Courses for Children and Youth

The AGO offers courses and workshops in a fun and supportive environment encouraging young artists (ages 2-18) the freedom to explore their potential, build confidence, and develop artmaking and critical thinking skills. Students have the unique opportunity to learn from Artist Instructors, who are dedicated educators and practicing studio artists. Our approach to art instruction is student led and focuses on traditional and contemporary artmaking techniques and concepts. This learning is supported by strong connections to artwork in the AGO Collection and special exhibitions.

Check out more of our family fun programming at the AGO.

Every season, we offer projects inspired by artworks in the AGO Collection, including new acquisitions as well as special exhibitions where indicated. Instructors also develop personalized approaches to their teaching techniques focused on student interests and needs. Students are encouraged to discuss their learning goals with their instructor.

 

Making Together

child painting with adult

Side By Side ONLINE

Ages 4-6 with an Adult

Saturdays 10 - 11 am
October 16 - November 6

Instructor: Olia Mishchenko

Members $175 / General Public $205 (4 weeks)

Have fun getting creative, learning about the AGO collection, and making art alongside your young artist. In this online course, children with an adult caregiver will explore exciting art-making techniques and learn how to reinvent art materials while working on individual and shared projects.

WEEKLY OUTLINE

Week 1: Scene in Red and Blue. Inspired by the modern art works in the AGO collections and by some colourful characters, we will draw and work on a small 3-D scene, learning some plasticine/clay construction basics along the way.
Week 2: On My Head. In preparation for Fall and Winter holidays, we will learn sculptural paper techniques and will make a whimsical head dress to wear or to share. For inspiration we will discover some incredible Inuit artists in the AGO collection.
Week 3: Colourful Moods. This week we will do some basic printmaking with markers and will create a character whose moods and colours change.
Week 4: Pocket Universe. Today we will be making fun cards about lines and dots, exploring shapes and textures, and will make fun cards with surprising 3D effects.

STUDENT MATERIAL LIST

3D Materials and Adhesives

  • Plasticine (modelling clay): red, and blue, 1 block/1lbs/apple size piece of each. And, white, ½ block/lbs/apple size piece to share.
  • Pipe cleaner/chenille sticks: red and blue, several of each colour
  • Toothpicks, several
  • A plastic fork
  • Tape, masking tape
  • Glue stick
  • Bowl of water and small piece of sponge
  • Optional: rolling pin, hole punch

Mark-making and Planning Materials

  • Wax crayons
  • Oil pastels
  • Marker set: thick, thin or both, red and blue plus other colours
  • Ballpoint pen
  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Scissors
  • Ruler

Surfaces and Paper Materials

  • Colour cardstock (65-75lbs) of various colours 8.5 x 11 inch, approximately 50 sheets to share between adult and child. For example: office supply store: 80 sheets or 75 sheets, or discount craft store heavy construction paper (for example 48 sheets).
  • A piece of corrugated cardboard each, 9 x 9 inches
  • 5 sheets each Watercolour paper,  9 x 12 inch or similar
  • A Styrofoam sheet or flat Styrofoam piece at least 4 x 6 inches. Product name:Scratch-foam board (Or cut out of the flat part of a grocery, take-out, tray, or plate)

These are the recommended materials for this course. All sizes are approximate. On your first day of class, your instructor may recommend additional optional materials. Our Instructor’s will do their best to accommodate alternative materials whenever possible. 

Some suggested retailers for purchasing your art materials:
Aboveground Art Supplies (discount code: AGOSTUDENT10), Curry’s, DeSerres, Gwartzman’s, Michaels, or any other art supply or discount craft store.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, delays are very possible.

Please review the Terms and Conditions of Participation for course experience optimization.

REGISTER NOW

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Mother and son working on art activities

Painting Together: Exploring Blue ONLINE

Ages 6-10 with an Adult

Saturdays  3:30 - 5 pm
October 16 - November 6

Instructor: Amanda Arcuri

Members $175 / General Public $205 (4 weeks)

How many different ideas can we dive into with one colour? Inspired by Picasso: Painting the Blue Period, and Matthew Wong: Blue View, we consider the paintings of these two artists and their use of cool colours, with a focus on the colour blue. Exploring colour theory, light, and various shades and tones of blue, we will create paintings that reflect a range of moods and feelings. Create collaborative artworks or work alongside each other to learn new techniques together.

WEEKLY OUTLINE

Week 1: Have You Ever Had it Blue: Exploring shades, tones, and colour mixing inspired by Picasso.
Week 2: Orange Crush: Thinking of complimentary colours we create a still life through collage and drawing from observation.
Week 3: At the Feet of the Moon: Inspired by Matthew Wong’s art we think of moonlight and create a mysterious night scene using pastel resists.
Week 4: November Rain: Thinking about water and reflections we create an outdoor scene that captures the wonder of water.

STUDENT MATERIAL LIST

Ideally each child and adult would have a set of their own materials to work side by side:

●    Paint set: Tempera or acrylic: blue, red, yellow, white, black, 60 ml or similar
●    Brushes: At least one for tempera and one for the watercolours (that makes a nice point)

●    Palettes: A foam or plastic plate or tray, white is ideal. (Alternative - any flat stiff surface covered with wax paper or aluminum foil)
●    Watercolour paint set
●    Container for rinsing brushes
●    Painting rags or paper towel
●    10 sheets of mixed media paper each, 9 x 12 inch or similar (Alternative: watercolour paper, anything that will hold paint)
●    Oil pastel set, for example Mungyo, white is needed. (Alternative: crayons)
●    Black permanent marker
●    Scissors
●    Glue
●    Tape
●    Pencil and eraser
●    Suitable place to work and place wet paintings

Optional: Scrap patterned fabric, pencil crayons, markers, coloured papers.

These are the recommended materials for this course. All sizes are approximate. On your first day of class, your instructor may recommend additional optional materials. Our Instructor’s will do their best to accommodate alternative materials whenever possible. 

Some suggested retailers for purchasing your art materials:
Aboveground Art Supplies (discount code: AGOSTUDENT10), Curry’s, DeSerres, Gwartzman’s, Michaels, or any other art supply or discount craft store.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, delays are very possible.

Please review the Terms and Conditions of Participation for course experience optimization.

REGISTER NOW

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Childrens' Courses

Child drawing in Walker Court

Drawing Explorations Inspired by Robert Houle's Red is Beautiful ONLINE

Ages 6–7

Saturdays 10 - 11 am
November 13 - December 4

Instructor: Jessie Jakumeit

Members $175 / General Public $205 (4 weeks)

Led by artist-instructor Jessie Jakumeit, this course is inspired by the art of Robert Houle that is presented in the exhibition, Robert Houle: Red Is Beautiful. We will use various mediums that Houle himself has used over his 40+ career, while considering his very personal and thought-provoking perspective on indigeneity in Canada.

WEEKLY OUTLINE

Week 1: Introduction, Drawing Games, Color and Emotion Drawing with oil pastel on black paper inspired by Robert Houle’s painting The Pines.
Week 2: Oil Pastel Landscape Drawing in Analogous colours inspired by Robert Houle’s painting The Pines.
Week 3: Drawing and Healing exercises inspired by Robert Houle’s artwork Sandy Bay.Week 4: Colour and Emphasis Drawing inspired by Robert Houle O-ween du muh waun (We Were Told).

STUDENT MATERIAL LIST 

  • Pencil 2B or HB, sharpener
  • Eraser
  • Black Fine liner pen or fine tip marker
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Coloured pencil set (or crayons can be used)
  • Coloured marker set
  • Oil pastel set, for example: Mungyo set of 12, or similar.
  • Small ruler or straight edge
  • Q-tips, toothpicks, and tissues for blending pastels
  • 3 sheets white, cardstock paper 8.5 x 11 inch or similar
  • 10 sheets on any white paper, 8.5 x 11 inch or similar
  • 10 sheets construction paper, various colours, 9 x 12 inch
  • 2 sheets large, black paper, or very dark colour paper: construction paper or Bristol board, 12 x 18 inch or similar.

Optional: Tape – masking tape

These are the recommended materials for this course. All sizes are approximate. On your first day of class, your instructor may recommend additional optional materials. Our Instructor’s will do their best to accommodate alternative materials whenever possible. 

Some suggested retailers for purchasing your art materials:
Aboveground Art Supplies (discount code: AGOSTUDENT10), Curry’s, DeSerres, Gwartzman’s, Michaels, or any other art supply or discount craft store.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, delays are very possible.

Please review the Terms and Conditions of Participation for course experience optimization.

REGISTER NOW

Learn More
two children painting at table

Mixed Media Explorations Inspired by Blue and Red ONLINE

Ages 6–7

Saturdays 10 – 11 am
September 11 - October 2

Instructor: Olia Mishchenko

Members $175 / General Public $205 (4 weeks)

With the AGO’s amazing collection as inspiration, young artists learn a variety of painting and mixed media techniques and skills. In this online course, we take concepts children love to explore – colour, light, form, texture – and build on them, encouraging exploration of tools and materials both traditional and not so traditional. This course runs alongside two forthcoming fall exhibitions: Picasso: Painting the Blue Period, Matthew Wong: Blue View, and Robert Houle: Red Is Beautiful.

WEEKLY OUTLINE

Week 1: Imaginary Characters in Red and Blue. We will explore the basic techniques of sculpting in clay and constructing to create some moving characters inspired by emotions.
Week 2: Painting Exploration in Red and Blue. Inspired by paintings in the AGO collection, both abstract and representational, we will jump into learning about colours and their combinations, and will create a series of atmospheric paintings.
Week 3: Printmaking in Red and Blue. Inspired by the work of Inuit artists and printmakers, we will create a series of colourful prints and variations of blue and red, we will look at monoprint, block print and etching and work with easy to do printmaking at home.
Week 4: Magical Tunnel Book Leaf creature in Red and Blue. This week we will experiment with working with found leaves to create our multi-media image. We will learn about the importance of foreground and background to create an image that has depth.

STUDENT MATERIAL LISTS

3D Materials & Adhesives:

  • Plasticine (modelling clay) – red and blue, 1 block or fist size piece of each.
  • 12 pieces of string, about 12 inches (kitchen string or yarn)
  • A few pieces of tin foil from the roll: 7 x 9 and 4 X 4 inch
  • 4 popsicle sticks or bamboo skewers
  • At least 2 toothpicks
  • A piece of cereal box cardboard, 5 x 7 inch (approximately)
  • Tape, masking tape or electrical tape
  • Glue stick or white glue
  • Week 4: 12 leaves collected from outside
  • Optional - Small plastic bottle caps – red and blue (found or collected from recycling items)

Mark Making & Planning Materials:

  • Wax crayons or oil pastels
  • Marker: Thick and thin or both, red and blue plus other colours
  • Ballpoint pen to etch the design
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Ruler

For Painting & Printing:

  • Tempera or acrylic paints: red, blue, yellow, black, and white. Used in weeks 2 and 3.
  • Palette: A paper or foam plate or a sheet of wax paper on which to mix colours
  • Brushes: At least one of each: small brush (¼ inch or 0.5cm wide), medium paintbrush (½ inch or 1cm wide). Optional: a large brush.
  • A piece of bubble wrap, plastic food wrap, wax paper, any or all.
  • Paper towels
  • Bowl of water and small piece of sponge

Surfaces & Paper Materials:

  • Sketchbook or any white paper for planning, 8 x 10 inch or similar
  • 20 sheets of mixed media paper (paper you can paint on) 9 x 12 inch
  • Newspapers or some kind of drop sheet to cover the work surface
  • 1 or more sheets of flat Styrofoam piece at least 4 x 6 inches. Product name:Scratch-foam board (Or cut out of the flat part of a grocery, take-out, tray, or plate)
  • 12 sheets of construction paper, various colours, 9 x 12 inch or similar
  • 4 sheets of white, stiff cardstock (Bristol board or stiff watercolour paper), 8.5 x 11 inch approximately.

These are the recommended materials for this course. All sizes are approximate. On your first day of class, your instructor may recommend additional optional materials. Our Instructor’s will do their best to accommodate alternative materials whenever possible.

Some suggested retailers for purchasing your art materials:
Aboveground Art Supplies (discount code: AGOSTUDENT10), Curry’s, DeSerres, Gwartzman’s, Michaels, or any other art supply or discount craft store.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, delays are very possible.

Please review the Terms and Conditions of Participation for course experience optimization.

REGISTER NOW

Learn More
child in cartooning class

Cartooning Inspired by Blue and Red ONLINE

Ages 7–10

Saturdays 1 - 2:30 pm
October 16 - November 6 

Ages 11-13

Saturdays 1 - 2:30 pm
September 11 - October 2

Instructor: Dave Lapp

Members $175 / General Public $205 (4 weeks)

Learn the art of drawing, storyboarding and character development in this online course. Students will work on storyboards, flip books, trading cards, collaborative comic book anthologies and other projects. Have fun exploring these unique and playful art forms. Students will discover their own voice and narrative through 'on the spot' discussion and review of even the smallest details. The class will take special note of a key idea or approach represented in the exhibition Picasso: Painting the Blue Period, and/or Robert Houle: Red Is Beautiful, both opening at the AGO this fall. Colour is used as a means of connecting personal voice to the broader community of artists, both past and present.

WEEKLY OUTLINE

Week 1: Words, characters, and backgrounds
Week 2: Heads and dialogue boxes
Week 3: Sound effects
Week 4: Interior Space

STUDENT MATERIAL LIST

  • 2H or HB pencil
  • Paper: 8 x 10 inch sketchbook or white paper similar size (30-100 sheets, depends how much you like to draw!)
  • Markers, inks, or pencil crayons (colour for your drawings - make sure to have at least some reds and blues!)
  • 1-2 black pens: Pilot Fineliner black marker or permanent very fine tip black marker
  • White eraser
  • Ruler, or straight edge

These are the recommended materials for this course. Your instructor may recommend additional optional materials on additional days. All sizes are approximate. Our Instructor’s will do their best to accommodate alternative materials whenever possible. 

Some suggested retailers for purchasing your art materials:
Aboveground Art Supplies (discount code: AGOSTUDENT10), Curry’s, DeSerres, Gwartzman’s, Michaels, or any other art supply or discount craft store.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, delays are very possible.

Please review the Terms and Conditions of Participation for course experience optimization.

REGISTER NOW

Learn More
Kids life drawing

Life Drawing ONLINE

Ages 8–10

Saturdays 3:30 - 5 pm
September 11 - October 2

Instructor: Olia Mishchenko 

Members $175 / General Public $205 (4 weeks)

Life Drawing is a fundamental drawing skill. Drawing the human form in its various shapes and postures deepens observational skills and helps students develop methods to create volume, texture and movement, as well as emotional responses such as empathy. Life drawing inspires students to future careers as far ranging as game design, healthcare and more.

WEEKLY OUTLINE

Week 1: Sanguine Drawing in the Renaissance Tradition. This week we will look at the tonal drawings from the AGO Collection, created by the drawing masters from the Renaissance Period to the modern day. Working with the drawing sticks/pastels, we will learn to create warm tones and how to depict light and volume.
Week 2: Line drawings – Animals. This week we will learn about construction lines, contour lines, and hatching lines. While exploring these techniques we will create sketches of animals.
Week 3: Human Form and Movement. This week is a little unusual, and involves a bit of cardboard craft, as we will create hand-made paper manikins that can be articulated. We will use them to create a drawing of the human body in motion. Introduction into the Study of human proportions and location of main anatomical landmarks is the focus of this week.
Week 4: Drawing with our live model. This week we will work with a live model and create drawings from observation. We will explore sketching and drawing in a variety of durations, from quick gesture and mass drawings, to slower contour line studies.

STUDENT MATERIAL LIST

Sanguine:Conte A Paris Crayon 2451 Sanguine 18th Century  or  Conté a Paris Conte Crayon 2450 Sanguine Natural orFaber-Castell Pitt Pastel Burnt Sanguine
White:Conte Crayon 2456 White 2B orFaber-Castell Pitt Pastel Soft White
Black:Conté a Paris Conte Crayon 2460 Black B orFaber-Castell Pitt Pastel Black Burnt Medium

  • Eraser
  • Sharpener
  • Paper towel
  • Tissue
  • Q-tip or a stomp
  • Fine point felt tip marker
  • A sheet of grey toned drawing paper, strong weight, for example: Strathmore 500 series or Cason colourline series. Cut in half or approximately 12 x 18 inches (Alternative - Bristol board)

Note Additional Materials for Week 3 for Manikin making:

  • 3 sheets of 1 ply cardboard or stiff cardstock, white or recycled material, 8.5 x 11 inch approximately
  • 5 Pipe cleaners or thin wire, 12 inches long (Alternative - 20 twist ties)
  • Masking tape
  • Scissors
  • Pushpin and a 3 x 3 inch piece of corrugated cardboard
  • Glue stick

Optional: Sketchbook – Great for planning and practicing. Markers or colouring pencils.
These are the recommended materials for this course. All sizes are approximate. On your first day of class, your instructor may recommend additional optional materials. Our Instructor’s will do their best to accommodate alternative materials whenever possible. 

Some suggested retailers for purchasing your art materials:
Aboveground Art Supplies (discount code: AGOSTUDENT10), Curry’s, DeSerres, Gwartzman’s, Michaels, or any other art supply or discount craft store.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, delays are very possible.

Please review the Terms and Conditions of Participation for course experience optimization.

REGISTER NOW

Learn More
Kids life drawing

Life Drawing ONLINE

Ages 11–13

Sundays 3:30 - 5 pm 
October 17 - November 7

Members $175 / General Public $205 (4 weeks)

Instructor: Jason Deary

Life Drawing is a fundamental drawing skill. Drawing the human form in its various shapes and postures deepens observational skills and helps students develop methods to create volume, texture and movement, as well as emotional responses such as empathy. Life drawing inspires students to future careers as far ranging as game design, healthcare and more.

WEEKLY OUTLINE

Week 1: What is Life Drawing? An introduction to how it can be used and the various techniques involved. Warm up exercises working from still life objects and the skeleton mannequin.
Week 2: Exploring the details of drawing techniques and observation. Gesture drawing and setting up your own still life scene. Introduction to figure drawing.
Week 3: The human figure and drawing from a live model – gesture drawing to extended pose drawing using techniques learned in week 1 and 2.
Week 4: Introduction to portraiture. How to capture the human head and face. Working from images and then a mirror, students will learn to draw a creative, expressive self-portrait.

STUDENT MATERIAL LIST

  • A variety of soft drawing pencils: 2B, 4B, 6B, and/or 8B
  • Pencil sharpener and eraser
  • Newsprint or bond paper pad 40 sheets, 18”x24” or larger
  • Sketchbook – any drawing sketchbook, approximately 8 x 10”

These are the recommended materials for this course. All sizes are approximate. On your first day of class, your instructor may recommend additional optional materials. Our Instructor’s will do their best to accommodate alternative materials whenever possible. 

Some suggested retailers for purchasing your art materials:
Aboveground Art Supplies (discount code: AGOSTUDENT10), Curry’s, DeSerres, Gwartzman’s, Michaels, or any other art supply or discount craft store.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, delays are very possible.

Please review the Terms and Conditions of Participation for course experience optimization.

REGISTER NOW

Learn More

Youth Courses (ages 14-18)

youth age children in studio

Life Drawing ONLINE

Ages 14–18

Sundays 1:30 - 3 pm 
October 17 - November 7

Members $175 / General Public $205 (4 weeks)

Instructor: Jason Deary

Life Drawing is a fundamental drawing skill. Drawing the human form in its various shapes and postures deepens observational skills and helps students develop methods to create volume, texture and movement, as well as emotional responses such as empathy. Life drawing inspires students to future careers as far ranging as game design, healthcare and more.

WEEKLY OUTLINE

Week 1: What is Life Drawing? An introduction to how it can be used and the various techniques involved. Warm up exercises working from still life objects and the skeleton mannequin.
Week 2: Exploring the details of drawing techniques and observation. Gesture drawing and setting up your own still life scene. Introduction to figure drawing.
Week 3: The human figure and drawing from a live model – gesture drawing to extended pose drawing using techniques learned in week 1 and 2.
Week 4: Introduction to portraiture. How to capture the human head and face. Working from images and then a mirror, students will learn to draw a creative, expressive self-portrait.

STUDENT MATERIAL LIST

  • A variety of soft drawing pencils: 2B, 4B, 6B, and/or 8B
  • Pencil sharpener and eraser
  • Newsprint or bond paper pad 40 sheets, 18”x24” or larger
  • Sketchbook – any drawing sketchbook, approximately 8 x 10”

Weeks 3 and 4:

  • Coloured drawing materials for colour and shading. (i.e. conte, charcoal, pastels, colour pencil, markers)
  • 1 sheet of large multi-media paper, 18 x 24 inch or larger. For example: 170gsm drawing paper

Optional: Bring to class anything else you want to draw with!

These are the recommended materials for this course. All sizes are approximate. On your first day of class, your instructor may recommend additional optional materials. Our Instructor’s will do their best to accommodate alternative materials whenever possible. 

Some suggested retailers for purchasing your art materials:
Aboveground Art Supplies (discount code: AGOSTUDENT10), Curry’s, DeSerres, Gwartzman’s, Michaels, or any other art supply or discount craft store.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, delays are very possible.

Please review the Terms and Conditions of Participation for course experience optimization.

REGISTER NOW

Learn More

 

Register for AGO Children and Youth Courses

REGISTER NOW

 

Art Education Policies - courses

Policies

Please read the following policies when you prepare your registration to AGO Education courses and camps.

  • Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis and is limited to space restrictions.
  • Advance registration is recommended for all programs.
  • Registration is confirmed only upon receipt of payment.
  • All registration is subject to availability.
  • All programs, prices and instructors are subject to change without notice.
  • The AGO has the right to remove students from classes. (remove if they are disruptive).

Withdrawals and Refunds

Courses

  • Refunds are available in full 5 days before the start of the first class, minus a $15 administration fee.
  • For all courses a withdrawal is allowed before the start of the second class, minus a $50 administration fee.
  • Withdrawals after the start of the second class are non-refundable.
  • One day workshops are non-refundable. 
  • Absence does not constitute a withdrawal.
  • Courses are not transferable.
  • Withdrawal requests must be done by email through the Contact Centre at contactus@ago.ca.

Cancellation of Classes

  • To ensure that we are able to run your preferred classes, we recommend that you enroll at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the program.
  • In the event of course cancellation, registrants will be notified 3 days prior to the scheduled commencement of the course and a full refund will be given.

Accessibility

The AGO is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible destination and workplace. We embrace the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity to serve our visitors, staff and volunteers, and our community at large.

Read about our Commitment to Accessibility, our Customer Service Policies for visitors with disabilities, and our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

Please let us know how we may assist you.

Scents

In consideration of those in the Gallery School who may have allergies and chemical sensitivities, please refrain from wearing cologne, perfume or other scented products.

Photography, Motion Picture, and Video Consent

Your registration ticket constitutes acknowledgement of willingness to appear in promotional photographs, motion pictures and videos taken in public areas of the Gallery and releases the Art Gallery of Ontario from liability resulting from use of such photographs, motion pictures or videos

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