Kids Studio

Thu, Dec 3, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Yarn, paper, and plastic, and fabric come together for an extravaganza in the studio! Use your creativity and imagination to construct contemporary compositions inspired by modern art. 

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Dec 10, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Come along for a grand adventure to VMFA's worldwide collection of art. Draw from gallery inspiration in your personal passport-sized sketchbook, perfect for future travels.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Dec 17, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Enjoy learning basic sewing techniques to stitch pockets and patches from felt, starting with a simple pattern that allows plenty of room for personalization.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Jan 14, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Explore sky scenes in VMFA’s collection to reach for the stars. Learn to paint skyscape compositions that feature shooting stars, glowing horizons, and swirling cool colors using pastels and watercolor paints.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Jan 21, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Turn your wild animal ideas into small-scale, 3D sculptures! Strengthen those fine-motor skills as you roll, twist, and pinch modeling material to hand build creatures with step-by-step instructions

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Jan 28, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 |Get in the artistic groove by designing tie-dye patterns with marker on paper before creating a fabric scarf. Discover how colors can blend to make different hues. This wearable art can be used as a face covering, hair accessory, sash, and more.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 4, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Envision yourself as an architect and plan the home of your dreams! Design a building from the ground up using colorful collage techniques and a little bit of imagination.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 11, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Use air-dry clay to squish, roll, mold, and paint exquisite wall hangings. Learn basic slab building methods and applying textures to a clay surface

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 18, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Learn to draw cats, dogs, bunnies, and bears through guided instructions. Then personalize your furry pals with added details and inspiration from animals in VMFA’s galleries.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 25, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Combine and shape a variety of colorful papers to create a composition that jumps off the page. Fold, curl, weave, and paste together pieces to form a unique three-dimensional work.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 4, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Ease into self-portraiture with practice exercises to draw your own facial features. Look closely at your reflection to find drawing inspiration that is always by your side—you!

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 11, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Design wearable art for you and a friend! Challenge yourself to complete the same pattern twice or express your style with inspiration from beaded works on art in VMFA’s collection.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 18, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 |Try your hand at pinch pots, elbow molds, and carved motifs. Use clay tools to embellish air-dry clay containers for storing precious items or keepsakes.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 25, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Expand your painting skills with a large canvas of spring blooms. Be inspired by colorful flowers found in VMFA’s collection and grounds while learning techniques for layering and mixing paints.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Apr 1, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Fast and fun drawing tips will turn geometric shapes into imaginative robots. Start with guided drawing exercises to originate your very own designs, features, and robotic skills. Class does not meet on Apr 8, during spring break.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Apr 15, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Working on a circular loom is a fun and simplified weaving method that has been used for centuries. Investigate fiber arts in VMFA’s collection to start your textile adventure, the weave with yarn in the studio. Looms and extra yarn can be taken home to finish your project or make more.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Apr 22, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Draw inspiration from real garden blooms and VMFA’s collection of still life paintings. Learn to blend primary colors to make a variety of flowers with pastels.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Apr 29, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Experiment with paint color ratios and recipes to create any color you can imagine! Use your new skills to paint a wonderful rainbow-inspired landscape.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, May 6, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Discover how the ancient technique of making mosaics uses many small parts to create a whole image. Piece together your own colorful mosaics with tiny paper “tiles,” customized for a celebration of you!

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, May 13, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Paint like an Impressionist with quick brush strokes, easy breezy compositions, and an emphasis on everyday scenes in nature, like paintings by the Impressionists in VMFA’s collection.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Dec 3, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Observe fascinating, mixed-media creations crafted by modern masters in the galleries. Using found objects and unexpected materials, design an imaginative shadowbox or assemblage that integrates your dreams and ideas.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Dec 10, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Using materials ranging from patterned paper and magazines to your own drawings and decorative embellishments, design fun and funky small collage works.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Dec 17, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Using materials from everyday objects to molding compound, create miniature sculptures to make one-of-a-kind magnets, pendants, and other tiny treasures–to keep for yourself or give as a gift to friends and family!

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Jan 14, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Focus on drawing elements through observation and guided instruction. Learn how to arrange interesting still life compositions and capture the essence of an object.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Jan 21, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Gain a better understanding of depth and perspective while learning how to draw successful landscapes

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Jan 28, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Identify basic shapes and facial proportions to improve portrait drawings. Practice drawing features such as the eyes and mouth in various ways to depict different expressions.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 4, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Be inspired by the art and historical context within the iconic works of Romare Bearden in VMFA’s collection. Recreate a scene from your life or community using paints and papers on canvas.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 11, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Discover the power of words—inspired by artist Glen Ligon. Use hand-drawn graphic design techniques and bold text to develop a meaningful work of art that expresses your ideas about social justice.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 18, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Experiment with a variety of tactile materials and mediums to build up surfaces and designs. Explore innovative processes in making art while focusing on texture, color, and structure.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 25, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Discover patchwork masterpieces by the women quilters of Gee's Bend—a small, remote Black community in the South—and develop your own improvisational patterns and expressive designs.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 4, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Begin Women’s History Month by drawing inspiration from Tara Donovan’s work featured in VMFA’s collection. Be ready to make a large work of art using tiny objects to convey personal meaning.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 11, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Discover how subjects that may be considered feminine can be bold and powerful! Observe Georgia O’Keeffe’s floral painting to motivate your own expressive imagery rooted in nature.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 18, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Enjoy painting quick, expressive portraits in the style of Impressionism. Be inspired by artists like Mary Cassatt and other Impressionist painters, noting use of short brush strokes and contrasting color combinations.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 25, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Use gestural marks and expressive colors to loosen up and get bold. Focus on principles of design such as pattern, contrast, emphasis, balance, harmony, space, and movement.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Apr 1, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Sculpt a low-relief portrait from modeling material using additive sculpting and subtractive carving methods. Be inspired by characters of mythical gods, goddesses, and creatures to embellish facial features. Class does not meet on Apr 8, during spring break.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Apr 15, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Bend and shape wire to form an armature or “skeleton” then cover with plaster gauze to create a fun, figurative sculpture.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Apr 22, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Be amazed by the intricate beadwork, patterns, and motifs in Native American arts, from clothing to basketry. Practice basic beading techniques to make a bracelet or artwork of your choice, and get a feel for this labor-intensive art form.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Apr 29, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Be amazed by the intricate beadwork, patterns, and motifs in Native American arts, from clothing to basketry. Practice basic beading techniques to make a bracelet or artwork of your choice, and get a feel for this labor-intensive art form.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, May 6, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Explore different artistic styles in master paintings throughout the galleries. Develop your own style while working with acrylic painting mediums on canvas.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, May 13, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia

Ages 9–12 | Enjoy learning new watercolor painting techniques using artist quality pigments, brushes, and papers.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Sat, Jan 30, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Dan Kaczka

Ages 5–8 | Let your imagination run wild as you build and construct innovative 3D sculptures using an array of art supplies and found objects. Enhance fine-motor skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Feb 20, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Dan Kaczka

Ages 5–8 | Explore contemporary pour painting techniques, as well as other experimental methods, to create unpredictable results within vibrant compositions. Try out different fluid mediums and effective color combinations.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Mar 6, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Receive a sketchbook and visit the galleries to capture artistic animals and figures in master works. Sharpen your drawing skills in the studios by learning tips and tricks for illustrating pets and portraits.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Mar 20, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Elizabeth Daly

Ages 5–8 | Spring into 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 mediums.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Apr 17, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Enjoy painting and printing on fabrics! Custom design your own canvas tote, tee, and more—learn about elements of design while creating fashionable art and accessories.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

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

Ages 5–8 | Use your senses to make art. See inspirational works in the galleries, hear music and paint to the beat, touch and add different textures to artworks, and smell fragrant still life objects.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Jan 30, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Lindsay Steele

Ages 9–12 | Celebrate Black History through art and literature—be moved by visual narratives from African American artists such as Jacob Lawrence and Faith Ringgold, as well as powerful literary readings. Use your own words and visions to develop writings and art that tell a story.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Feb 20, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Elizabeth Daly

Ages 9–12 | Enjoy learning how to use basic macramé knots to make cool key chains and bracelets. Weave on a loom frame to fabricate fantastic yarn compositions to hang on your wall.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Mar 6, 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 lecture and drawing exercises.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Mar 20, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Sandi Wiley

Ages 9–12 | Explore a variety of painting and mixed media techniques that focus on textures and design elements. Use traditional and nontraditional applications to create expressive works of art.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Apr 17, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Be inspired by modern sculpture and assemblage! Safely use tools and methods to alter assorted materials such as scrap wire, old hardware, and used bike parts, to engineer innovative art objects.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, May 1, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Merenda Cecelia 

Ages 9–12 | Be moved by the cultural history and art of Native American ceramics. Investigate form and pattern while drawing from observation. With air-dry clay, practice hand building techniques and applications reminiscent of pottery from different communities.

$30 (VMFA members $25)