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 2026

Kid Special Subject Classes

8190/8265 Art Sampler (ages 5–7)
Instructor: Katie Truk
8190 Mondays, 3:30–5 PM
8265 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.
8190 10 session(s): 1/5–3/9
8265 10 session(s): 1/7–3/11
Tuition: member $335,
non–member $365
Materials fee: $46

8192 Miniature Polymer Clay Creations (ages 10–12)
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): 1/5–3/9
Tuition: member $335,
non–member $365
Materials fee: $40

8211 NEW! Winter Wonderland Works of Art (ages 6–9)
Instructor: Aimee Armstrong
Mondays, 4–5:30 PM
This class is made for young artists who love everything winter and are eager to celebrate the season! Students will explore their creativity using a wide variety of materials — from paint and pastels to clay, collage, and more. Each week, they will create whimsical winter scenes, arctic animals, and snowy surprises that bring the season to life. Come chill out and create with us — it’s snow much fun!
10 session(s): 1/5–3/9
Tuition: member $335,
non–member $365
Materials fee: $46

8223 3–D Designs (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 into projects.
9 session(s): 1/13–3/10
Tuition: member $300,
non–member $330
Materials fee: $43

8300 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): 1/8–3/12
Tuition: member $335,
non–member $365
Materials fee: $46

8299 Cardboard Creations (ages 7–9)
Instructor: Alicia Cotter
Thursdays, 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): 1/8–3/5
Tuition: member $300,
non–member $330
Materials fee: $43

8297 Mixing It Up In Ceramics and Other Media (ages 10–12)
Instructor: Shelley Rosen Howard
Thursdays, 4–5:30 PM
Explore with clay! Create unique pieces by handbuilding, throwing, and a combination of both techniques. Students will be guided through a variety of methods to build, decorate, and glaze their work. Students will also combine mixed media materials with their clay pieces, like beads, wire, recycled objects, decoupage (decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts), and more!
10 session(s): 1/8–3/12
Tuition: member $335,
non–member $365
Materials fee: $60

8301 NEW! 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.
6 session(s): 1/8–2/12
Tuition: member $200,
non–member $220
Materials fee: $28

8319 Experimenting with Art (ages 6–9)
Instructor: Vanessa Lopez
Saturdays, 10–11:30 AM
If you love to experiment, come create oneofakind 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): 1/10–3/14
Tuition: member $335,
non–member $365
Materials fee: $46

8329 NEW! Design Your Own Trading Cards (ages 7–12)
Instructor: Destiny Jure
Saturdays, 12–1:30 PM
Join the trading card craze where students will have the opportunity to design their own deck! In this exciting class, students will be provided a classic card template to create their own character, design their abilities, and learn about card types, stats, and rarity. Students will use illustration techniques and even holographic paper for rare cards. By the end, you’ll have a complete set of playable trading cards, ready for your collection or a game. Whether you’re a trading card fan or love to create, this class offers a fun, artistic way to dive into the trading card world!
10 session(s): 1/10–3/14
Tuition: member $335,
non–member $365
Materials fee: $46

8327 NEW! Popsicle Wood Creations in 3D (ages 5–6)
Instructor: Heidi SanFilippo
Saturdays, 12–1:30 PM
In this fun and creative class, young artists will explore the endless possibilities of popsicle sticks as a building material! From colorful picture frames and mini birdhouses to imaginative sculptures and 3D creations, students will learn how to design, glue, paint, and decorate their projects while developing fine motor skills and creative problem–solving. With plenty of bright paints and embellishments to choose from, each session encourages self–expression, teamwork, and the joy of turning simple sticks into amazing works of art to take home and treasure.
7 session(s): 1/10–2/28 (no class on 2/14)
Tuition: member $235,
non–member $255
Materials fee: $35