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 Special Subject Classes

8904 NEW! Discovering Different Clays (ages 6–10)
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
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.
5 session(s): 11/1 – 12/6 (no class on 11/29)
Tuition: member $180, non-member $200
Materials fee: $30

8775/8836 Art Sampler (ages 5–7)
Instructor: Katie Truk
8775 Mondays, 3:30 – 5 PM
8836 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.
8775 10 session(s): 9/14 – 11/23 (no class on 9/21)
8836 10 session(s): 9/16 – 11/18
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

8777 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): 9/14 – 11/23 (no class on 9/21)
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

8779 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): 9/14 – 11/23 (no class on 9/21)
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

8809 Art in 3D! (ages 9–12)
Instructor: Denise Banaag
Tuesdays, 4 – 5:30 PM
Bring your imagination to life by creating three-dimensional art! Students will have the opportunity to use the following materials: clay, papier-mâché, plaster fabric, cardboard, wire, and more to create sculptures and functional items. Decorating techniques like painting, decoupage, and more will be incorporated in projects.
10 session(s): 9/15 – 11/17
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

8840 NEW! Art Journaling 101: Express Yourself! (ages 9–12)
Instructor: Sara Mesenbrink
Wednesdays, 4 – 5:30 PM
Art Journaling is a great way for creative minds to reflect, relax, and organize their day. This class is made for students who love to doodle, sketch, and find fun new ways to express their feelings. Each week, students will have an art journal project, such as Zentangle portraits, vision board collage, random shape imagination challenge, and more while using a variety of materials. This class combines classic journaling reflection exercises with drawing prompts that spark imagination.
10 session(s): 9/16 – 11/18
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

8868 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): 9/17 – 11/19
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

8865 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): 9/17 – 11/19
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $62

8869 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 of this class is fluent in American Sign Language.
10 session(s): 9/17 – 11/19
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

8886 NEW! Sensory Art Explorers (ages 4–5)
Instructor: Kristine Leslie
Fridays, 4 – 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.
10 session(s): 9/18 – 11/20
Tuition: member $257, non-member $287
Materials fee: $43

8889 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): 9/19 – 12/5 (no class on 10/31)
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

8894 NEW! The Puppet Lab: Build Your Own Paper Mache 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-mache 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): 9/19 – 12/5 (no class on 10/31)
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $47

8898 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): 9/19 – 12/5 (no class on 10/31)
Tuition: member $335, non-member $365
Materials fee: $50

8900 Create Your Own 3D Castle (ages 6–11)
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
Saturdays, 2 – 4 PM
Create a 3D Castle that your toys will love to play in. Student will use cardboard, wood, paint, clay, and more to create their own castle playhouse.
5 session(s): 9/19 – 10/17
Tuition: member $185, non-member $205
Materials fee: $53

8902 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 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): 9/20 – 10/18
Tuition: member $180, non-member $200
Materials fee: $27