You can take a wide variety of classes from writing to painting. They often have events for members and a great space for it too. They also host a small rotating exhibit that is always worth checking out.
I always have a good experience here. I have taken a few classes in writing and love the space and the different studios
good teachers here and plenty of various classes for people of all ages
Great place for kids to explore art! We had a great time!
Edit. Dropping a star because this is not the first time I've registered for a class and shown up only to find it cancelled without having been provided either notice or a proactive refund. I had to request one instead of doing what was first offered to me (which was taking a different class if any actually happened to be open). While the front desk staff were very polite and helpful when I arrived this is just such a frustrating experience that I think I'm done with the space for the foreseeable future. If you want to take painting classes or do children's art I guess that's a good thing but it seems like all other media are subject to more frequent cancellation. The lack of communication cost me time and energy and kept me from making other plans during the six weeks the class was supposed to run, including some things it's now too late to take part in. Will see if refund shows up; I got an email confirming it.
Edit: refund did show up, as expected, so at least that was handled. Still not understanding why they continue to offer sessions of the same classes that never seem to happen while taking money for them in the interim. If people aren't signing up for those classes, why continue to show them as options over and over again, accepting money?
Old review
I enjoy the concept of this space and feel good about the experiences I've had. I do wish, however, their offerings were more expansive in some areas. Some other writing workshop styles and classes, for instance. I took a beginning pottery class and enjoyed myself even though I'm absolutely terrible at wheel throwing. (Not because the instructor was bad but simply because I'm not very talented at it.) I like the gallery exhibitions as well
Nice staff, cool events and programs. The building is well designed.
This place's business model is the extortion of artists trope. Ask your teachers how their classes are promoted, and how they're paid. There is virtually NO security on the premises, and hundreds of children regularly. Ask them who's currently on their security staff.
First going there as a child was the best thing ever, given I was just starting out in art. They exposed me to various different ways to make art and made it fun as well. I'd most definitely go back. I love it there
High quality classes and teachers! Beautiful facility with great equipment. Loved the classes I've taken here.
I give it 2 snaps up...
They do a very good job of providing workspace and educational outreach for crafts in the Richmond area. They provide courses and workshops suited for all ages. They also host exhibitions and special programs.
They have been doing good work since the day they opened their doors as The Hand Workshop and have kept it steady as they grew into The Visual Arts Center.
Stop by, see the art, peek into the studios, sign up for a class, or even sign up as a member and get some fringe benefits on top of helping strengthen the Richmond Arts Community.
One of the places to learn more about the Arts Industry.
I brought my granddaughter here for The Connor's Heroes Cancer Foundation Art Session & she had a ball....just wish there was a more comfortable area for the parents to sit & wait......
Interesting and unique programming. Knowledgable instructors. Great supplies. Well organized.
This place is the best! They have everything you need to be a part of a community and learn to work with your hands!
Every class I've taken here, I've walked away learning so much more than I've ever signed up for. Professors are artists in their own rite and make the education fun, not laborious.
Taking the fundamentals of drawing class has been the change I needed in my life. It's a nice chill class in a great environment with an excellent teacher! If you think you can't afford it they offer a very generous sliding scale.
What a wonderful venue for pursuing your creative interests. We completed the beginning stained glass course and enjoyed it very much. Staff has been reduced to a minimum to help offset COVID-related budget issues, so there can be a delay in receiving responses. This is a community resource, so help where you can by joining and participating.
A lot of great classes to learn some new art skills.
My kids have been doing camps and classes here for years and we love it. Great programs for teens, which can sometimes be hard to find! Always have interesting and cool class topics. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Only downside it the parking can be tight and it is a bit crazy when dropping off and picking up to get in and out of back alley.
!Wow! Something this great in Richmond should be for all artists and not just VCU people.
Ive taken classes here since I was fifteen and will continue for quite a while.
Buyer Beware...
I registered for an "advanced" photography class in July. When I took it, it was clear the course was not advanced at all, as basics like aperture, ISO, and shutter speed were totally foreign concepts to many students.
When I requested a refund, I repeatedly got sent to voice mails that were never returned. When I finally reached the registrar, she told me she was reducing my refund from the original course cost $160 to $105. It's now been a month and I haven't seen a cent, and once again I'm left leaving voice mails.
Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Great programs for kids, teens and us big kids too.
How lucky we are to have such a lovely community and space in Richmond to express ourselves! I was intimidated at first as I had never tried art classes outside of high school photography. Fear not! you will rarely be the only beginner and the staff is always welcoming & happy to teach you with openness, warmth and humbleness. The teachers I have had this far have been Marisa G and Julie E. for ceramics and Cathy C. for painting, all of which have been inspiring to me. I highly recommend their classes. VisArts has been the best therapy for me. I recommend this place to anyone seeking good art therapy , a new hobby, or anyone interested in exploring or expanding their artistic scope. The customer service is great - Adam at the front desk is extraordinary at his job! I am very excited about continuing classes at VisArts.
Excellent Excellent in opening young and old fans and non-fans of art minds to awareness of one self.
The Visual arts center is an excellent resource to gain further knowledge in the Fine and Handmade arts industry. The biggest challenge for me is being located in a rural area and the long commute to get this there.
I work in the jewelry industry and took a jewelry fabrication class here that I really enjoyed. The instructors are knowledgeable, the classes are affordable and the parking is crap but that is to be expected in the Fan.
So happy a place like this exists in the city. The facilities and teachers are great. Unfortunately, many students are late or don't show up to class consistently, but as we are all busy I understand. However, this just leads to more 1 on 1 time with the teacher.
Richmond Va. is lucky to have a place like this, that encourages the arts on so many levels!!! I took a digital photography course there, and was amazed at how much I learned. Great facility and programs!
The art classes and workshops here are some of the best around. My mother has been going to the wet plate colloidal photography class for 3 years now and loves it.
My daughter took two classes this summer and really enjoyed both. We will be back next summer for more classes!
Open space with collaborative spaces. Came here to see an exhibit created by three friends and artists. We were the only ones here, which gave us the opportunity to peruse at our leisure. The prices they were asking for some of the artwork were outrageous though... something created on craft paper really shouldn t cost thousands of dollars.
Enjoyed seeing my daughter's art but had a hard time finding. Need to label somehow where peoples art is.
Across the board excellent instructors and a nurturing environment. Can't recommend enough!
Fascinating classes, great instructors, and a wide range of activities to choose from. I usually take at least one class a year here to learn something neat or brush up on an old skill.
Amazing facility, there is so much that can be learned here, they frequently do workshops and have summer camps for ages 5 and up. Many of the students come back as volunteers in the future so there are always familiar faces. I'm so glad I located this art center!
We came here for an open house event and absolutely loved it. The staff and volunteers were very friendly and helpful. If the demos and crafts available were any indication of the classes here they would be well worth taking. Can't wait to sign up and come back.
Very interesting presentation and exhibition. Truly a place of the people trying to connect our present experience to our place and our collective past.
Went to a night time craft event. My kids really enjoyed it.
Watercolor classes resonate with me the most. This is a great community with wonderful instructors!
what are you going to a gallery trying to find some space for your own artwork or going to a class this place is pretty incredible juul to have near the center of the city. our family has taken several classes there and the caliber of teachers and the type of classes they have are really pretty incredible. they also have an awesome volunteer structure so if you're looking for a place to give back a little bit, this is a great opportunity
Great place to further your art skills as an adult. Computer animation classes, painting classes, pottery, jewelry making, blacksmithing, pen and ink, etcetera
Visual Arts Center has been very accommodating extending my gift certificate because limited course availability. They also have a great gift shop online!
There for a class. Loved the class. Hated the parking situation.
It's wonderful that a place like this is available to everyone in Richmond. Studio space and talented instructors cover a wide variety of arts, including textiles, ceramics and jewelry. There are classes for beginners, one sessiom to learn specific techniques, multiday programs for more in depth study. To be able to get serious art instruction without being a college art student is amazing.
Went to the VPA Filmmakers Showcase there. It is a good venue for such events.
I take classes here regularly. Really knowledgeable teachers in a great environment to explore and learn
Love this place! Took 2 photography classes here and it was a great experience.
Nice place for art enthusiasts and also for those who want to get their hands dirty and gave some fun. Also an acceptable place for hosting wedding events.
visarts.org
