The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey’s Studio School, located in Summit, NJ, offers classes and workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels. Taught by experienced teaching artists, our programs span painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and more—providing a supportive environment for learning, exploration, and creative growth.

FALL SEMESTER 2026

Kid Workshops

8906 NEW! Parent & Me: Fall into Fun! Create a Fall-Inspired Welcome Sign (ages 5–11)
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
Celebrate the fall season together with a fun, hands-on creative experience! In this parent and me workshop, you’ll design and create your very own “Welcome” or “Hello Fall” wooden sign. Using a variety of materials like paint, faux flowers, stencils, wood letters, and more, you and your child will work side by side to bring your vision to life. Whether you prefer a cozy autumn look or a bright seasonal welcome, each sign will be completely unique. No experience needed; come ready to create, bond, and make lasting memories together! This workshop is designed for students who are 5-11 years old to take with ONE of their parents/guardians, where they can both enjoy the art-making process together. Tuition and materials fee covers for one child AND one parent/guardian for registration.
Sunday, 9/27, 2:30 – 4:30 PM
Tuition: $80
Materials fee: $35

8912 NEW! Trick or Create! Painted Halloween Trick-or-Treat Bags (ages 6–9)
Instructor: Heidi SanFilippo
Got your costume for trick-or-treating, but still need a bag for all of your candy? Then this one-day workshop is for you! Get ready to design your very own trick-or-treat bag that will last for multiple Halloweens and can also be used outside of the spooky season. Students will learn and use a variety of printmaking techniques to embellish their canvas bag that will be uniquely theirs.
Sunday, 10/4, 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Tuition: $75
Materials fee: $28

8917 NEW! Spooky Sculptures: Pumpkins & Ghosts (ages 6–11)
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
Join us for a fun and creative workshop perfect for Halloween season! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll make adorable pumpkin sculptures using balloons and yarn, and design your own standing transparent ghost using cheesecloth—make it cute or spooky, it’s up to you! These easy and engaging projects are great for all skill levels and result in unique decorations that are perfect for Halloween. Come ready to create, get a little messy, and take-home festive decorations you’ll love!
Sunday, 10/11, 2:30 – 4:30 PM
Tuition: $80
Materials fee: $35

8922 Create Your Own 3D Haunted House (ages 5–11)
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
Calling all ghouls and ghosts! Come make your own 3D haunted house just in time for Halloween! First, paint a wooden bird house to look like an eerie house in the woods. Then use paint, model magic, glitter, and more to make spooky details for a unique haunted house that you can use as a special Halloween decoration for years.
Sunday, 10/25, 2:30 – 4:30 PM
Tuition: $80
Materials fee: $35

8926 Holiday Gifts Made From Clay! (ages 6–9)
Instructor: Denise Banaag
The holidays are just around the corner! In this two-hour kid’s workshop, students will make and decorate several gifts made out of clay that can be given as gifts. Students will learn some basic hand-building techniques in clay while creating 3–4 small functional pieces. Please note that the ceramics pieces will need to be fired in our kilns and the Art Center will notify students when to pick up their finished pieces.
Sunday, 11/1, 10 AM – 12 PM
Tuition: $80
Materials fee: $35

8938 Create Your Own Winter Ornaments or Magnets! (ages 5–11)
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
It’s that time of year for winter crafting! Students will receive step-by-step instructions to create several winter-themed artworks that can be either strung to make an ornament or add a magnet to create unique magnets for your fridge. They will also have access to a wide variety of art materials, like clay and popsicle sticks, to create their own style of magnets or ornaments. These are great keepsakes you can treasure for years!
Saturday, 11/21, 2 – 4 PM
Tuition: $80
Materials fee: $35

8942 Create Your Own 3D Wood Gingerbread House (ages 5–11)
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
Transform a wooden birdhouse into a fabulous faux gingerbread house! Students will make wood and model magic candy pieces to embellish their houses and finish by frosting it with paint and glitter. This is a gingerbread house you can keep and display year after year!
Saturday, 12/5, 2 – 4 PM
Tuition: $80
Materials fee: $35