What to expect
Approximately two hours in length.
Explore the Gallery
Participants explore original works of art through conversation, observation, and guided activities.
Create in the Studio
Participants create their own artwork inspired by ideas, materials, or techniques encountered in the Gallery.
Available Studio Activities
We offer a range of hands-on artmaking activities for different ages and interests. Our programs offer engaging experiences that directly support curriculum requirements across multiple subject areas.
Still Life Drawing
With Soft Pastels
This activity connects to the Breathing Spaces, Memento, and Homme exhibitions by looking at how objects can tell a story. Just like the artists in these shows, we will explore how a simple object can hold a memory and how light can change the way we see it.
What You’ll Do: You will draw from a collection of objects (a "still life") to explore the drama between light and shadow. Using soft pastels, you'll practice layering and blending colours to build "atmosphere," making your drawing feel like a captured moment in time.
$2 per participant
Exploring the Colour Wheel
Through Landscapes
Inspired by the Group of Seven
Explore colour theory and create expressive landscapes inspired by Canada's iconic Group of Seven using watercolour pencils.
What You'll Do: You will sketch a nature scene inspired by Group of Seven paintings in JNAAG's permanent collection. Using watercolour pencils and blending techniques, you'll experiment with the colour wheel to create your own expressive landscape.
$2 per participant
Suggested Grade Level: Grade 7, Grade 9
Line and Pattern
with Monoprint Gelli Plates
Discover how to make marks and patterns by using pressure to transfer colourful designs from one surface to another.
What You'll Do: You will create unique, layered monoprints using Gelli plates and chalk pastel transfer techniques. Experimenting with various tools, you'll explore that art has rhythm, movement, and contrast as you pull vibrant prints on both black and white paper.
$2 per participant
Microscopic Worlds
Mixed Media Collage
Zoom into the hidden beauty of the world we can only see through a microscope and recreate your own microscopic world by using different materials.
What You'll Do: You will use digital microscopes to examine tiny images and printed specimens. From there you will collage your selected image onto cardstock and extend its story beyond the page, creating its hidden patterns with paint markers, textured oil pastels, and more before giving your finished piece a title.
$2 per participant