Virginia MOCA is excited to bring the power of contemporary art directly to your classroom! Our school outreach program, designed for students in grades 3 through 5, invites students to explore their shared humanity through contemporary art while deepening their future-ready skills. This program features the work of contemporary artists from current and past Virginia MOCA exhibitions and helps to foster:

• Critical Thinking through visual literacy, interpretation, and thoughtful questioning
• Collaboration by sharing ideas, engaging in dialogue, and solving problems together
• Communication by exploring how artists express meaning and connect with audiences
• Creative Thinking through imagination, exploration, and new perspectives
• Citizenship by considering the role of community, advocacy, and stewardship

In this interactive session, students will engage in an inquiry-driven close-looking exercise focused on a work of contemporary art previously exhibited at the museum. Guided by a museum educator, they will use observation and interpretation to spark meaningful dialogue—uncovering both the visible and hidden narratives of the artwork. As part of their investigation, they will also learn about the artist’s background, motivations, and creative process. Their own questions will drive the discussion and serve as a launchpad for creating original artwork inspired by both the artist’s approach and their personal interpretations.

Let’s partner to grow the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and compassionate community members!

SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAM REQUEST FORM →

THE DETAILS

This program is offered Tuesday–Friday between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Requests must be made at least 2 weeks in advance.

The lesson breaks down into two main parts: discussion and art making. Both parts can be facilitated in a single, 40-minute class OR extended across two, 40-minute class periods. If extended over two class periods, the program could take place in a single day, consecutive days, or consecutive weeks. Please allow ten minutes before and after each program to set up and clean up. The earlier a program is booked, the more flexibility we can offer in scheduling.

The program fee is $120 per class period, and $100 for each additional class period or program offered on the same day. A maximum of three sessions per day can be scheduled.

We require a minimum of 10 students and maximum of 35 students per program. Please note that at least one adult is required to be present at all times. Programs are available for schools, institutions, or community groups operating within Hampton Roads. This excludes private residences.

TEACHING WITH ART: WORKSHOP FOR EDUCATORS

Teaching with Art at Virginia MOCA is a free professional development series created for educators of all grade levels and subject areas. It is specially designed to equip teachers with helpful tools for using contemporary artwork in their curriculum and classrooms. The themes and focus of these workshops change according to each exhibition. For details, please contact  Katherine Custer, manager of school & educator programs.

CUSTOMIZABLE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCES

Virginia MOCA also partners with schools to create customizable professional development experiences. We collaborate with teachers and administrators to design workshops and trainings that align with your goals, connect to your curriculum, and support your students’ learning. Reach out to explore how we can shape a professional learning opportunity tailored just for your school or district.

Our Group Tours use a selection of works from our current exhibitions to foster close observation, critical thinking, and rich discussions that support learning standards through an inquiry-based approach. Tours are led by a Virginia MOCA educator and can be designed for all age levels. They are available as both virtual and in-person experiences and are free.

Art making workshops are also available to in-person tour groups. This opportunity lets students respond to the concepts in our current exhibitions through a creative, hands-on activity. This experience is led by a Virginia MOCA educator. The cost is $5 per student.

Request in-person tour →

Request virtual tour →