Booking

Kids Camps (Age 5 to 12 years)

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.

Summer Camp

[C0] Summer Camps 2026 Template (Ages 5–6 )

Mon–Fri, Jun 23–27, 9 am–noon

Ages 5–6 | Experience the fun in fundamentals while boosting ability, confidence, and creativity in drawing. Gain insight into using lines, shapes, and textures to draw oodles of doodles from life and your own imagination.

Instructor: Tiffay Ferreira

[C1] Cultural Kaleidoscope (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Jun 29–Jul 3, 9 am–noon

Ages 5–6 | Be amazed by the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and beauty in functional art made for everyday life by different cultures, from Africa to the Americas. Have fun making your own instruments, wearable art, and more!

Instructor: Elizabeth Daly

[C2] All About Art (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Jun 29–Jul 3, 9 am–noon

Ages 7–9 | Venture into the world of art by exploring a wide range of materials, processes, and movements. Apply methods used in painting, stamping, collage, and more to create fun compositions with depth, detail, and style.

Instructor: Emmy Garcia

[C3] Clay Creations (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Jun 29–Jul 3, 1–4 pm

Ages 5–6 | Be inspired by three-dimensional art through engaging gallery adventures and studio explorations. Using air-dry clay and other modeling materials, make fun and imaginative sculptures designed to foster artistic growth, dexterity, and creativity.

Instructor: Dan Kaczka

[C4] Joy of Drawing (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Jun 29–Jul 3, 1–4 pm

Ages 7–9 | Boost your drawing skills and confidence! Learn about composition, value, and perspective while dabbling with a variety of fun drawing tools and techniques. Gallery visits allow for joyful opportunities to study and
appreciate masterworks firsthand.

Instructor: Lauren Bleam

[C5] Drawing Essentials (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Jun 29–Jul 3, 1–4 pm

Ages 10–12 | From drawing fundamentals to nontraditional applications, explore a range of drawing techniques, experimental processes, and concepts to enhance skill, spark creativity, and communicate self-expression.

Instructor: Emmy Garcia

[C6] Painting with Style (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Jul 6–10, 9 am–noon

Ages 7–9 | Gain inspiration from an array of artistic styles, art movements, and cultural influences. Practice techniques observed in works throughout the galleries to enhance your approach to painting. Enjoy using quality materials to create stylistic still lifes, powerful portraits, and more.

Instructor: Theo Tweeddale

[C7] World of Watercolor (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Jul 6–10, 9 am–noon

Ages 10–12 | Experiment with watercolor painting and color theory! Learn fundamental techniques while discovering how colors interact with one another. Immerse yourself in painting still lifes in the studio, en plein air (“outdoors”) around the museum, and more.

Instructor: Caroline Velazquez

[C8] Drawing FUNdamentals (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Jul 6–10, 1–4 pm

Ages 5–6 | You name it, we draw it! Put the FUN in fundamentals while discovering how line, shape, and observation can boost your confidence and skill in drawing anything you can see or imagine.

Instructor: Esperanza Biewenga

[C9] Ancient Art Studio (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Jul 6–10, 1–4 pm

Ages 7–9 | Experience the wonders of antiquities! Tour the museum’s ancient art galleries and create objects inspired by the arts, sports, government, and everyday life of early civilizations and cultures.

Instructor: Dan Kaczka

[C10] Museum Art & Design (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Jul 6–10, 1–4 pm

Ages 10–12 | Explore how artwork moves from idea to display. Create sculptures from recycled materials, practice observational and perspective drawing, and design gallery spaces inspired by works from the museum’s collection.

Instructor: Theo Tweeddale

[C11] Power of Creativity (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Jul 13–17, 9 am–noon

Ages 5–6 | Focus on process over product while letting go of perfectionism! Experiment with an array of materials and discover how unexpected choices can lead to creative results while fostering confidence, joy, and imagination.

Instructor: Mayzie Zechini

[C12] Intro to Architecture (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Jul 13–17, 9 am–noon

Ages 10–12 | Centered on past and present architectural structures, including the VMFA’s upcoming expansion, explore building design and engineering. Aspiring architects will be challenged to construct their own three-dimensional models using sustainable and repurposed materials.

Instructor: Christine Mingus

[C13] Inspired by Nature (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Jul 13–17, 1–4 pm

Ages 5–6 | Dig into a world of imagination, exploration, and fun with nature-inspired art! Enjoy using natural materials and art supplies to create organic compositions, environmental sculptures, plant-based paints, and more.

Instructor: Kerry Mills

[C14] Sketch it Out (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Jul 13–17, 1–4 pm

Ages 7–9 | Be inspired by the lines, shapes, and textures seen in museum masterpieces to sketch your own artistic ideas using a variety of tools and mediums. With helpful tips and techniques, gain skill and confidence in your drawing abilities.

Instructor: Mayzie Zechini

[C15] Drawing in the Gallery (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Jul 13–17, 1–4 pm

Ages 10–12 | Tour the museum while drawing from observation! Practice drawing basics and receive individual guidance to refine your sketching style. Participate in fun drawing prompts, art practices, and challenges to build skills along your artistic journey.

Instructor: Theo Tweeddale

[C16] Fiber Frenzy (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Jul 20–24, 9 am–noon

Ages 5–6 | Introducing methods for dyeing, weaving, sewing, and more, discover the fantastic world of fiber art among the museum’s beautiful textile collection! Use your newfound techniques as inspiration to create innovative
textile artworks of your own.

Instructor: Esperanza Biewenga

[C17] Goddesses & Gods (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Jul 20–24, 9 am–noon

Ages 7–9 | Envision yourself as an ancient deity! Learn about the history of goddesses and gods through presentations, gallery tours, and artmaking, while thinking deeply about the importance of mythology from past to present.

Instructor: Christine Mingus

[C18] Story Time Studio (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Jul 20–24, 1–4 pm

Ages 5–6 | Uncover the stories behind museum masterpieces and learn fundamental ways to develop your own visual narratives. Celebrate with storytelling adventures, puppet making, and much more!

Instructor: Kerry Mills

[C19] Painting Pizzazz (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Jul 20–24, 1–4 pm

Ages 7–9 | Grab an art smock and embrace the colorful world of painting! From vibrant self-portraits to stylistic landscapes, build on principles and techniques used by master artists to make your own paintings pop!

Instructor: A. Showers-Cruser

[C20] Intro to Digital Art (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Jul 20–24, 1–4 pm

Ages 10–12 | Learn how to creatively alter ordinary photos to make your own graphic designs and GIFs. Incorporate digital art editing tools with confidence to add special effects and typography and collaborate with peers to develop an online gallery of your digital designs. Students are encouraged (but not required) to bring a flash drive.

Instructor: Tiffany Ferreira

[C21] Passport to Art (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Jul 27–31, 9 am–noon

Ages 7–9 | Tickets please! Travel the world—within the museum—while collecting travel stamps and exploring art and artifacts from different regions. Return to the studio for an immersive project inspired by artistic traditions around the world.

Instructor: Esperanza Biewenga

[C22] Painting Remix (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Jul 27–31, 9 am–noon

Ages 10–12 | Try new painting tools and techniques! Use watercolor pencils, paint markers, acrylics, and more while learning about color, patterns, and creative design in fun, hands-on art projects.

Instructor: Madeleine Eliason

[C23] Gallery Games (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Jul 27–31, 1–4 pm

Ages 5–6 | From scavenger hunts to “eye spy,” learn about art, history, and culture through interactive gallery games and immersive studio art projects! Explore new materials and fun artmaking processes throughout your museum
adventure.

Instructor: Kassidy Strosnider

[C24] Plaster Masters (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Jul 27–31, 1–4 pm

Ages 7–9 | Build up your creativity while being inspired by sculptures throughout history and cultures! Follow the artistic process—sketching ideas,
building armatures and layering plaster—to create unique three-dimensional forms. Add vibrant colors, interesting patterns, and finishing touches to complete your plaster pieces!

Instructor: Dan Kaczka

[C25] Visual Journaling (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Jul 27–31, 1–4 pm

Ages 10–12 | Create an artistic journal as a vehicle for self-expression! Incorporate graphic illustration, mixed media, and creative writing techniques to transform a sketchbook into a personal space for collecting ideas and developing original designs.

Instructor: Lauren Bleam

[C26] Studio Celebrations (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Aug 3–7, 9 am–noon

Ages 5–6 | Embark on a global adventure where each day brings a new celebration! Explore diverse cultures through their art to experience the beauty of holidays around the world. Then, make your own vibrant and festive creations!

Instructor: Elizabeth Daly

[C27] Art without Limits (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Aug 3–7, 9 am–noon

Ages 10–12 | Explore how artists generate ideas through hands-on experimentation with drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Use the museum’s collection as inspiration to brainstorm, play, and turn imaginative ideas into original artworks.

Instructor: Lindsay Steele

[C28] Arty Explorations (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Aug 3–7, 1–4 pm

Ages 5–6 | Spark imagination through exploratory painting, mixed-media creations, gallery getaways, and constructive play! Favorite themes such as animals and the outdoors inspire innovative processes and projects that nurture fine motor skills and a lifelong love of art.

Instructor: Takeshi Ellis

[C29] STEAM Dream (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Aug 3–7, 1–4 pm

Ages 7–9 | If you can dream it, you can “STEAM” it! Integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics to construct creative innovations. Focus on three-dimensional objects in the museum to inspire a new building challenge each day.

Instructor: Elizabeth Daly

[C30] Sculpture & Design (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Aug 3–7, 1–4 pm

Ages 10–12 | Discover three-dimensional art and sculpture through engaging gallery adventures and studio explorations. Using air-dry clay and other sculptural materials, delve into fun and creative art making designed to foster artistic growth, dexterity, and ingenuity.

Instructor: Dan Kaczka

[C31] Art in Motion (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Aug 10–14, 9 am–noon

Ages 5–6 | From Art Olympics to action painting, engage in activities and art projects that get you moving and grooving! Note: This camp is extra fun and messy, so please wear old clothes and shoes.

Instructor: Alex Parrish

[C32] Parks & Projects (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Aug 10–14, 9 am–noon

Ages 7–9 | Embark on a cross-country trip through time! Connect art and nature through US history and our National Parks. Learn about Indigenous
American heritage and natural resources while making your own multimedia works inspired by the journey.

Instructor: Elizabeth Daly

[C33] Habitat Explorers (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Aug 10–14, 1–4 pm

Ages 5–6 | Explore the cultural significance, wildlife, and ecosystems of National Parks right here in the museum. Become inspired by park landscapes
and animals to create your own multimedia artwork all about nature and furry friends in their happy habitats.

Instructor: Elizabeth Daly

[C34] Museum Art Quest (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Aug 10–14, 1–4 pm

Ages 7–9 | Venture through the galleries for different animals, objects, and people in art. Each day brings new art-making challenges, role-playing games, and museum quests. What mysteries will you uncover?

Instructor: Kassidy Strosnider

[C35] Intro to Manga (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Aug 10–14, 1–4 pm

Ages 10–12 | Become familiar with the history and visual language of Manga, a Japanese drawing style popular in comics and graphic novels. Through presentations, tutorials, and step by-step drawing exercises, learn the specific
techniques that define the art of Manga.

Instructor: Anh Do

[C36] Elements of Drawing (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Aug 17–21, 9 am–noon

Ages 7–9 | Sharpen your proficiency (and your pencils) in this illustrated adventure! Explore different drawing tools, media, and elements of art while
finding creative ways to practice techniques such as mark making, tonal value, and perspective.

Instructor: Ivy Walbert

[C37] Pet Portraits (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Aug 17–21, 9 am–noon

Ages 10–12 | Whether you have pets or simply adore animals, enjoy learning how to draw and paint portraits that capture their wild personalities. Focus on proportion, color mixing, and textures while exploring realistic and expressive painting styles.

Instructor: Catherine Purdy

[C38] Imagination Station (Ages 5–6)

Mon–Fri, Aug 17–21, 1–4 pm

Ages 5–6 | Let your imagination run free while exploring the galleries and great outdoors. With an emphasis on bugs and insects, immerse yourself in storytelling, music, movement exercises, field investigations, and, best of all, art! Inspired by tiny creatures, create artwork using natural materials, air-dry clay, and other sculptural media.

Instructor: Jaffray Witherow

[C39] Animals in Art (Ages 7–9)

Mon–Fri, Aug 17–21, 1–4 pm

Ages 7–9 | See how famous artists depict their furry friends! Try your hand at painting, printing, and sculpting portraits of animals, focusing on proportion, composition, and your subjects’ wonderfully unique features.

Instructor: Catherine Purdy

[C40] Stitch it Up (Ages 10–12)

Mon–Fri, Aug 17–21, 1–4 pm

Ages 10–12 | Unravel the art of embroidery! Learn a variety of basic stitches and hand-sewing techniques to create unique projects such as designs in hoops, embroidered cards, and custom pillows. Improve your proficiency with every thread.

Instructor: Lauren Bleam

[W1] Connect-a-Camp (Ages 5–12)

Mon–Fri, Jun 29–Jul 3

Ages 5–12 | Designed for students attending back-to-back camps during the same week, this program provides additional supervision from noon–1 pm for a full-day experience. Led by experienced educators, students will have time for lunch and daily activities such as gallery tours, art projects, games, outdoor play, and free time to relax and socialize. Students must bring a bag lunch from home. Please avoid packing common food allergens such as peanuts and peanut products.