Kids Studio

Thu, Oct 5, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy

Ages 5–8 | Appreciate the skill and artistry of the first peoples of America while adapting new techniques and skills to produce functional art objects inspired by works in the Native American collection. 
 
$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Oct 12, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy

Ages 5–8 | Music and art making come together in perfect harmony! See how artists incorporated musical instruments and sounds in pieces throughout the museum and be inspired to render your own rhythmic work of art. 
 
$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Oct 19, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy

Ages 5–8 | Inspect architectural elements throughout the museum and the building itself! Draft your own “blueprints” and be challenged to turn your ideas into small–scale models with assorted materials like wood scraps, caps, tiny toys, and more. 
 
$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Oct 26, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy

Ages 5–8 | With darker evenings approaching and so many light festivals being celebrated around the world, now is the perfect time to light up the studios with art! Enjoy lantern making and other glowing projects while learning about the bright traditions and history from select cultures around world!  
 
$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Nov 2, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy

Ages 5–8 | Discover elaborate paper–crafting techniques and art concepts distinctly related to Mexico’s rich cultural celebrations of Día de Muertos! Try your hand at making your own vibrant tissue paper marigold, papel picado, and more!
 
$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Nov 9, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy

Ages 5–8 | Go for a walk in the galleries to look for animals and artists’ pets found in paintings! Discuss animal habitats, needs, and characteristics before drawing your favorite four–legged friends. Learn how to use pencil marks and details to depict textures like fur, feathers, and scales.
 
$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Nov 16, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy

Ages 5–8 | Learn how to arrange a festive composition inspired by bountiful still life paintings in VMFA’s collections. Focus on depicting warm harvest colors and subject matter such as traditional and seasonal foods of autumn.
 
$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Nov 30, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy

Ages 5–8 | Take advantage of gallery visits for inspiration and reflection. Learn how to use watercolor painting techniques and processes to create winter landscapes with an emphasis on cool colors and surprising textures.
 
$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Dec 7, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy

Ages 5–8 | Let your teacher be your guide on this quest through the galleries in search of hidden objects in works of art! Upon finding each object, learn a new drawing technique to practice and document in your scavenger book.
 
$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Dec 14, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy

Ages 5–8 | Enjoy making wintry works of art for friends and family, from intricate ornaments to creative keepsake boxes! Festive projects focus on using fine motor skills and creative thinking while exploring fun new techniques and materials. 

Thu, Oct 5, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day by exploring the rich culture and art of Native
Americans in VMFA galleries. Honor and learn from these ancient cultures as you express your own artistic voice while sculpting in the studio.

Thu, Oct 12, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Explore the interaction between visual expression and melodic inspiration—art and
music combined! Let melodies guide your hand as you create artwork that resonates with rhythm and harmony.

Thu, Oct 19, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Let your creativity shine through! See the mesmerizing play of light and color in VMFA’s stained glass pieces and create your own luminous glass–inspired designs to hang on your window.

Thu, Oct 26, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Tour the galleries for eerie scenes and moody moonlit landscapes that will ignite your
imagination. Explore the use of dark colors, silhouettes, and surreal imagery to create your own surreal–ly spooky scene! 

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Nov 2, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Discover Día de Muertos and embrace the spirit of remembrance while learning about the lively traditions, rich symbolism, and vibrant colors of this Mexican holiday. Take part in making marigold- and skull–themed decor to commemorate your own ancestors and family.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Nov 9, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | In honor of those who served in our armed forces, explore the American art collection in search of patriotic paintings that embody the spirit of our nation. Let your imagination
soar when you return to the studio to make your own patriotic pictures.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Nov 16, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 |Feast your eyes on still–life masterpieces and discover the symbolism behind different
fruits, flowers, and hidden objects in these paintings. With an emphasis on fall colors and foods, learn how to paint a still life that looks good enough to eat!

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Nov 30, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 |Take a closer look at African masks in the galleries and learn more about the significances and cultural heritages behind these magnificent objects. Be inspired to create a mask representative of your own beliefs and style. 

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Dec 7, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 |Embark on an arty safari through the heart of the galleries in search of wildlife and
landscapes. Document your findings (or draw from observation) and get tips from your “guide” to boost your abilities on this drawing adventure. 

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Thu, Dec 14, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 |Get ready to spread artistic cheer in this wintery workshop! Combine the joyful tradition of papercraft with the spirit of generosity to create unique and vibrant designs as you cut and collage your own crafty compliments.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Oct 7, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 |What better place to strengthen your artistic talents than in an art museum? Receive a
sketchbook and necessary tools to take part in a multitude of drawing exercises and activities designed to enhance skills and boost creativity. 

$40 (VMFA members $30)

Sat, Oct 21, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Mary Swezey

Ages 5–8 |Enjoy painting and printing on fabrics! Be inspired by textile artworks from cultures
around the world to create FABulous designs, patterns, and motifs on canvas totes, silk, and more, using methods and processes specific to the material. 

$40 (VMFA members $30)

Sat, Nov 4, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Theo Tweeddale

Ages 5–8 |Gain insight into select art movements and how styles differ over time and by artist.
Experiment with color mixing, various brushstrokes, and other painting techniques to paint your own stylized still life on canvas. 

$40 (VMFA members $30)

Sat, Dec 2, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Elizabeth Daly

Ages 5–8 |Share your passion for art, science, and slime with your friends this holiday season! Observe scientific reactions and properties while making the coolest color–changing slime, bath
bombs with secret surprises, and more! All projects include packaging and gift bagging. 

$40 (VMFA members $30)

Sat, Oct 7, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Anh Do

Ages 9–12 |Learn about the history of manga illustration! Explore the art and culture of this Japanese–style comic art through discussion and drawing exercises.

$40 (VMFA members $30)

Sat, Oct 21, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Elizabeth Daly 

Ages 9–12 |Learn basic beading and weaving techniques to make everyday objects inspired by
intricate patterns and beautiful motifs found in VMFA’s Native American galleries. Gain a better understanding and appreciation for the arts and traditions of these significant cultures.

$40 (VMFA members $30)

Sat, Nov 4, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Lizzie Green

Ages 9–12 |Learn how to use a sewing machine! From threading a needle to sewing with different
lines, discover fundamental techniques that can be used in any sewing project—from fine arts to fabric! Enjoy using these skills create a pillow of your own design.

$40 (VMFA members $30)

Sat, Dec 2, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Lindsay Steele

Ages 9–12 |Tis the season for giving and crafting! Create extraordinary ornaments using quality materials and tools. Apply new techniques for making mini artworks to hang on a tree for the holidays or in your own home to be enjoyed year–round. Make globes, suncatchers, and more—each with its own gift box and wrapping! 

$40 (VMFA members $30)