A passion for art is an innate gift. I’ve seen it firsthand with my own daughter, who even as a toddler loved to create intricate designs with Play-Doh. Now, as a 10 year old, her love of art has led her to sewing, and even building her own hair scrunchie business! It makes me so happy for her to have a hobby that will serve her through life, so I’ve worked to find programs and venues to encourage her passion.
Here are five venues and programs to foster your child’s love for art:
The Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen
With classes for youth to adults, and a free admission gallery, The Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen is at the top of the list for RVA art fun. Classes start a $25 and include options like jewelry design and portrait drawing. For the youngest artists, Early Childhood Art classes are theme-based, and often feature an outdoor component. For those children and teens who prefer self-guided opportunities, The Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen offers the chance to try a new medium every week in Art Studio.
Come visit The Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen for a fun craft at the RFM Education Expo on Sunday, October 8th, from 1-4PM!
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VisArts) holds classes, camps, and recurring programs like Family Studio and Second Fridays. For children ages 3-8, try Family Studio, where the entire family collaborates to create a unique project. For teens, try Art League, a program that offers one-on-one coaching, and offers participants a chance to complete a certificate program.
Alma Bella Academy
Located in Southern Chesterfield, Alma Bella Academy has classes, camps, open studio hours, and even a coffee bar; so you can relax while your child is busy creating beautiful art! During Open Studio, patrons have many options; including: sewing, making slime, drawing, painting, and more. My daughter particularly loves sewing at Alma Bella, as the instructor Dr. Graves is encouraging and supportive throughout the process.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
It wouldn’t be an RVA-art venue roundup without VMFA! There are many ways to take in the museum. If you’re planning to wander the galleries with kids in tow, I recommend printing a scavenger hunt prior to your visit. Another way to enjoy VMFA with your artistic kiddo is to have them bring a sketch pad, and choose a work of art to reproduce. Finally, VMFA has excellent family and youth programming. My family especially enjoys Open Studio Sundays, where you can meet artists and learn about their methods before making your own masterpiece. Further, camps and classes provide children the chance to express themselves in theme-based classes with patient and knowledgeable instructors.
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond Craft & Design Show
While this is not an ongoing opportunity, this annual event held allows artistic children to be inspired from artists from all over the country, as well as to produce their own projects. This year, Craft & Design Show will be November 17-19 at Main Street Station. Teachers from The Visual Arts Center of Richmond will be on hand in the Education Wing (sponsored by RFM!) to teach kids various art techniques. For example, last year my daughter learned to use the pottery wheel, and she made her very own ring.
Here’s to all of you raising art-lovers! May we always embrace our children’s creativity…and remember to buy washable paint!
For lots of ideas to help your smartistic child, check out RFM’s lineup of crafts and projects from local partners, including CMoR, CVWMA, Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, and the Science Museum.
