2025 Fall Classes
October 6 – December 12, 2025
REGISTRATION OPENS: Monday, August 25, 2025!
Fall Term Dates: October 6 – December 12, 2025
Registration Opens: Monday, August 25, 2025
The first half of fall term begins: Monday, October 6, 2025
The second half of fall term begins: Monday, November 10, 2025
Click here for digital brochure
The VBMA will classes and workshops throughout the Fall Term. A variety of five- and ten-week sessions will be available in a wide array of mediums and topics.
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION
2025 Spring Term Registration Information
Classes from March 17 – May 24, 2025
Registration opens Monday, February 3, 2025.
Register online at www.vbmuseum.org. All registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Instructors
VBMA instructors are experienced teachers with rich education and studio backgrounds in addition to being professional artists. Click here for instructor biographies.
Materials
Tuition does not cover the cost of materials used for students’ own production unless stated otherwise. Materials lists for each course or workshop are available on the website.
Cancellations
Courses are canceled if minimum enrollment is not met. If a course is canceled, the VBMA will inform students one week in advance to offer a refund or a transfer to another course.
Guest Policy
We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests in any art studio, humanities, or film class.
Waiting Lists
The Education Department maintains waiting lists for all filled classes. Please contact the VBMA to be placed on a waiting list. No deposit is necessary to hold a space.
Class Refund Policy
For multi-week classes, refund requests must be made through the Education Department within the first week of class. A $25 administrative fee will be assessed on all refunds.
ART HISTORY AND ART APPRECIATION
Chinese Art History
Chris Fasolino
All levels
From the terra cotta army of Xi’an to the palaces of the Forbidden City, from vast mountain landscape paintings to colorful bird and flower images, this is an exploration of Chinese art history from ancient times through the Qing Dynasty. A special section of the course will feature Chinese calligraphy, a uniquely personal artistic expression compared to a “a bird on the wing.” Inspiration from nature in Chinese art– from gardens to wilderness– will be a key theme during this exploration.
October 6 – December 8, 2025
Mondays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Location: VBMA Studio 4 and via Zoom
#25FA-01 $335 (VBMA members $285)
NEW Virtual Mediterranean Cruise
Chris Fasolino
All levels
This class will visit five of the world’s great cities with this virtual Mediterranean cruise: Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Athens, and Istanbul! Explore amazing artistic treasures and colorful history. It’s a great way to prepare for future travels or to reminiscence about travel adventures.
October 7 – November 4, 2025
Tuesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3 and via Zoom
#25FA-02 $205 (VBMA members $175)
NEW Virtual Britain and Ireland Cruise
Chris Fasolino
All levels
This class will go on a virtual cruise around Britain and Ireland, exploring five historic and beautiful destinations: London, the English countryside, Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, and Dublin. Learn about artistic treasures, colorful history, natural beauty, and rich culture. It’s a great way to plan a trip or reminisce about travel.
November 11 – December 9, 2025
Tuesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3 and via Zoom
#25FA-03 $205 (VBMA members $175)
The Art of the Medici
Chris Fasolino
All levels
The flamboyant Medici family were patrons to some of the greatest artists in history. Discover the treasures of Renaissance Florence, including the works of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and many other artists. Renowned masterpieces and lesser-known gems will be featured. Learn how patronage and palace intrigue came together as the Medici family sought to survive in a world of assassination attempts and poisoned rings.
October 8 – December 10, 2025
Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Location: VBMA Studio 4 and via Zoom
#25FA-04 $335 (VBMA members $285)
NEW World of Work: Paintings of Service, Toil, and Tasks
Lynn Berkowitz
All levels
Through the lens of genre paintings that share life’s little and big moments, we will explore the idea of work; the hours spent at work, getting to work, worrying about work, presenting work, and life beyond work. The workaday world calls attention to images of labor from home to field, office to factory complete with machines and tools of the trade. Brueghel to Dame Knight to Jacob Lawrence bring a range of views of “elbow grease” from past to present. Short videos enrich the conversation.
October 9 – November 6, 2025
Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 pm
Location: Via Zoom
#25FA-05 $140 (VBMA members $120)
NEW Artist Colonies, Co-ops, Salons and Soirées—Here and Abroad
Lynn Berkowitz
All levels
The Steins’ weekly Parisian salon, Japan’s salon culture, the 1800’s utopian artist colonies, and today’s Black artist co-ops, highlight supportive spaces for artists to engage, learn and thrive. The power of artists coming together to discuss, compare, inspire, and engage in the evolution of new work proved revolutionary. With glimpses at Stettheimer’s NYC salons, Old Lyme Art Colony, Theaster Gate’s B.A.R project, and more, we will see how artist collaborations enliven the scene. With videos.
November 13 – December 18, 2025
(No class November 27)
Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Location: via Zoom
#25FA-06 $140 (VBMA members $120)
CONTEMPLATIVE ARTS
Chair Yoga
Elise Mahovlich
All levels
Students will enjoy an invigorating yoga practice with a slight modification – the chair is the ‘ground.’ Students will employ this everyday prop to take them through the range of motion for a full body workout that will include forward bends, backbends, and spinal twists for flexibility; standing and balancing poses to build stability and core strength; and breathing techniques for body awareness and stress reduction.
October 6 – November 3, 2025
Mondays, 9:30 – 10:30 am
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25FA-07 $85 (VBMA members $75)
November 10 – December 8, 2025
Mondays, 9:30 – 10:30 am
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25FA-08 $85 (VBMA members $75)
Qigong
Katie Nall
All levels
Qigong is an 8,000-year-old movement program that exercises the body as a whole. With over 9,000 variations, it is the parent form for Tai Chi, Kung Fu, acupuncture, acupressure, and Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping). Qigong is known as the Longevity Exercise. No special equipment required.
October 7 – November 4, 2025
Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25FA-09 $85 (VBMA members $75)
November 11 – December 9, 2025
Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25FA-10 $85 (VBMA members $75)
Art of the Tai Chi Form
John Walcott
All levels
The art of tai chi feeds body, mind, and spirit. In this course, students will learn a series of forms that focus on balance, health, and well-being. A combination of brief lecture and practice, sessions will include opening the energy gate exercises for body, 18-step Qigong for mindfulness, and 24-step tai chi moving meditation for flow of spirit.
October 7 – November 4, 2025
Tuesdays, 8:30 – 9:30 am
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25FA-11 $85 (VBMA members $75)
November 11 – December 9, 2025
Tuesdays, 8:30 – 9:30 am
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25FA-12 $85 (VBMA members $75)
October 9 – November 6, 2025
Thursdays, 8:30 – 9:30 am
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25FA-13 $85 (VBMA members $75)
November 13 – December 18, 2025
(No class November 27)
Thursdays, 8:30 – 9:30 am
Location: VBMA Atrium
#25SP-14 $85 (VBMA members $75)
PHOTOGRAPHY
Stuart Segal Scholarship for Photography Students
The Stuart Segal Scholarship is dedicated to aiding aspiring photography students for whom attending class would otherwise be financially challenging. The scholarship will pay tuition fees for any photography course offered at the VBMA. For more information or to apply for this scholarship, please visit www.vbmuseum.org/museum-art-school.
NOTE: A limited number of cameras and lenses are available to check out from the Education Department during the photography classes listed below.
NEW Visual Storytelling: Photography in a New Era
Ken George Jr.
All levels
This forward-thinking course explores the art of storytelling through photography in today’s digital landscape. Students learn to shoot,
edit, and enhance images using modern tools and techniques, with an emphasis on narrative impact. The class incorporates evolving technologies and platforms, including Adobe Creative Cloud or Lightroom, to help photographers create more meaningful, visually compelling work.
October 7 – November 4, 2025
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 4
#25FA-15 $205 (VBMA members $175)
November 11 – December 9, 2025
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 4
#25FA-16 $205 (VBMA members $175)
DRAWING
You Can Draw
Marlene Evans Putnam
Beginner level
This course will ensure that beginning students learn to see shapes, understand shadows, and use lines in powerful or delicate ways. Students learn to use their drawing tools properly and confidently and will be amazed at their steady progress as they learn to design and compose their projects. The instructor will teach by both lecture and studio demonstration. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.
October 9 – November 6, 2025
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25FA-17 $205 (VBMA members $175)
November 13 – December 18, 2025
(No class November 27)
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25FA-18 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Pastels: More Than Just Drawing
Sherry Haaland
All levels
Students will learn pastel techniques of strokes/ marks, scumbling, crosshatching, dabbing, and blending. By experimenting with these methods, students can experiment on their own individual artworks. Click for a list of recommended supplies.
October 9 – November 6, 2025
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#25FA-19 $205 (VBMA members $175)
November 12 – December 18, 2025
(No class November 27)
Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#25FA-20 $205 (VBMA members $175)
MIXED MEDIA
Focused Open Studio
Judy Burgarella
All levels
Students will work independently in this open studio, bringing their own supplies in the medium of their choice and references to work from. The instructor will offer individual guidance along with demonstrations of various techniques and helpful tips and tricks. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.
October 6 – November 3, 2025
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25FA-21 $205 (VBMA members $175)
November 10 – December 8, 2025
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25FA-22 $205 (VBMA members $175)
PAINTING
NEW Watercolor Basics for All Levels
Adam Conard
All levels
Students will learn the fundamentals of watercolor painting, including color mixing, brush handling, and essential techniques like washes and layering. The class will explore different approaches to creating textures and learn how to compose engaging watercolor paintings. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to experiment and have fun!
October 6 – November 3, 2025
Mondays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25FA-23 $205 (VBMA members $175)
November 10 – December 8, 2025
Mondays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25FA-24 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Advanced Painting Techniques
Barry Shapiro
Advanced level
This course is designed for students who have had experience painting in acrylic and/or oil and who wish to expand their knowledge and technical skills. The instructor will encourage students to explore new techniques and work in larger formats. Click here for a recommended list of supplies.
October 6 – December 8, 2025
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25FA-25 $335 (VBMA members $285)
How to Paint Like an Impressionist
Pearl Lau
All levels
In this class, students will learn how 19th-century French artists such as Claude Monet broke away from European traditions. They explored light and color in addition to changing the subject matter from formal portraits to the working class. The invention of the train brought artists out of dingy, smoky Paris to the sunny and colorful south of France. Pastel, oil, or acrylic is appropriate for this class—students’ choice. Students will work from photos of landscapes they bring in, as well as from those the instructor has collected. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.
November 10 – December 8, 2025
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#25FA-26 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Abstract Painting
Barry Shapiro
All levels
This class is for all levels of artists who want to explore the world of abstract painting by looking at its origins and its contemporary practitioners. Each week features a new style and approach for oil and acrylic painters. Click here for recommended supply list.
October 7 – November 4, 2025
Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25FA-27 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Still Life Painting
Barry Shapiro
Beginner to intermediate levels
Each class will start with a brief illustrated presentation, beginning with the history of still life painting. Subsequent presentations will be on specific artists and styles and classes will end with a group critique. Click here for a recommended list of supplies.
November 11 – December 9, 2025
Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25FA-28 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Introduction to Painting
Barry Shapiro
Beginner level
This course is designed to teach beginners the art and science of oil or acrylic painting, including perspective, color, and brushwork. Classes cover what students need to know about how to start an enjoyable and successful lifetime of painting. Students will work on assignments in class with specific instruction. Click here for a recommended list of supplies.
October 8 – December 10, 2025
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25FA-29 $335 (VBMA members $285)
Intermediate Painting
Barry Shapiro
Intermediate level
This course is for students who have completed Introduction to Painting or are relatively experienced painters looking to enhance their skills. Students will learn from well-known artworks and artists as well as from in-class instruction. Students will study composition through painting exercises in oil or acrylics, including still life, and figurative proportions. Click here for a recommended list of supplies.
October 8 – December 10, 2025
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25FA-30 $335 (VBMA members $285)
Painting with Oil
Adam Conard
All levels
This class takes a deep dive into creating successful oil paintings including choosing the right supplies, creating depth, tone, and value and setting up the canvas. Students will go over the rich and vibrant history of oil painting and how it is being used today. Whether a seasoned oil painter, new to painting, or have been painting in other mediums, this class will have a lot to offer. Students are free in their artistic expression to create the subject matter of your choice. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.
October 8 – November 5, 2025
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25FA-31 $205 (VBMA members $175)
November 12 – December 10, 2025
Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25FA-32 $205 (VBMA members $175)
How to Paint a Landscape
Pearl Lau
All levels
The class will look at European artists and how they formed compositions, specifically landscapes. The focus will be on the French Impressionists and understanding perspective and diminishing colors to create depth in
a painting. Students can choose their own medium. Each student will create three 8 x 10” and one final beautiful large 11 x 14” painting. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.
November 13 – December 18, 2025
Thursdays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#25FA-33 $205 (VBMA members $175)