classes


About this Course
Building Blocks Youth Arts Program is a free, fully virtual, 3-month program for young artists ages 12 – 17, who are serious about their craft, designed to teach visual arts fundamentals within a diverse cultural and historical context and develop effective visual language for powerful storytelling through art. It’s an opportunity for youth to share their perspective.
The program includes 12 weeks of live virtual class sessions and self-paced e-course that provide not only skills development focusing on art making and a solid studio arts practice but an opportunity for creative expression within a fun, welcoming group environment that respects different learning styles and encourages experimentation. A virtual group exhibition shares the vital perspectives and observations of young artists participating in the program as a way to respect and share the voices of our youth with their communities and the larger general public.
The 2026 live virtual class sessions will meet twice a week:
- Wednesdays, Mar 2 – May 27, 4-6pm: Focuses on art making fundamentals. (class 1)
- Fridays, Mar 4 – May 29, 4-6pm: Focuses on art practice fundamentals. (class 2)
The program curriculum adheres to the National Core Arts Standards, ensuring that the content is developmentally appropriate for each age group.
Prepping for class
Registering for the full 12 week series includes an active online community with fun challenges, lively discussions and video tutorials.
Materials list will be emailed to registered students.
What we'll cover
ART FUNDAMENTALS
- Design Elements & Principles
- Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media
- Storytelling, History, Research
- Critical Thinking & Responding
- Studio Structure & Practice
What's included
- 12 virtual live sessions (2hr each)
- Supplemental * e-Course
- Weekly challenges & experiments
- Weekly Office HRs (Student Check-ins)
- Group Forums / Parent Check-ins
- Virtual Art Exhibit + Catalog

Schedule
SPRING 2026
Mar – May (4 – 6pm EST)
more info to come
FALL 2026
Sept – Nov (4 – 6pm EST)
more info to come
Dates
LIVE VIRTUAL SESSIONS
Class 1: Weds, Mar 2 – May 27, 2026
Class 2: Fri, Mar 4 – May 29, 2026
Class 1: no sessions yet posted
Class 2: no sessions yet posted
NEW: IN-PERSON EVENTS
- General Info
- Community Arts Gatherings
- Art Receptions
Building Blocks Youth Arts Program will host Community Arts Gatherings and Art Receptions in five host cities:
2026 locations TBA
Capacity: 20 artists per city
Duration: 3 hrs
(including Artists Meet & Greet)
Tech Requirements: pending
2026 CITIES (locations TBA)
more info pending
These events are after-school workshop sessions, scheduled the same days and times as the virtual classes on Wednesdays or Fridays (* with some exceptions), only these include special additional themes to support artists’ research for their artwork.
Art Receptions: (dates and venues TBA)
more info pending
Note: Families within these counties may choose the city closest to them.
Building Blocks 2026
An opportunity for young artists serious about their craft to immerse in creative expression within a fun, welcoming group environment that challenges the mind, encourages experimentation and respects different learning styles.
CUSTOM ARTS EDUCATION
Teaching Artists of the Mid Atlantic
