VisArts' mission is to transform individuals and communities through the visual arts. Our vision is a vibrant, diverse community enriched and connected by the visual arts.
VisArts’ education department offers art classes for all ages and experience levels in a wide variety of media. Classes are kept small and instructors use a wide range of teaching methods to ensure that all students are getting the best instruction possible. VisArts understands the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and caring environment for students to learn and succeed.
VisArts’ Gallery Program engages artists through exhibitions in four contemporary art galleries and multiple off-site project spaces, subsidized artist fellowships and residencies, a renowned Emerging Curator Program, multiple platforms for artists to engage with the public, professional development opportunities, and partnerships with universities and art colleges. VisArts' galleries are free and open year round.
VisAbility Art Lab is a studio program that provides artists with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities a place and the resources to create art and develop the skills necessary to work in the arts. The program is fully integrated into VisArts, and Lab artists enjoy all the advantages of an arts organization that features galleries, exhibitions, a studio artist program, and art classes and camps. Here, they’re free to discover and explore their talents, express their ideas, and start their careers as artists.
The Rockville Arts Festival draws more than 10,000 art lovers to downtown Rockville, transforming the streets around Rockville Town Square into a pedestrian only, open air art gallery. Now in its 12th year, the festival engages more than 130 local and national artisans and showcases original works of art at various price points. The event also features live local musical entertainment and artisanal food.
In VisArts’ award-winning art camps, kids, tweens, and teens learn to express themselves through a range of unique artistic media. Campers will enjoy spending time with friends, participating in seasonal activities, and developing new skills while creating a portfolio of art projects in ceramics, glass, painting, drawing, mixed media, recycled materials, cosplay, and more.
The VisArts Center for Craft Studies, funded by Windgate Foundation, offers myriad opportunities for students to engage in craft and the creative industries. It’s guided by a Craft Advisory Council, whose members are highly respected craft artists, gallery directors, curators, professors, teachers, advocates, and collectors. Courses are taught by professional craft artists and experienced faculty.