Booking

Family (5 to 12 years with caregiver)

You won’t find a more enlightening — and inspirational — environment than the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts! From gallery talks and tours to art classes, seminars, teacher programs, and family fun, the museum offers a variety of learning experiences for every age and every interest.

Specials

VMFA Members enjoy discounts on many of our classes and programs. Click here for more information.

Studio Class

Open Studio Sunday

Make Open Studio Sundays a part of your family’s monthly routine! Visit the Smurfit WestRock Art Education Center anytime between noon and 3 pm to participate in an art activity inspired by an object from the VMFA collection. A new art activity, led by VMFA Youth Studio staff and volunteers, is offered every month. Select months will feature additional activities and events.

Projects are geared toward kids ages 5 through 12, but all are welcome. Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Free; no registration required.

[F1] Friday Family Art Nights | Fun with Felting (Ages 5-12)

Ages 5–12, accompanied by an adult | Discover the art of needle felting! Learn proper safety tips and basic techniques to create fuzzy fine arts and creative craft projects with colorful wools. Experiment with shaping, layering, and blending fibers to bring your ideas to life.

Instructor: Lauren Bleam

[F2] Friday Family Art Nights | Mini Pet Portraits (Ages 5-12)

Ages 5–12, accompanied by an adult | Create a personalized portrait of your family’s favorite furry or feathered friend using mixed media collage and painting techniques. Bring in a picture of your pet or favorite animal that you don’t mind cutting up (or choose from images in the studios).

Instructor: Catherine Purdy

[F3] Friday Family Art Nights | Wreath Making (Ages 5-12)

Ages 5–12, accompanied by an adult | Craft a wreath to welcome friends and family for the upcoming holiday season! Choose from an array of ribbons, bows, florals, and other embellishments to create seasonal décor for your front door.

Instructor: Lindsay Steele

[F4] Friday Family Art Nights | Gingerbread Houses (Ages 5-12)

Ages 5–12, accompanied by an adult | Build a beautiful—and delectable— architectural structure out of gingerbread pieces, royal icing, and a buffet of colorful candies!

Instructor: Alex Parrish & Esperanza Biewenga

Please only register for one Gingerbread Houses workshop (F4 or F5). Also note that workshops may not be suitable for some individuals with severe food allergies. Email questions to youthstudio@VMFA.museum

[F5] Friday Family Art Nights | Gingerbread Houses - Saturday (Ages 5-12)