Youth Studio » Kids Studio
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.
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.
[CA26] Clay & Create
Thu, Apr 18, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy
Ages 5–8 | Explore ancient vessels and other pottery throughout the Pre-Columbian galleries. Using air-dry clay in the studios, create pinch pots while experimenting with a variety of tools and techniques to add texture and motifs.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA27] Lovely Landscapes
Thu, Apr 25, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy
Ages 5–8 | Discover a different point of view—atmospheric perspective! Focusing on foreground, middle ground, and background, learn how to use acrylic painting techniques to depict a magnificent mountain landscape.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA28] The Buzz on Bugs
Thu, May 2, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy
Ages 5–8 | Did you know there are all kinds of secret bugs and insects hidden in works of art? Building inspiration from those seen in Dutch still life paintings, learn all about insect anatomy while sculpting a colorful display of bugs using a magical modeling compound.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CA29] Arty Armor
Thu, May 9, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Catherine Purdy
Ages 5–8 | Explore the history and culture of Japanese Samurai. Venture through the special exhibition Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller before designing your own Samurai-inspired wearable art!
$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!
[CF26] Nature Drawing
Thu, Apr 18, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka
Ages 9–12 | Celebrate Earth Day by studying native plants, flowers, and pollinators to understand the importance of our local botanicals and learn how to draw detailed illustrations of plant anatomy.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF27] Horses in Art
Thu, Apr 25, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka
Ages 9–12 | Practice drawing horses from observation in the galleries with a focus on scale and proportion before trotting back to the studio to paint your favorite pony.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF28] Samurai Armor
Thu, May 2, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka
Ages 9–12 | Learn about the Japanese traditions of the samurai in this historical exploration of ingenuity and culture. Craft your own armored artwork inspired by this revered tradition.
$30 (VMFA members $25)
[CF29] Moms in the Museum
Thu, May 9, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
Dan Kaczka
Ages 9–12 | Take a moment to appreciate the wonderful women and mothers in our lives, as well as moms represented in paintings throughout the museum, with a focus on Impressionism and artist Mary Cassatt. Get inspired by her depictions of mother and child and paint your own Impressionist-style portrait of a woman you honor. (Student are encouraged use their imagination but can choose to bring a photo of their person.)
$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.
[CD12] Wearable Art
Sat, May 11, 1–4 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
Elizabeth Daly
Ages 5–8 | Unleash your inner warrior with a dash of creativity! Delve into the fascinating world of the samurai while crafting your own impressive headwear and other ancient armor-inspired wearable art.
$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.
[CX12] Intro to Manga
Sat, May 11, 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 presentation, discussion, and traditional-style drawing exercises.
$40 (VMFA members $30)
