2025 Fall Workshops
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 have a full schedule of classes and workshops throughout the Fall Term, available both weekdays and weekends. A variety of five- and ten-week sessions will be available in a wide array of mediums and topics.
NEW Expressive Horizons: Abstract Landscapes
Vickie Marsango
All levels
Students will unleash their creativity in this immersive abstract landscape painting workshop. Designed for artists of all skill levels, the session explores the art of capturing the essence of landscapes through abstract techniques. Attendees will learn to translate nature’s forms, colors, and emotions into bold, expressive compositions. They will visually deconstruct landscape images and reconstruct them into dynamic impressions. This workshop invites artists to explore the freedom of abstraction and reimagine the world around them in vibrant, unexpected ways. Click here for recommended supply list.
Workshop meets October 24 – 26, 2025
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#25FWS-01 $510 (VBMA members $430)
NEW Double Vision: Exploring Portraiture Through Photography
J. Scott Kelly
All levels
Inspired by the VBMA exhibition Double Portraits, this two-day workshop invites students to expand their approach to portrait photography by exploring the unique dynamics of photographing pairs—friends, family, or unexpected duos. On Saturday, twin models will join for a 2.5-hour session as participants learn essential portrait techniques including lighting, composition, and framing, while also examining how double portraits can reveal layered stories of connection, identity, and memory. The workshop blends hands-on practice with in-gallery study, encouraging portraits that capture both individuality and relationship. Click here for recommended supply list.
Friday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#25FWS-04 $360 (VBMA members $305)
Register for #25FWS-04
NEW Three Ways of Painting
Xaque Gruber
All levels
This fun and unique workshop will explore the three most popular painting mediums: oil, watercolor, and acrylic. Day one focuses on oil, day two on watercolor, and day three on acrylic. Each day, students will paint landscapes, objects, and abstract designs on various surface sizes. By the end of the workshop, students will have created approximately a dozen paintings. This is an excellent way to learn all three mediums in one weekend! Click here for recommended supply list.
Workshop meets November 21 – 23, 2025
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#25FWS-02 $510 (VBMA members $430)
Register for #25FWS-02
NEW Reflections of Florida
Joel Johnson
Intermediate to Advanced levels
This workshop will focus specifically on reflections in the waters of the Sliver Springs River. These images on the water contain intense color and values to be explored by students as well as the demonstration by the instructor. Click here for recommended supply list.
Workshop meets December 5 – 7, 2025
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#25FWS-03 $510 (VBMA members $430)
Register for #25FWS-03
2026 WINTER TERM REGISTRATION INFORMATION
2026 Winter Term Registration Information
Workshops from January 5 – March 14, 2026
Registration Information
2026 Winter Term registration opens Monday, November 24, 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. Material 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.
Workshop Refund Policy
Refund requests must be made through the education department at least two weeks prior to the first day of the workshop. A $25 administrative fee will be assessed on all refunds.
Painting People in Oil Workshop
Douglas David
All levels
This workshop focuses on painting people in various environments—at play, at work, on the beach, or in everyday scenes. Students will learn basic oil painting principles, including composition, building form, light and shadow, and how to know when a painting is finished. Participants will work from photos provided by the instructor using their own style. The instructor will introduce the DuMond palette for mixing skin tones and offer personalized instruction and demos to help students progress comfortably. Students will bring a sketchbook and enjoy hands-on learning and storytelling
January 16 – 18, 2026
Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#26WS-01 $510 (VBMA members $430)
Register for #26WS-01
NEW Painting Realistic Flowers in Oil
Christina Grace Mastrangelo
All levels
Students will learn how to paint realistic petals and leaves in oil paint and will work from a teacher-supplied photo reference to slowly examine the structure and light on each bloom. They will also learn dependable wash drawing techniques, how to mix and match colors accurately, and receive targeted critiques to enhance their individual progress. All levels are welcome, though some painting experience is recommended. All are invited to learn, paint, and enjoy the beauty of flowers in this immersive workshop
January 24 – 25, 2026
Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#26WS-02 $350 (VBMA members $295)
Register for #26WS-02
NEW Abstract Expressionist Painting with Landscape Focus
Vickie Marsango
All levels
This dynamic Abstract Expressionism workshop is perfect for artists of all levels. Participants will dive into the vibrant world of non-representational art combined with abstract landscapes through expressive mark-making and contour drawing techniques. They will learn to create bold compositions, harnessing color mixing to evoke mood and atmosphere. Students will experiment with acrylics and mixed media to balance compositional elements while reflecting personal perspectives. This immersive painting experience encourages participants to unleash their creativity and elevate their art.
February 6 – 8, 2026
Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#26WS-03 $510 (VBMA members $430)
Register for #26WS-03
NEW Plein Air: Exploring Shapes and Values in the Landscape
Katherine Galbraith
All levels
This outdoor workshop, inspired by the French Impressionists, focuses on the two key elements of plein air painting: shapes and values. The first day emphasizes identifying strong, effective shapes and understanding the role of values in composition through sketching and dry media. On the second day, students will apply these principles to create a finished drawing or painting in the medium of their choice (excluding watercolor, which requires a different technique). Participants will enjoy exploring, creating, and experiencing the beauty of painting in the open air.
February 21 – 22, 2026
Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Studio 2 and 3 and outdoors
#26WS-04 $350 (VBMA members $295)
Register for #26WS-04
NEW Stencils: Pop, Print, and Pattern
Cory Oberndorfer
All levels
This workshop introduces the history of stencils as a powerful and immediate way to create imagery. Stencils have long been used in screen printing, sign making, decorative wall painting, and street art. Participants will examine the visual impact of images made with stencils and the ways they communicate ideas. They will learn how to design and cut their own stencils, experimenting with drawing, collage, and acrylic painting to produce dynamic layered works of art.
February 28 – March 1, 2026
Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#26WS-05 $350 (VBMA members $295)
Register for #26WS-05
NEW Plein Air Painting with Intention
Stephanie Amato
All levels
This workshop focuses on helping students clarify their goals and build confidence in completing successful plein air paintings. Participants will create small outdoor studies from direct observation while learning to simplify subjects through composition, design, value, and temperature. Multiple demonstrations will cover techniques for capturing reflections, skies, and changing light, with guidance on materials and methods throughout the session at Riverside Park.
March 21 – 22, 2026
Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3 and outdoor location
#26WS-06 $350 (VBMA members $295)
Register for #26WS-06