Kids Studio

Thu, Dec 9, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
TIFFANY GLASS FERREIRA

Ages 5–8 | Go sightseeing in the galleries and examine paintings of the great outdoors for ideas to incorporate in original landscape drawings and paintings. Combine watercolor resist techniques with guided drawing exercises to create a seasonal work of art.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Dec 16, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 2
TIFFANY GLASS FERREIRA

Ages 5–8 | Make beautiful keepsakes for friends and family! Work with beads, wires, and other materials to design original patterns in wearable art accessories and ornaments. Choose your favorite pieces for festive wrapping.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Dec 9, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
DAN KACZKA

Ages 9–12 | Learn how African cultures use masks in a variety of ways from storytelling and celebrations to ceremonies and rituals. Enjoy making a mask of your own that incorporates storytelling and the use of natural materials.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Dec 16, 4:30–6 pm | Art Education Center, Studio 1
DAN KACZKA

Ages 9–12 | 'Tis the season for giving art! Design ready-to-mail postcards inspired by the VMFA collection and your own imagination - show someone you care by sending them an original works of art made from the heart.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

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

Ages 5–8 | Discover fun tips and tricks that improve your skill and confidence in drawing! Practice sketching and shading while exploring a variety of drawing tools. 

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Jan 20, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 2, Art Education Center
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Travel back in time and practice painting ancient Egyptian-style portraits and motifs while discussing the history and fascinating stories of this ancient civilization.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Jan 27, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 2, Art Education Center
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Considering form, material, and texture, determine what makes 3D art different from 2D. Learn to apply these elements in constructing abstract sculptures using everyday materials. 

$25 (VMFA members $20)

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

Ages 5–8 | Focus on geometric shapes and patterns that can be found in objects in our African art galleries. Practice drawing and using similar designs to create relief prints in the studio.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

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

Ages 5–8 | Fall in love with basic hand-sewing techniques! Learn to stitch pockets and patches from felt, starting with a simple pattern.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

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

Ages 5–8 | Learn about basic color theory while investigating Nigerian-Born American artist Odili Donald Odita's captivating kaleidoscope of color, lines, and shapes. Experiment with blending primary colors to create your own vibrant compositions.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 24, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 2, Art Education Center
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Explore still-life compositions and painting styles in VMFA's collections. Learn about contrast and use complementary colors to paint a vibrant still life of your own.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

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

Ages 5–8 | Visit VMFA's Native American collection to learn more about the First Peoples of the Americas. Their artistry and attention to detail in everyday objects will surely inspire your own intricate patterns and motifs.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 10, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 2, Art Education Center
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, Mar 17, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 2, Art Education Center
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Delve into open-ended, multisensory activities and explore a wide range of materials and tools that will spark your imagination and creative thinking through experimentation and fun.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 24, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 2, Art Education Center
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5–8 | Explore line, movement, and rhythm in art! Observe actively painted canvases and delicately balanced sculptures to inspire your own creative movable pieces.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 31, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 2, Art Education Center
Tiffany Glass Ferreira

Ages 5 – 8 | Turn a T-shirt into a fashion statement! Create graphic designs that match your style. T-shirts will be provided, but students are welcome to bring extras.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Jan 13, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Delve into the new year with the art of expressionism! Experiment with creating work that depicts emotion and feelings while using non-traditional painting techniques and applications.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Jan 20, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Learn drawing techniques for conveying a sense of depth in your artwork, using linear perspective to mimic what the eye sees.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Jan 27, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | What is your Chinese zodiac sign? Learn how to draw your animal while discovering the history and traditions of the Chinese New Year!

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 3, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Dive deeper into the art of Kehinde Wiley! Explore how he mixes elements of traditional European portraiture with contemporary subject matter and create your own combination of old and new.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 10, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

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 17, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Explore a traditional textile from Africa known as kente cloth. Learn about the meaning behind patterns and colors while creating your own kente-inspired woven artwork.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Feb 24, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Inspired by stone carvings and sculptural reliefs from the museum's collection, use air dry clay to sculpt your own high-relief figurative sculpture.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 3, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | In celebration of Women's History Month, explore works by artist Georgia O'Keeffe–from larger-than-life flower abstractions to desert landscapes. Learn to paint big and bold!

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 10, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Craft an intricate, gem-studded Art Nouveau-inspired creation based on works by Scottish illustrator and designer Jessie King. Explore organic forms found in nature and transform them into linear designs and bold patterns.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 17, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Learn about architects and designers whose works are featured in our collection, including pieces by Eileen Gray. Inspired by her modernist aesthetic, plan and design your own miniature furniture using a variety of materials and sculpture techniques.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 24, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Tour the museum to get a good view of the artistic styles used in some of VMFA's lovely landscapes! Return to the studios (or go outside, weather permitting) and learn how to apply a variety of watercolor painting techniques to create your own picture of the natural world.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Mar 31, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Learn how artists throughout history have used plaster as a sculpting medium. With an emphasis on form and space, try your hand at creating your own plaster masterpiece.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Apr 14, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Have fun learning about Surrealist artists and their unique styles. Attempt to explore your unconscious mind for inspiration in your own artwork, and enjoy collaborating with peers in a game of opposites!

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Apr 21, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Journey through the special exhibition Whistler to Cassatt in search of people and portraits by Impressionist painters, including artist Cecilia Beaux. Then, try your hand painting a portrait in her honest and aesthetically pleasing style.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, Apr 28, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

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, May 5, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Learn about art and culture of the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest–explore how depictions of spiritual beings and natural creatures are used for storytelling and sharing wisdom.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, May 12, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Inspired by the special exhibition Tsherin Sherpa: Spirits, create your own contemporary work of art influenced by Nepalese and Tibetan traditional art and techniques.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Thu, May 19, 4:30–6 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 9–12 | Visit the special exhibition Whistler to Cassatt and find out how Paris influenced the history of American art–and the influences it will have on your painting! Enjoy experimenting with Impressionist-style techniques using quick brush strokes and contrasting color combinations.

$25 (VMFA members $20)

Sat, Jan 29, 1–4 pm | Studio 2, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 5–8 | Use organic sculptural forms found in the Art Nouveau galleries as inspiration while you dance, sculpt, and paint your own creations back in the studios.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Feb 12, 1–4 pm | Studio 2, Art Education Center
Laren Minton

Ages 5–8 | Craft special mementos to share with your loved ones including Valentine (or "Just Because") cards, keepsake boxes, friendship bracelets, and more!

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Mar 19, 1–4 pm | Studio 2, Art Education Center
Dan Kaczka

Ages 5–8 | Discover the VMFA galleries on this artistic adventure! Supplied with your own sketchbooks and pencil sets, develop your drawing skills while learning about a variety of works in the VMFA collection.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

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

Ages 5–8 | Let your imagination run free as you become a jungle explorer discovering animal species in the wild (aka galleries). Be sure to document your findings to use as a reference for creating your own crazy creatures and lush jungle landscapes.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

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

Ages 5–8 | Turn your sketch into a simply stunning portrait with loose brushstrokes inspired by Impressionist artists. Explore the effects of light, shadows, and colorful highlights to capture your own impression on canvas.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, May 14, 1–4 pm | Studio 2, Art Education Center
Caroline Velazquez

Ages 5–8 | Take a moment to examine influential paintings by Impressionist artists in the special exhibition Whistler to Cassatt. Learn how to replicate this popular style of painting and the elements of perspective to create a landscape. Also enjoy painting en plein air (weather permitting).

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Jan 29, 1–4 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Anh Do

Ages 9–12 | Learn about the history of manga illustration! Explore the art, history, and culture of manga illustration, a Japanese-style comic art, through discussion and step-by-step drawing exercises to develop drawing skills necessary for creating mangas. All supplies will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own sketchbook.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Feb 12, 1–4 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Caroline Velazquez

Ages 9–12 | Learn the tricks of the trade in drawing, using artist-quality colored pencils. Practice blending and shading techniques along with color theory and use those skills to draw a close-up of a delectable dessert!

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Mar 19, 1–4 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Elizabeth Daly

Ages 9–12 | Discuss the history and artwork of women who persisted through adversity to change the world of art! Create your own personal interpretation of their unique art styles.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Apr 2, 1–4 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Laren Minton

Ages 9–12 |Create one-of-a-kind beings using upcycled materials like toys and stuffed animals. Learn and utilize crafting techniques like stitching and clay sculpting to add details and personalization.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, Apr 30, 1–4 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Caroline Velazquez

Ages 9–12 | After viewing vibrant Impressionist paintings in the special exhibition Whistler to Cassatt practice using similar painting techniques in the studio, from quick brushstrokes to globs of color, to capture a moment in time.

$30 (VMFA members $25)

Sat, May 14, 1–4 pm | Studio 1, Art Education Center
Lindsay Steele

Ages 9–12 | View works from Whistler to Cassatt and examine the way Impressionist artists use painterly techniques to capture the essence of a person in portrait form. Use these methods to paint your own portrait composition.

$30 (VMFA members $25)