Education
Rawls Museum Arts is dedicated to enriching lives through comprehensive art education programs for all ages. We offer engaging classes for both youth and adults, nurturing creativity and artistic growth at any age. Each year, our popular summer camps provide children and teens with a fun and inspiring environment to explore various art forms. Through the RMA ArtReach Gifted Art Program, we provide free, advanced art instruction to local high school students who may not otherwise have access to high quality creative opportunities. With the generous support of Franklin-Southampton Charities and other partners, we aim to enrich students’ lives through meaningful artistic experiences that foster creativity, confidence, emotional expression, and cultural awareness.
Throughout the year, adults can enjoy classes held at the Museum or at The Village at Woods Edge, offering accessible opportunities to learn and create. Adults also have the opportunity to engage with the Blackwater Art League, a vibrant group of local artists who meet regularly at the Museum to create, collaborate, and inspire one another. Through outreach initiatives, we actively participate in community engagement, cultivating art experiences beyond the Museum walls. As a proud partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), Rawls Museum Arts benefits from a wide range of cultural experiences and educational resources that enhance our programming and broaden our community’s exposure to the arts.
Art Outreach
Rawls Museum Arts believes that art should be accessible to everyone. Through our Art Outreach Program, we bring hands-on art experiences to students and community members across Southampton County and beyond.
Working in partnership with local schools and community organizations, our outreach program connects professional artists with learners of all ages. Together, they explore new materials, techniques, and ideas—encouraging creativity, confidence, and self-expression in every participant.
Each month, high school students from Southampton High School, Franklin High School, and Windsor High School take part in workshops designed to introduce them to fine arts, applied arts, and trade-based arts. These sessions also highlight the creative career paths and professional skills that can grow from a strong foundation in the arts.
By meeting students where they are and inviting the community to create together, the Art Outreach Program helps build meaningful connections and a lasting appreciation for the arts.
Youth Classes
Rawls Museum Arts offers youth art classes that foster creativity while supporting emotional, cognitive, and social development. Through engaging, hands-on experiences in drawing, painting, sculpture, and more, students gain confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and learn to express themselves in meaningful ways.
These benefits extend beyond the classroom. Studies have shown that participation in the arts can lead to improved academic performance, enhanced well-being, and stronger social skills. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, students involved in arts education are more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and participate in math and science fairs, and report higher levels of civic engagement and community involvement. Led by experienced instructors, our youth programs create a welcoming, inspiring environment where young artists can grow both personally and creatively.
Adult Classes
Rawls Museum Arts offers a wide variety of adult art classes designed to inspire creativity, promote well-being, and encourage lifelong learning. Classes are held at the Museum and off-site at The Village at Woods Edge retirement community, making them accessible to a broad range of participants.
For senior adults, our classes provide not only an enjoyable creative outlet but also meaningful health benefits. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology shows that engaging in the arts—whether through creating or appreciating art—can help older adults maintain cognitive function, improve emotional well-being, and enhance overall quality of life (Fioranelli, Roccia, & Garo, 2023). These classes offer a supportive environment where individuals can explore new skills, connect with others, and experience the therapeutic effects of artistic expression.
Rawls Museum Arts also offers engaging art classes for adults of all ages, providing a welcoming space to explore creativity, learn new skills, and connect with others. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, our classes cover a variety of media and techniques tailored to different interests and experience levels. Beyond artistic development, participation in the arts offers proven health and social benefits. According to research by Fioranelli et al. (2023), involvement in creative activities supports cognitive function, reduces stress, and enhances emotional well-being while fostering a sense of connection and community. At RMA, adult learners find not only artistic inspiration but also meaningful opportunities to support their mental, emotional, and social health through the power of art.