This resource provides a menu of self-directed art-making challenges, each of which relates to a work of art in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts collection. Give your students voice and choice as they investigate authentic works of art and work to develop a visual language, convey complex ideas, and solve problems creatively.    

Students will design ceramic forms based on specific Elements of Art and Principles of Design presented. The students may print out the handout and use colored pencils to create their design, they can create them digitally or they can use this handout as a guide to recreate ceramic forms in their sketchbooks. 

Students will use the process of printmaking to create personal works of art. Students will investigate the history and processes of printmaking. Exploring traditional approaches to printmaking, students will create innovative products.

Shared narratives can be found in art from many cultures and throughout time. Use this resource to encourage students to explore diverse narratives, discover their own personal narrative, and express that narrative through their own work of art.Using provided engagment strategies students are able to hone Critical, Creative, and Communication skills using works of art in the Virginia Museum of Arts collection. Discussion prompts and activities offer instructional oppotunities for building Collaboration and Citizenship skills. 

Students learn about how computers represent data visually and how artists have used self portraits with symbolism to represent themselves. Then students will create their own data selfies including adding their names written in binary code. Written descriptions will be added to display alongside their artworks that will detail their data symbols and what their artwork says about them and how it relates to computer science. 

This dynamic exhibition features artwork and artifacts that portray the spirit of Virginia - its past, its present, its landscape, and its people. The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion was designed in collaboration with artists, museums, and curators throughout the Commonwealth to educate, excite and inspire those who visit. The exhibition highlights works from a mix of genres and mediums with particular focus on Virginia artists and themes. It is a living display which will evolve and change over time as additional works of art become available and as different parts of the Virginia story become the focus.