Community Programs
Vero Beach Museum of Art offers a wide-range of carefully guided creative engagements, courses and program activities for adults and teens in the Vero Beach area. These experiences are provided by specially certified instructors, who design the activities with a focus on the process instead of the product, capitalizing on the transformational power of the artistic process.
The Vero Beach Museum of Art’s community programs and partnerships emphasize the positive transformational power of the expressive and contemplative arts. The guiding principles of these programs consider essential human needs such as: experiencing a sense of personal development and fulfillment through the art-making process, feeling emotionally and physically safe; developing meaningful relationships with others; and having an opportunity for personal choice and self-expression. The Museum currently provides off-site programs at Indian River Estates, the Senior Resource Association and the Alzheimers/Parksinson Association as well as on-site in the Museum Art School Studios and other Museum spaces.
Please contact Christina Kelley, School and Community Access Manager, at (772)-231-0707 ext. 104 or ckelley@vbmuseum.org for more program information.

Museum Programs
The following classes are offered at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
A+ART
A+ART is a free program for teens and young adults with different learning needs, including those on the Autism spectrum.
A+ ART is a free creative arts program that takes place in the Museum’s galleries and studios. Every week students will visit the galleries to discuss a work of art, practice sketching, and return to the studios to create an art project that relates to the unique theme that week. Museum educators encourage positive social interaction and promote a sense of community with group discussion questions, team-building games and share-time at the end of every class. The program meets every Monday during the school year from 3:00-5:00 pm at the VBMA in our Museum Art School Studios beginning September 26th, 2022.
Veteran’s Classes
In conjunction with the Veteran’s community, Museum educators design classes to provide opportunities for creative expression in a Museum gallery and art studio setting; to educate Veterans on elements of art and principles of design; to preserve and share the stories of Veterans service experiences through a variety of media; to educate the community about the stories of service; and to honor the Veterans commitment, time, and sacrifices made. Classes are free of charge and are open to any Veteran in Indian River County. To register for any of the following classes, contact Ellyn Giordano, Museum Art School Registrar at egiordano@vbmuseum.org or (772) 231-0707 ext. 116.
Fun with Pastels
Instructor: Barry Shapiro
During this free, five-week class for Veterans, beginning students learn the basics of this wonderful medium. Working in pastel is a beautiful bridge between drawing and painting. Each class begins with an in-gallery experience in the VBMA’s summer exhibition Treasure Coast Creates where students will discover and draw inspiration from a variety of local artists’ work. Then, instructor Barry Shapiro covers drawing techniques that will lead students to create their own original pastel artworks. All Veterans need to bring is imagination and a willingness to have fun!
Schedule:
Thursdays, June 15 – July 13, 2023
Time: 5:30-8:00pm
Location: VBMA, Studio 3
Materials and Supplies: The VBMA will supply all registered Veterans with pastels and all other class materials.
Cost: FREE for Veterans
Barry Shapiro is a graduate of Pratt Institute (BFA in painting and printmaking) where he studied with internationally renowned artists such as James Grashow, Vasilios Toulis, Rudolph Baranik and Audrey Flack. His portraits and abstract landscapes have been featured in several exhibits including at The Brownstone Art gallery (Brooklyn, NY), the Nathan B. Rosen Museum Gallery (Boca Raton, FL), and locally at The Emerson Center, The Center For Spiritual Care, the Community Church Narthex Gallery, and Lighthouse Art Gallery.
Off-site Community Partnership Programs
Senior Resources Association
The following classes are held at the Senior Resource Association facilities in Vero Beach and Sebastian. Contact Emily Wilcox, 772-569-0760 ext.206, at the Senior Resource Association for registration information:
Artful Engagements is a creative arts program for those experiencing cognitive impairment including those with dementia. Multiple expressive modalities (visual arts, sculpture, storytelling, music, and movement) encourage creative expression, personal autonomy and social connection.
Program meets every Wednesday at the Senior Resource Association in Vero Beach 9:30-10:30 am, 694 14th St. and every Monday in Sebastian from 1:30-2:30 pm at the Senior Resource Association at 815 Davis St.
Alzheimers and Parkinsons Association
The following classes are held at the Alzheimers and Parkinsons Association, 2300 5th Ave #150, in Vero Beach. Contact Courtney Sanchez, 772-563-0505, for registration information.
Movement in the Moment is a movement class for individuals experiencing mobility challenges, including Parkinson’s, or cognitive challenges. Breath work, singing, choreographed, and improvisational movements are used to improve flexibility, balance, gait, and to promote community building.
Class is held on Wednesday at the APA in Indian River Shores located at 6001 Florida A1A, Indian River Shores, FL 32963 and on Fridays from 1:00-2:00pm in the Caregiver Respite room at the APA in Vero Beach.
Artful Engagements is a creative arts program for those experiencing cognitive impairment including those with dementia. Multiple expressive modalities (visual arts, sculpture, storytelling, music, and movement) encourage creative expression, personal autonomy and social connection
For More Information
This class meets every Monday 1:00-2:00pm in the Caregiver Respite room at the APA.