EVENTS

CALENDAR¬

We love making your Museum experience even better by offering a variety of unique programs each month. From interactive talks with exhibiting artists, to master classes, there are events for all ages, interests, and artistic experience.

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    Event Types
    Sep 30

    Photo by Anastasia Gorshkova.

    CLASSES
    The Golden Mean

    AGES 6–8
    Four Sessions Instructor: Renee Calway

    What is the Golden Mean, and why is it so important? Patterns that repeat in nature, like this one, have helped artists to create balanced, harmonious, and proportioned works of art for centuries. We’ll explore this artful ratio and take inspiration from the artwork of Collector’s Edition artist Kelsey Brookes. Students will identify the sequence in nature using microscopes, play with paint, and get creative with color in the studio using modeling clay.

    Saturdays, September 30–October 21
    10:00–11:30 AM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Sep 30
    CLASSES
    Pieces of Mind

    AGES 9–12
    4 Sessions
    Instructor: Renee Calway

    Dive into the world of art, science, and community inspired by Collector’s Edition artists Washington Silvera, Do Ho Suh, and Asa Jackson. Explore landscapes, water, and the mysteries of nature's relationship with humanity, and design your own treasure box containing a secret terrarium. Using gel slabs, students will also create cyanotype prints in vibrant rainbow colors, incorporating typography to express individuality and memory. We’ll also collaborate on a large tapestry representing our Hampton Roads community by cutting stitching, collage, and painting.

    Saturdays, September 30–October 21
    1:00–2:30 PM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Oct 04

    Rachel Burgess, Bullfrogs, 2020. Monotype, oil on paper. Courtesy of the artist. Collection of Carrie and Dave Coleman

    PROGRAMS
    Teaching with Art

    Join us for Teaching with Art at Virginia MOCA, part of a free professional development series created for educators of all grade levels and subject areas. This program, focusing on our current exhibition Collector’s Edition, aims to equip teachers with helpful tools for using contemporary artwork in their curriculum and classrooms.

    Wednesday, October 4, 2023
    5:00 PM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Oct 12

    Ken Wright, Collector's Edition artist.

    PROGRAMS
    Coffee + Conversation with Robert Hewitt, Clayton Singleton, and Ken Wright

    Join us for a casual conversation exploring current exhibitions, led by Virginia MOCA staff and guest lecturers. This month we will be joined by Collector’s Edition artist and collector trio, Robert Hewitt, Collector and Clayton Singleton and Ken Wright, artists.

    Thursday, October 12, 2023
    11:00 AM

    Virginia MOCA

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    Oct 15

    Anna Freeman, Shifting Balance, 2020. Porcelain clay with glaze. Courtesy of the artist.

    CLASSES
    Ceramics: Making an Impression

    ADULTS
    1 session
    Instructor: Anna Freeman

    Explore the art of ceramics while connecting with nature and create a tray or tile with textured surfaces created using natural materials. We will begin by visiting the Collector’s Edition exhibition for inspiration and then take a short outdoor walk around the Museum to collect natural materials while embracing the practice of ethical and respectful collection. Back in the studio, we will delve into the art of composition and design and explore slab-building techniques to craft a beautiful tray or tile.

    Sunday, October 15
    1:00–4:00 PM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Oct 15

    Photo by Fresh Look Photography.

    CLASSES
    1st Art: Landscape Love

    AGES 2–5 (WITH CAREGIVER)
    One Session
    Instructor: Bria Tyler

    Explore the fascinating world of landscapes inspired by the incredible artwork of Collector's Edition artist Rachel Burgess. Using colorful card stock paper, scissors, and glue, we'll bring our own unique landscapes to life. From rolling hills to magnificent trees, let your imagination soar.

    Sunday, October 15
    10:30–11:30 AM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Oct 20

    66th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show presented by PNC. Photo by Fresh Look Photography.

    FEATURED EVENT
    67th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show

    FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

    The Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show is one of the only outdoor art shows produced by an accredited museum and strives to have the highest caliber fine art in the relaxing setting of the Virginia Beach boardwalk. Ranked as a top 15 Fine Art Show of the Decade by Sunshine Artist magazine, this three-day festival welcomes over 175 juried artists from across the country featuring fine art and contemporary craft across several mediums.

    Friday, October 20–22, 2023
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    24th–35th Street on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk

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    Oct 21

    Photo by Fresh Look Photography

    PROGRAMS
    Family ART Park at the Boardwalk Art Show

    Bring the entire family to 24th Street Park for free interactive art experiences and activities provided by local non-profit organizations, as well as rotating performances from local youth and performance groups. Mobile creative spaces and studios such as Studio Shift, Lil Truck of Tools, and for the first time, Virginia MOCA’s ARTlab LIVE, will offer hands-on artmaking opportunities for the whole family.

    Saturday, October 21–22, 2023
    10:00 AM–3:00 PM

    24th Street Park

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    Oct 21

    Photo courtesy of the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel

    PROGRAMS
    Boardwalk Beach Club

    The Boardwalk Beach Club is the premier location of the art show, newly relocated to the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel. Take in sweeping views of the ocean and the art show, enjoy delightful bites and custom cocktails, and participate in a rotating lineup of Beach Club activities.

    Saturday, October 21 - Sunday, October 22
    11:00 AM-4:00 PM (3:00 PM Sunday)

    Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel

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    Oct 28

    Photo courtesy of Rachel Jaffe

    CLASSES
    Ceramics: Tealight Houses

    AGES 13–17
    Four Sessions
    Instructor: Rachel Jaffe

    Brighten your home with ceramic tealight houses. Tap into your “inner architect” by creating a collection of luminaries.

    Saturdays, October 28–November 18
    10:00 AM–12:30 PM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Oct 29

    Photo by Lindsay Collette.

    PROGRAMS
    Looking to Learn: Art & Storytime

    Children ages 3–8 and their caregivers are invited to join us each month as we look, learn, and make in response to themes from our current exhibitions. This program for families will include close-looking at artwork, reading of a storybook, and a making activity inspired by the theme.

    Sunday, October 29, 2023
    10:00 AM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Nov 04

    Dave Culpepper in the galleries of Maya Lin: A Study of Water, on view April 21–September 4, 2022 at Virginia MOCA. Photo by Echard Wheeler

    PROGRAMS
    Art Installation and Care for Your Home Collection

    Join Dave Culpepper, Virginia MOCA gallery and exhibitions manager, to discover the essentials of art collection preparation, installation, and maintenance.

    Saturday, November 4, 2023
    10:00 AM–12:00 PM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Nov 05
    CLASSES
    Artful Supporter: Mixed Media Portrait

    AGES 6–8
    1 Session
    Instructor: Bria Tyler

    Create vibrant, mix-media portrait drawings inspired by Collector's Edition artist Maizelle using oil pastels, paper, and tissue paper, Then, decorate a wooden photo frame to display your artwork as a cherished keepsake. Join us on this artistic adventure where we'll unleash our creativity, express gratitude, and celebrate those who uplift and inspire us through the power of art!

    Sunday, November 5
    12:30–2:00 PM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Nov 08

    Jeanna Pirello, Collector's Edition artist.

    PROGRAMS
    Instagram Live Chat: Jeanna Pirello

    Join Senior Curator Heather Hakimzadeh for a conversation with past and current Virginia MOCA exhibiting artists. Guest artists will give us a look inside their studios, share current projects, and discuss process and inspiration.

    This month's guest is Jeanna Pirello, Collector's Edition artist.

    Wednesday, November 8, 2023
    11:00 AM

    Instagram | @virginiamoca

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    Nov 12

    Photo by Lindsay Collette

    PROGRAMS
    Family Fest

    Family Fest offers a unique opportunity for all ages to create, explore, and connect with art. Join Virginia MOCA as we celebrate our current exhibitions with inspired artmaking, gallery activities, and more. At this very special Family Fest we will also be celebrating our young artists with a closing reception of the Prisms Art Camp exhibition on view in the Fleming Gallery.

    Sunday, November 12, 2023
    10:30–2:30 PM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Nov 18

    Photo by Daniel Olah

    CLASSES
    The Secrets of Sensory

    AGES 9–12
    One Session
    Instructor: Renee Calway

    Explore the connection between mindfulness and creativity. Inspired by the sensory art of Jesse Fleming and the conceptual assemblage style of Asa Jackson, students will study these Collector’s Edition artists and work together to create an immersive sensory space, designed to ignite your senses. Through the interplay of light, color, sound, touch, and even smell, we'll elevate the artistic experience to new heights.

    Saturday, November 18
    10:00 AM–12:00 PM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Nov 18
    CLASSES
    Screen Printing: Limited Edition

    AGES 13–17
    1 Session
    Instructor: Jeff Robertson

    Create your own print variation of an original work of art while learning about the purpose and value of art prints. Students will discover the step-by-step process that leads to a successful silkscreen print and explore various techniques to personalize images, infusing them with their own artistic voice.

    Saturday, November 18
    11:00 AM–2:00 PM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Nov 19

    Photo by Lindsay Collette.

    PROGRAMS
    Looking to Learn: Art & Storytime

    Children ages 3–8 and their caregivers are invited to join us each month as we look, learn, and make in response to themes from our current exhibitions. This program for families will include close-looking at artwork, reading of a storybook, and a making activity inspired by the theme.

    Sunday, November 19, 2023
    10:00 AM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Dec 02

    Photo courtesy of Rachel Jaffe

    CLASSES
    Ceramics: Handbuilt Homeware Collection

    FAMILIES 1 Session Instructor: Rachel Jaffe

    Work together as a family to create a collection of unique ceramic homewares with texture. Using clay and upcycled materials, we’ll learn to create bowls, trinket dishes, spoon rests, ornaments, and other useful homewares! This family workshop encourages the creative exploration of materials and is open to school-age children and their accompanying adult.

    Saturday, December 2
    10:00 AM–12:30 PM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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    Dec 07

    Installation view of Lisandra Ramirez, Lisandra Cubes, 2022. Plexiglass. Collection of Suzanne and Vince Mastracco. Photo by Lindsay Collette

    FEATURED EVENT
    Collector's Bazaar: A Night at the Museum

    A celebration of all things collectible! Join us for a night of art, shopping, music, drinks, and of course, collectibles galore.

    Get involved now ↓

    CALL FOR VENDORS
    Do you sell unique collectible items? Virginia MOCA is seeking a diverse range of collectible vendors to sell and display their items at this event.
    apply

    CALL FOR COLLECTORS
    Do you have a passion for collecting unique treasures? Are your shelves filled with fascinating curiosities? We are inviting collectors of all kinds to showcase their personal collections at Collector's Bazaar.
    apply

    Application are due October 8.

    Thursday, December 7, 2023
    6:00 PM

    VIRGINIA MOCA

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