Announcing our 2nd ODU Education Scholarship Winner: Rachel Vrendenburg

We are delighted to announce that Rachel Vrendenburg has been awarded the 2024/25 Melinda Vooss Artfully Yours Memorial Fund Education Scholarship. Her dedication to art and art education is truly inspiring—she holds a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art with a minor in English from Old Dominion University (ODU) and is now pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in Art Education with a minor in Art History.

Now in its second year, our scholarship program with ODU reflects our deep commitment to fostering the next generation of art educators. This scholarship is designed to support passionate students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of future generations through art education. By providing financial assistance and recognition, we aim to empower aspiring teachers as they develop the skills, creativity, and leadership necessary to inspire young artists. It also serves as an opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievements in the field, honoring students as they complete their K-12 student teaching internship in Hampton Roads and prepare to make a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond.

Rachel’s artistic journey is a testament to creativity, dedication, and the power of visual storytelling. Her portfolio showcases a range of expressive, thought-provoking works that highlight her technical skill and deep appreciation for artistic exploration. From dynamic portraiture to immersive mixed-media pieces, her art reflects a commitment to both personal expression and inspiring young minds.

Currently completing her student teaching as a preservice educator, Rachel is committed to fostering a classroom environment that nurtures curiosity, inclusivity, and confidence. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that art is a means of self-discovery and empowerment, encouraging students to embrace their unique voices and perspectives. She strives to create a welcoming, engaging space where all students feel valued and supported in their artistic growth. Learn more about her teaching philosophy here.

We are honored to support Rachel as she embarks on her career as an art educator, and we look forward to seeing the impact she will make on her students and the art community. Congratulations, Rachel!

Thank you to our generous donors and supporters who make this scholarship possible. We also extend our deep gratitude to Old Dominion University, with special recognition to the ODU Art Department Chair, the Art Education Program Director, and the ODU Education Foundation development team for their partnership and dedication to helping us fulfill our mission and advance Melinda's legacy. Your commitment to the arts and education ensures that future artists and teachers, like Rachel, have the opportunity to thrive and inspire.

YASS INDEED! Connecting Future Educators with Young Artists Across our Community

The Youth Art Saturday School (YASS) program, a partnership between the Melinda M. Vooss Artfully Yours Memorial Fund and Old Dominion University, exemplifies our mission of fostering creativity and supporting future art educators. Through YASS, ODU’s aspiring art education teachers lead hands-on workshops for young artists, providing an enriching space where artistic expression flourishes. This initiative not only brings high-quality art experiences to the community but also offers invaluable real-world teaching experience to students preparing for careers in art education.

At its core, the YASS program embodies two key pillars of the Artfully Yours mission: expanding access to the arts and empowering the next generation of art educators. By bridging the gap between university art education programs and local youth, YASS fosters meaningful mentorship and learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. This collaboration highlights the power of art to build connections—between students and teachers, institutions and communities, and creativity and education. As we celebrate another successful year, we remain committed to strengthening these ties and inspiring a future where art remains an accessible and transformative force for all.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the YASS program—our dedicated ODU partners, passionate student educators, talented young artists, and generous donors. Your commitment to the arts and education makes this program possible, and we are grateful for your role in shaping the next generation of artists and educators.

Celebrating Our 2nd Year Partnering with ODU on YASS Program

We are proud to continue supporting the Youth Artist Summer Studio (YASS) program, now in its second year. This partnership with Old Dominion University connects future art educators with K-12 students across Hampton Roads, delivering immersive creative experiences in three prestigious local museums. Each program offers unique opportunities for participants to explore different art forms and develop their creative skills under the guidance of ODU Art Education seniors entering their preservice teaching semester.

The Details

The Youth Artist Summer Studio (YASS) program runs over three Saturdays: October 19, October 26, and November 2, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Hermitage Museum and Gardens, and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Each workshop is designed for different age groups, ranging from 3rd to 12th grade. Participants are required to attend all three sessions, as each lesson builds on the previous one. For more details or to register, visit the YASS program page:

Learn More

Chrysler Museum of Art – Setting the Table: Food for Thought

This workshop, designed for students in grades 3rd-5th, focuses on exploring cultural identity through art. Inspired by the museum’s "Farm to Table" exhibition, students will engage with the museum’s collection and create both abstract and representational paintings. Further, playful museum activities will help students engage with the museum’s collection. Weekly warm-ups will help participants as they develop their works of art independently and collaboratively, culminating in a final display of their creations.

Hermitage Museum and Gardens – A Look Through Rose Colored Glass

This unique program is designed to inspire students in grades 6-12 to explore their creativity while connecting with the beauty of nature. Students will view the stunning landscapes of the Hermitage Gardens as we walk through the serene pathways. Each sessio includes guided exploration, encouraging students to observe and appreciate the natural world around them. Students will also dive into a variety of illuminating art processes! Participants will learn the fundamentals of observational drawing, capturing the beauty of their surroundings through sketching techniques. Additionally, they’ll have the chance to create stunning faux stained glass, transforming ordinary materials into vibrant works of art that reflect light.

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) – What’s the Vibe?

Middle and high school students will find inspiration in MOCA’s "ART OF THE VIBE" and "Made in VA" exhibitions. This is an exciting workshops that prompts students tp question what it means and looks like to be a part of something bigger than themselves, whether through activism, color, or noteworthy imagery. Each participant will have the opportunity to explore MOCA’s latest exhibits, practice their drawing skills in a self-portrait, create a design that depicts their community connections, and collaborate in a larger work.  Artists will turn the individual works into their very own agamograph; an art form that uses optical illusion to alter what the viewer sees.

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These programs not only provide a platform for young artists to explore their creativity, but also offer valuable teaching experiences for ODU Art Education seniors as they prepare for their future careers. We invite parents to learn more about YASS and register their children for these exciting opportunities to grow as artists and connect with the vibrant art community in Hampton Roads.