Children love to create art, whether they’re drawing a picture, dabbling with watercolours, or shaping clay. You can encourage this creative spirit at home with simple art supplies such as crayons or paint, but for something different, head to a local gallery for a free art-making workshop.
These enriching programs let your young Picassos explore art from a new perspective. They’ll get to look at the artwork on display, create their own masterpieces, and maybe even experiment in a medium they might not otherwise try. It’s a great way to stimulate their imaginations and creativity.
Here’s a round-up of where to find family-friendly art programming throughout Metro Vancouver. All of these workshops are free or by donation.
Vancouver Art Gallery
What: Weekly Family Programs
When: Sundays
Where: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
vanartgallery.bc.ca
Children aged 12 and under receive free admission to the Vancouver Art Gallery every Sunday when accompanied by an adult. Be sure to take advantage of the Weekly Family Programs from 12 to 4 pm, which include art-making activities exploring different themes, processes and materials. You can also join a tour with an “Art Agent” who will facilitate children’s encounters with art and help to bring the gallery’s exhibitions to life.
ArtStarts Gallery
What: ArtStarts Explores
When: Saturdays (except for the last Saturday of each month)
Where: 808 Richards Street, Vancouver
artstarts.com/explores
ArtStarts is a public gallery focused on art by young people. Most Saturdays, the gallery hosts ArtStarts Explores, a hands-on workshop series from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a collaborative program for children aged 12 and under and their caregivers. Families can drop in and create with a wide variety of materials and artistic mediums.
What: ArtStarts on Saturdays (Vancouver)
When: The last Saturday of each month
Where: 808 Richards Street, Vancouver
artstarts.com/artistworkshops
This program features some of the best artists working with young people. Activities include art-making and performances covering a diverse range of cultures and artistic disciplines. The workshop takes place twice, once at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. This free, 45-minute event is best suited to children ages five and up, although all ages are welcome. Be sure to arrive early as this is a popular program.
What: ArtStarts at River Market (New Westminster)
Where: 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster
When: The last Sunday of each month
artstarts.com/artistworkshops
The ArtStarts on Saturdays program is also held the next day in New Westminster. ArtStarts at River Market features some of the best artists working with young people. Activities include art-making and performances covering a diverse range of cultures and artistic disciplines. The workshop takes place twice, once at 11 am and again at 1 pm. This free, 45-minute event is best suited to children ages five and up, although all ages are welcome. Be sure to arrive early as this is a popular program.
Polygon Gallery
What: Kids First Saturdays
When: The first Saturday of each month
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
thepolygon.ca
Located near Lonsdale Quay, the Polygon Gallery features contemporary art with a focus on Canadian works. Families are invited to enjoy hands-on creative activities once a month, from 11 am to 3 pm. Kids can explore the artwork on display, and take part in lots of creative play and experimentation with different materials. Admission is by donation.
Contemporary Art Gallery
What: Family Day
When: The last Saturday of every month
Where: 555 Nelson Street, Vancouver
contemporaryartgallery.ca
The Contemporary Art Gallery focuses on visual art from Canada and around the world. Everyone is invited to drop in on the last Saturday of each month for Family Day. This free event includes tours of the gallery and art-making activities inspired by current exhibitions. Different media and processes are explored throughout the year, so there will always be something different to engage and inspire young artists. Donations are welcome.
Burnaby Art Gallery
What: Family Sundays in the BAG
When: Monthly
Where: 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
burnabyartgallery.ca
Come by the Burnaby Art Gallery to try your hand at family-friendly art projects. Explore the exhibits and then head into the studio to see what kind of art you can create. A different project is featured each month. All ages are welcome. Visit the website to find out when the next Family Sunday takes place (click on the Exhibition and Program Guide). Suggested donation is $5.
Richmond Art Gallery
What: Family Sundays
When: Once per exhibition
Where: 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
richmondartgallery.org
Family Sundays is a free drop-in event that gives families a chance to explore current exhibitions at the Richmond Art Gallery. There are tours of the gallery’s contemporary art, hands-on art-making workshops led by guest artists, and activities such as storytelling, music and performances. All ages are welcome, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit the gallery’s website to find out when the next Family Sunday is scheduled.
Surrey Art Gallery
What: Family Sundays
When: Occasional
Where: 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
surreyartgallery.ca
Several times a year, Surrey Art Gallery hosts Family Sundays to introduce children to art. This drop-in event features hands-on art-making workshops in a range of mediums, art exploration activities in the gallery, artist demonstrations, live performances in the theatre and more. Visit the website’s Events page to see when the next Family Sunday is coming up.
Seymour Art Gallery
What: Children’s art workshops
When: Occasional
Where: 4360 Gallant Avenue, North Vancouver
seymourartgallery.com
This small public gallery in the heart of Deep Cove features the work of local artists. From time to time, it offers free art-making workshops for children. Keep an eye on the website for upcoming events.
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