Group of Seven Day

A woman in a blue denim dress and a straw hat, sits on a grassy hill and paints a waterfront landscape.

A Brush with History: Plein Air Watercolour Workshop

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Registration required

Channel your inner Group of Seven artist in this outdoor painting session led by local artist Ian McLean. Capture the beauty of Sarnia's waterfront landscapes using the same "en plein air" (painting outdoors) techniques favored by these iconic Canadian painters. Materials provided.

This workshop takes place outdoors—please dress appropriately for the weather.

Alfred Joseph Casson, painting, Crescendo, 1953, oil on Masonite

A.J. Casson Spotlight Tour

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Discover the artistic journey of the Group of Seven's youngest member through this intimate spotlight tour. Explore three exceptional works from A.J. Casson in JNAAG's permanent collection and learn about his unique contribution to Canadian art history. From his early artistic evolution to his distinctive depictions of Ontario's rural landscapes, this tour offers insight into why Casson's work remains so significant today.

Patrons viewing the Storm Watch exhibition.

Storm Watch Singing Tour

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Registration Required

Experience art in a completely new dimension! Our singing docents guide you through the Storm Watch exhibition, pairing carefully selected songs with artwork to enhance the emotional impact of each piece. As you move through the gallery, you'll be invited to join in singing, creating a multisensory experience that brings these powerful landscapes to life through both visual art and music.

Five women stand in the vault at the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery. Three of them admire the works, while the other two concentrate on a piece of paper one of the women is holding.

Behind-the-Scenes Access

Vault Visits: A Rags to Riches Story

11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. Registration required

Step behind the gallery walls for an exclusive 15-minute tour of the JNAAG vault where the Group of Seven paintings are stored. The collection specialist will share the fascinating "Rags to Riches" story and reveal the surprising early connection between the Group of Seven and Sarnia. This rare opportunity offers a glimpse into art conservation and the hidden treasures of the gallery.

Each vault visit lasts 15 minutes.

A woman wearing a blue shirt, holds a clipboard and a pencil as she sketches inspiration in the "Storm Watch" exhibition.

Sketching in the Gallery

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Registration required

Join instructor Leslie Pullen for a guided sketching session within the Storm Watch exhibition. Draw inspiration directly from historic and contemporary landscapes in the JNAAG permanent collection, including works by members of the Group of Seven. Develop your observational skills while connecting with these masterpieces on a deeper level.

Materials provided.

Drop In Activities

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Activity Stations in the Lecture Theatre

Visit our family-friendly activity stations featuring Group of Seven-inspired coloring pages, word searches, and a button maker. Create your own keepsake to remember your Group of Seven Day experience!

Reading Zone

Browse through a carefully curated selection of Group of Seven books from the gallery's personal collection. Deepen your understanding of these influential artists while relaxing in our comfortable reading area.