Summer 2026 Classes
June 1 – August 8, 2026
REGISTRATION OPENS: Monday, April 20, 2026 at 9 a.m.!
Summer Term Dates: June 1 – August 8, 2026
Registration Opens: Monday, April 20, 2026
The first half of spring term begins: Monday, June 1, 2026
The second half of spring term begins: Monday, July 6, 2026
The VBMA will offer 5-week and 10-week classes in a wide array of mediums and topics throughout the Summer Term.
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
Explore Other Course Offerings
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION
2026 Summer Term Registration Information
Registration opens Monday, April 20, 2026, at 9 a.m.
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. Full bios are available on the VBMA’s website.
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 of equal value.
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
NEW Gardens in Art History
Chris Fasolino
All levels
In keeping with the Museum in the Garden design for VBMA’s expansion, this course will look at the inspirational role gardens have played in art history. Colorful paintings from ancient Egypt reveal gardens irrigated from the Nile. Ancient Roman painters portrayed gardens with a new level of realism. Medieval gardens were celebrated in “thousand flowers” tapestries. The rise of botanical art and the stories of plant explorers will be featured. And what would Impressionism be without gardens?
June 2 – 30, 2026
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studio 4 and via Zoom
#26SU-01 $205 (VBMA Members $175)
Register for #26SU-01
NEW Observation in Nature Art
Chris Fasolino
All levels
In the appreciation of nature, observation and art have always been interwoven. Gallery visits to the exhibition James Prosek: At Work will be paired with comparisons to historic nature art, leading to thoughtful discussion on the theme of observation. Topics will include ancient Egyptian paintings of the Nile flora and fauna; Renaissance sketches from the notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci; and the work of artist-adventurers like Maria Sibylla Merian, William Bartram, and John James Audubon.
July 11 – August 8, 2026
Saturdays, 1 – 3 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studio 4 and via Zoom
#26SU-02 $205 (VBMA Members $175)
Register for #26SU-02
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.
June 1 – 29, 2026
Mondays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: VBMA Atrium
#26SU-03 $85 (VBMA Members $75)
Register for #26SU-03
July 6 – August 3, 2026
Mondays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: VBMA Atrium
#26SU-04 $85 (VBMA Members $75)
Register for #26SU-04
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.
June 2 – June 30, 2026
Tuesdays, 6 – 7 p.m.
Location: VBMA Atrium
#26SU-05 $85 (VBMA Members $75)
Register for #26SU-05
July 7 – August 4, 2026
Tuesdays, 6 – 7 p.m.
Location: VBMA Atrium
#26SU-06 $85 (VBMA Members $75)
Register for #26SU-06
CLAY
Clay Creations
Rob Buller
All levels
This class invites students to explore the world of sculpting and casting without firing. They will create 3-D original sculptures with oil-based clay, learn mold-making techniques with plaster, and press-mold multiples using air-dry clay. Projects are finished with acrylic-based effects like faux stone, metal, or vibrant colors. Creations can include bas-relief tiles, chess sets, clay stamps, and more, providing opportunities to develop creativity and hands-on skills. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.
June 3 – July 1, 2026
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#26SU-09 $205 (VBMA Members $175)
Register for #26SU-09
July 8 – August 5, 2026
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#26SU-10 $205 (VBMA Members $175)
Register for #26SU-10
PAINTING
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 list of recommended supplies.
June 2 – June 30, 2026
Tuesdays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#26SU-11 $205 (VBMA Members $175)
Register for #26SU-11
July 7 – August 4, 2026
Tuesdays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#26SU-12 $205 (VBMA Members $175)
Register for #26SU-12
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 a list of recommended supplies.
June 3 – July 1, 2026
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#26SU-13 $205 (VBMA Members $175)
Register for #26SU-13
July 8 – August 5, 2026
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: VBMA Studio 2
#26SU-14 $205 (VBMA Members $175)
Register for #26SU-14