Youth Studio » Early Childhood Art Classes » Artsy Infants
Registration for fall 2022 programs begins at 8 am on August 9 for current VMFA members and August 16 for non-members.
View the Classes and Programs Brochure
Ages 3–14 months, accompanied by an adult
It’s never too early to introduce your child to art. This innovative program engages both baby and caregiver through singing and movement activities, in-depth discussions about works of art in VMFA’s collection, and baby-safe art projects.
What to Know Before Coming to Class
Note: Classes are nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to another class. Be sure to mark your calendars.
ARTSY INFANTS: At the Museum
Ages 3–14 months, accompanied by an adult
Select Mondays, 10:30–11:30 am
Art Education Center
Enrollment limit: 6 infants
Advance registration required
[EA1] Bonding with Baby
Mon, Sep 26, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Notice the interaction between parents and children in the VMFA collection. Along the way, sing, play, and create with your baby.
$20 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $17)
[EA2] Music Is In Me
Mon, Oct 17, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Make some music at VMFA! Visit Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art and participate in tempo-related art experiences.
$20 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $17)
[EA3] Nature and Tranquility
Mon, Oct 24, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Explore the connection between nature and mindfulness. Visit nature in art and practice a few baby and caregiver yoga moves.
$20 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $17)
[EA4] Fuzzy Friends
Mon, Nov 14, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Enjoy animal sounds, songs, stories, and sensory art activities while viewing animals depicted in VMFA's collection.
$20 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $17)
[EA5] Sensational Me
Mon, Nov 28, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Discuss your baby's developing senses while participating in a sensory-focused tour, story time, and art project.
$20 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $17)
[EA6] This Little Light of Mine
Mon, Dec 12, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Catch your baby's eye with light-filled works of art, shimmering art materials, and interesting gallery spaces.
$20 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $17)
ARTSY INFANTS: At Home
Helpful tips and suggestions for activities to do, and VMFA objects to observe, at home with your baby.
Babies love COLORS!
As infants’ vision develops, they are increasingly attracted to bright, bold colors and works of art with contrast. Color helps us spark memories and influences our emotions.
HERE are a few colorful works of art at VMFA.
Explore colors with your fingers!
Babies can still paint even if they aren’t taking a class in VMFA’s Art Education Center Studios!
Follow the recipe below to make a baby-safe paint and let your infant enjoy a fun sensory experience.
Paint recipe:
1 tbs sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 heaping tbs corn starch
1 cup water
Food coloring
Directions:
In a small saucepan, combine the dry ingredients and mix together.
Add the cup of water and stir.
On medium heat, warm and stir as mixture thickens.
Pour into small containers and add various colors of food coloring.
Babies love FACES!
Babies recognize faces long before they recognize other objects. Playing with your baby and imitating their facial expressions benefits their cognitive and social-emotional development.
HERE are a few of our favorite portraits at VMFA.
Babies love MUSIC!
Lap bounces stimulate your baby’s heightened vestibular sense and prepares them for walking, running, dancing, and keeping a beat later on in life. Here is a great article, from Kindermusik (a favorite music program of ours), about why music is important for infants.
HERE are a few of our favorite musical objects from VMFA’s collection.
