 6 pm
Art Education Center, Studio 1
Enrollment Limit: 12
$30 (VMFA members $25)
Imagine, create, and grow as an emerging young artist while making original artworks inspired by gallery observations and innovative materials. Through technical guidance and encouragement from VMFA educators, students build their confidence, talents, and love of art!
[CF23] Painters in Paris
Thu, Mar 27, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Explore Postimpressionism through the eyes of artists like Van Gogh and his contemporaries! Experiment with color theory and optical mixing to create vivid artworks in oil pastel.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF24] Charcoal Creations
Thu, Apr 10, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 |Enjoy some messy fun while drawing with charcoal! Focus on value, shapes, and
composition to reveal your images by erasing highlights and adding depth and contrast.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF25] Artful Upcycling
Thu, Apr 17, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 | Celebrate Earth Day by turning trash into treasure! Use recycled materials to create
imaginative mixed-media artworks, exploring the possibilities of sustainable art.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF26] Handmade Heritage
Thu, Apr 24, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 | Learn hand-building techniques to craft clay vessels inspired by Native American artistry. Decorate your creations with detailed patterns, echoing the beauty and function of traditional designs.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF27] Elements of Architecture
Thu, May 1, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 | Embark on a sketching quest filled with adventure and hidden surprises in the galleries! Focus on perspective and architectural details as you fill your sketchbook with observations of the museum’s captivating spaces.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF28] Color & Kahlo
Thu, May 8, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
CATHERINE PURDY
Ages 9–12 | Celebrate Frida Kahlo’s creativity with mixed-media self-portraits! Explore color theory and use fun materials to craft expressive artworks, inspired by her brilliant use of color and personal themes.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
Kids Discover- ages 5–8
Ages 5 – 8
Select Saturdays
1 – 4 pm
Art Education Center | Studio 2
Enrollment Limit: 12
$40 (VMFA members $30)
Explore a variety of materials and subject matter while discovering new techniques and styles from around the world.
[CD10] Animal Prints
Sat, Apr 26, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Mary Swezey
Ages 5–8 | Go on a gallery safari to find animals in art! Sketch your favorite furry friends, then head to the studio to create animal-inspired prints using foam plates and basic relief-printing techniques.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CD11] Flower Power
Sat, May 3, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Elizabeth Daly
Ages 5–8 |Celebrate the season by using fresh blooms and organic materials in your art! Learn how artists are endlessly inspired by natural beauty and use real flowers as tools and art media.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
Studio Explorations- ages 9–12
Ages 9 – 12
Select Saturdays
1 – 4 pm
Art Education Center | Studio 1
Enrollment limit: 12
$40 (VMFA members $30)
Be inspired by artists from around the world! Enhance your skill set as you explore a different type of art and medium in every class.
[CX10] National Parks in Art
Sat, Apr 26, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Elizabeth Daly
Ages 9–12 | Celebrate National Parks Week with an artistic adventure! Explore the galleries to discover how art connects with nature and history, then create multimedia artworks inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of America’s beloved parks.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
[CX11] Portraits with Personality
Sat, May 3, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Kassidy Strosnider
Ages 9–12 | Paint an expressive self-portrait inspired by Frida Kahlo! Using acrylic paints, focus
on facial proportions, intense colors, and personal symbols that capture your mood and identity. Add fresh florals for a natural touch to your creative process.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
