Workshops

The VBMA will have a full schedule of classes and workshops throughout the Winter 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.

Explore Course Offerings

2025 WINTER TERM REGISTRATION INFORMATION

2025 Winter Term Registration Information
Workshops from January 6 – March 15, 2024

Registration Information
2025 Winter Term registration opens Monday, November 25, 2024. 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.

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.

NEW Painting the Portrait from Life

Katherine Galbraith
Intermediate to advanced levels
This workshop focuses on training the eye to see accurate relationships and translate them into paint, creating a beautiful painting that is also a portrait. Special attention will be given to intent, gesture, line, and edges. The goal
is for each student to understand the planes of the face and figure, as well as the values and temperatures of skin tones, to accurately express the model as they perceive him or her. Click here for recommended supply list.

Workshop meets March 14 – 16, 2025
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#25WWS-10 $510 (VBMA members $430)
Register for #25WWS-10

2025 SPRING TERM REGISTRATION INFORMATION

2025 Spring Term Registration Information
Workshops from March 17 – May 24, 2025

Registration Information
2025 Spring Term 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. 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.

NEW Textured Orchid Wall Pot

Sandy Bachmann
All levels
This two-session clay workshop guides students in creating a wall pot from a clay slab, perfect for orchids or other
plants. The design can include holes ideal for orchid roots and optional textures or molds for decoration. Participants
may also bring personal texture items, like lace. After the bisque firing, students will glaze their pieces for the final
firing. The class covers slab construction, sprig decoration, and the differences between glazes and underglazes.
Materials are provided; personal tools and an apron are optional.

Workshop meets March 17 and 31, 2025
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 5
#25SWS-01 $100 (VBMA members $85)
Register for #25SWS-01

Seascapes, Beaches, and Dunes in Oil

Douglas David
All levels
This workshop will cover the basic principles of oil painting with regard to seascapes, beaches, and dunes. The students will learn how to build the wave, capture the motion of the sea, and better understand the colors in the sand. Photos to paint from will be provided and each day’s demo will include simple discussions on composition, massing, building form, light and shadow, near and far, capturing and developing atmospheric distance, and learning how to not overwork the painting. The instructor will go over capturing the time of day, atmosphere, the break of the wave, and the various atmospheric conditions. Students will produce several studies and one to two larger paintings. Click here for recommended supply list.

Workshop meets April 4 – 6, 2025
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#25SWS-05 $510 (VBMA members $430)
THIS CLASS IS CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION

NEW Hurricane Cross

Sandy Bachmann
All levels
This two-session workshop invites students to craft a decorative hanging piece from a clay slab, inspired by the
legend of the Hurricane Cross, believed to protect homes from hurricane damage. Participants can choose from a
cross, heart, or plaque design and will receive a poem explaining the legend. Various textures will be provided, with
the option to bring personal items like lace for added detail. After bisque firing, students will glaze their pieces for the
final firing. The workshop covers slab construction, sprig decoration, and the use of glazes and underglazes.
Materials are provided; personal tools and an apron are optional.

Workshop meets April 7 and 21, 2025
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 5
#25SWS-02 $100 (VBMA members $85)
Register for #25SWS-02

NEW Pinched Snack Bowl with Critters

Sandy Bachmann
All levels
In this two-session clay workshop, students will use the pinching method to create a snack or trinket bowl, with the
option to sculpt a critter to adorn it. Bowls can feature one or multiple sections. Participants are encouraged to bring
reference images of their chosen critter for sculpting. Textures and molds will be available, or students can bring
personal items to add unique details. After bisque firing, students will glaze their creations for the final firing. The
workshop covers clay pinching, decoration attachment, and the use of glazes and underglazes. Materials are
provided; personal tools and an apron are optional.

Workshop meets May 5 and 19, 2025
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 5
#25SWS-03 $100 (VBMA members $85)
THIS CLASS IS CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION

 

NEW Painting Realistic Flowers in Oil

Christina Grace Mastrangelo
Intermediate to advanced 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. Click here for recommended supply list.

Workshop meets April 25 – 27, 2025
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#25SWS-06 $510 (VBMA members $430)
Register for #25SWS-06