Youth Studio » Early Childhood Art Classes » Artsy Infants
Registration for VMFA Members & Non-members is currently underway online, by phone, and in person.
Questions: 804.340.1405
Explore the Fall 2023 Classes & Programs Brochure
Winter/Spring 2024 Classes & Programs
Registration for Members
To accommodate the high volume of enrollment, members-only registration for the following categories will begin as noted below:
Tue, Nov 14 | 8 am
Studio School and Adult Art History Classes
Wed, Nov 15 | 8 am
Early Childhood Classes & Camps (age 5 and under), Kids Studio Classes (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, Nov 21 | 8 am
Non-member registration for all classes begins
Explore the Winter/Spring 2024 Classes & Programs Brochure
In need of assistance? Visitor Services is available by phone 804.340.1405 starting at 8 am
or in-person at the museum starting at 10 am on registration days.
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: 12 infants
Advance registration required
[EA6] This Little Light of Mine
Mon, Dec 11, 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.
$22 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $18)
[EA1] Let Your Light Shine
Mon, Jan 22, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Explore the elements of value and contrast catching baby’s eye by observing photographs in Dawoud Bey: Elegy.
$22 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $18)
[EA2] Wonderful Colorful You
Mon, Jan 29, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | View vibrant paintings and paint with bright colors while gaining an understanding of how your baby’s vision develops.
$22 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $18)
[EA3] Smile for the Camera!
Mon, Feb 12, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | View Willie Anne Wright: Artist and Alchemist and enjoy interacting with your baby exploring emotion and expression.
$22 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $18)
[EA4] Musical Me
Mon, Feb 26, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Babies will enjoy bouncing to the beat while discovering musically themed works of art.
$22 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $18)
[EA5] Spring Animals
Mon, Mar 11, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Enjoy singing animal songs as you search the galleries for creatures and create animal inspired art in the studio.
$22 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $18)
[EA6] Bonding with Baby
Mon, Mar 25, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Notice the interaction between parents and children in VMFA’s collection. Along the way, sing, play, and create with your baby.
$22 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $18)
[EA7] Sensational Me
Mon, Apr 8, 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.
$22 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $18)
[EA8] Movin’ and Groovin’
Mon, Apr 22, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Explore motion and motor development through action-filled paintings, simple parent-and baby yoga poses, and appealing art materials.
$22 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $18)
[EA9] Nature Babies
Mon, May 6, 10:30–11:30 am | Art Education Center, Classroom
Ages 3–14 months, with an adult | Spend time in the Sculpture Garden creating your own nature-inspired work of art.
$22 per baby/adult pair (VMFA members $18)
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.
