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.

WINTER SEMESTER 2027

Kid Special Subject Classes

9205 NEW! Scraps, Snips & Stories in Collage (ages 9–12)
Instructor: Gabe Chiarello
Tuesdays, 4:30 – 6 PM
This class focuses on building collage works on paper. It encourages out-of-the-box thinking with low stakes, leaving themes and source materials up to chance for unexpected, exciting results. Students will step into a space that enables them to overcome artist’s block and create. Above all, this class gives individual artists the freedom to play and guarantees progress, ensuring they have work to take home each week. Class sessions will also encourage collaboration, sharing and opportunities for anyone who’d like to constructively discuss their work with fellow artists.
10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

9108/9109 Discovering Different Clays (ages 6–10)
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
9108 Sundays, 12:30 – 2 PM
9109 Sundays, 2:30 – 4 PM
Let your child explore the wonderful world of clay in this fun, creative, and tactile abbreviated class! This program introduces young artists to a variety of clay materials and techniques while encouraging imagination and self-expression. Each week, students will experiment with different types of clay, including kiln-fired clay, air-dry clay, and soft Model Magic foam clay. They’ll learn basic handbuilding techniques, create unique sculptures, and bring their ideas to life through guided projects and open-ended exploration. Projects will include crafting with authentic kiln-fired clay for a true pottery experience, designing and building with air-dry clay, and creating a mini diorama using colorful, lightweight foam clay. Along the way, students will develop fine motor skills, creativity, and confidence in their artistic abilities.
9108 5 session(s): 1/10 – 2/7
9109 5 session(s): 2/21 – 3/21
Tuition: member $180, non-member $200
Materials fee: $32

8986 Sensory Art Explorers (ages 5–7)
Instructor: Kristine Leslie
Mondays, 3:30 – 5 PM
This class nurtures early learning through hands-on activities, sensory play, and collaborative art-making. Students will explore a variety of materials and techniques in a supportive, playful environment that emphasizes creativity, self-expression, and social interaction. Each session builds fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creative confidence. The instructor for this class is fluent in American Sign Language.
9 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8 (no class on 3/1)
Tuition: member $300, non-member $330
Materials fee: $43

8987 Miniature Polymer Clay Creations (ages 7–9)
Instructor: Dawn Noonan
Mondays, 4 – 5:30 PM
Shape your big creative ideas into miniature polymer clay creations! Students will have the choice of what they would like to make from polymer clay, such as superheroes, foods, animals, and more.
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

8996 Cardboard Creations (ages 7-9)
Instructor: Alicia Cotter
Mondays, 4 – 5:30 PM
In this class, students will use some recycled materials such as corrugated cardboard, paper plates and cardboard tubes to create a variety of unique 2D and 3D art! Projects will include giant desserts, collage landscapes, castles, and more. New projects each session.
9 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8 (no class on 2/15)
Tuition: member $300, non-member $330
Materials fee: $44

8989 Art Adventures: Art Sampler (ages 6–9)
Instructor: Delia McHendry
Mondays, 4 – 5:30 PM
Come explore the great big world of art! In this class, students will sample multiple and different media. They will learn how to make ceramic sculptures, paper collages, watercolor paintings, printmaking, acrylic paintings, and much more! Students are encouraged to put their own creative twist on every project to learn how to express artistic freedom. Join the fun and start your art adventure!
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

9031 Art Sampler (ages 5-7)
Instructor: Katie Truk
Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 PM
We feature various media, such as drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture. Beginning artists explore different artistic expressions or strengthen existing foundations, allowing for experimentation and growth. Each session has a different method or combination, so repeat students are welcome.
10 session(s): 1/6 – 3/10
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

9057 Art for All (ages 5–7)
Instructor: Dawn Noonan
Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 PM
Explore the endless possibilities in art using a variety of materials in this class. Various projects will include drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and more.
10 session(s): 1/7 – 3/11
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

9054 Beyond the Kiln: Ceramics & Mixed Media Exploration (ages 10–12)
Instructor: Shelley Rosen Howard
Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 PM
Create pieces by handbuilding, throwing, and a combination of both techniques! This class is designed for creative exploration through clay. Students will be guided through a variety of methods to build, decorate, and glaze their work. Students will also combine mixed media projects with their clay pieces to create a fabulous final masterpiece!
10 session(s): 1/7 – 3/11
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $62

9059 Art in Motion: A Creative Journey! (ages 5–9)
Instructor: Kristine Leslie
Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 PM
This class combines visual arts, mindfulness, and gentle movement. Students will explore mandala coloring, neurographic drawing, origami, weaving, paper mosaics, and other creative projects while learning breathing techniques and gentle yoga poses. This class creates a safe space for self–expression, emotional regulation, and community building. Perfect for children seeking creative outlets for stress management and personal growth in a supportive, inclusive environment. Students need to bring their own yoga mat to every class for the movement portion, and they will be making art at the tables. Each week, students will complete an art project and do a movement exercise. The instructor for this class is fluent in American Sign Language.
10 session(s): 1/7 – 3/11
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

9095 Experimenting with Art (ages 6–9)
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
Saturdays, 10 – 11:30 AM
If you love to experiment, come create one-of-a-kind pieces from papier-mâché, paint, pastel, clay, and collage! Projects are different every semester. Please bring a smock or wear play clothes.
10 session(s): 1/9 – 3/13
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

9100 The Puppet Lab: Build Your Own Papier–Mâché Characters (ages 8–12)
Instructor: Destiny Jure
Saturdays, 10 – 11:30 AM
Bring your imagination to life in this hands-on sculpture class where students design and create their own 3D papier–mâché puppets! From sketching original characters to sculpting, painting, and adding final details, students will create fully developed characters with personality and style. This class is perfect for creative students who love drawing, building, and storytelling through art.
10 session(s): 1/9 – 3/13
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

9103 NEW! Pop-Up Creations (ages 6–10)
Instructor: Heidi SanFilippo
Saturdays, 12 – 1:30 PM
Get ready to fold, snip, glue, and create! In this class, students will explore the exciting world of paper art! Students will design and make their own short pop-up books, bringing stories and ideas to life with colorful pages, moving parts, and fun surprises. Experimentation with paper creations such as sculptures, 3D shapes, and imaginative objects will also be covered. This hands-on class encourages creativity, storytelling, and problem-solving while giving kids the freedom to create something uniquely their own!
7 session(s): 1/9 – 3/6 (no class on 2/13, 2/20)
Tuition: member $237, non-member $257
Materials fee: $34

9102 Mood Board Magic: Color, Fabric & More! (ages 9–12)
Instructor: Dawn Noonan
Saturdays, 1 – 2:30 PM
Explore how to use art to make your space more comfortable, productive, and beautiful! Students will learn about interior design by creating a model of their own chosen space and researching the effect of how color can influence their mood and productivity. What they learn will be used to incorporate new colors for decorative items to make an individualized space, including a pillow, blanket and woven wall hanging.
10 session(s): 1/9 – 3/13
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $50

9110 Creative Art Explorers: Art Sampler (ages 6–9)
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
Sundays, 12:30 – 2 PM
Get ready to dive into a world of imagination and hands-on fun! In Creative Art Explorers, students will experiment with 4–5 different art media, including paint, clay, collage, and more. Each week brings a new project designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and encourage self-expression. Through playful exploration of materials and techniques, these young artists will create unique masterpieces while developing their artistic skills in a relaxed and encouraging environment.
5 session(s): 2/21 – 3/21
Tuition: member $180, non-member $200
Materials fee: $27