Courses for Children and Youth

The AGO offers an environment that is creative, non-competitive and open-ended, allowing young artists (ages 2-18) the freedom to explore their potential and nurture their self-esteem. New skills and concepts are presented with an engaging and contemporary approach. These courses are enriched by regular visits to the AGO Collection and special exhibition galleries, providing an incredible opportunity for learning and creativity.

Check out our one day workshops and even more family fun programming at the AGO.

Register for AGO Children and Youth Courses

Making Together

Side by Side

Ages 2–3 with an Adult

Thursdays, 10 – 11 am
October 3 - 31
Instructor: Melissa Pauw

Thursdays, 10 – 11 am
November 7 - December 5
Instructor: Melissa Pauw

Sundays, 10 – 11 am
September 29 - November 3 (No class Sunday October 13)
Instructor: Melissa Pauw

Sundays, 10 – 11 am
November 17 - December 15
Instructor: Melissa Pauw

Members $220 / General Public $255 (5 weeks)

Toddlers with an adult caregiver will focus on self-expression and discovery in a class that combines art with play. Explore various sights, sounds and materials while your toddler develops motor skills and sensory awareness through age-appropriate art activities.

This class is for 1 child and 1 adult. All materials are included. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Side by Side

Ages 4–6 with an Adult

Saturdays, 10 am – noon
September 28 - November 9 (No class Saturday October 12 & 26)
Instructor: Daphne McCormack

Saturdays, 10 am – noon
November 16 - December 14
Instructor: Daphne McCormack

Sundays, 10 am – noon
September 29 - November 3 (No class Sunday October 13)
Instructor: Belinda Ageda

Sundays, 10 am – noon
November 17 - December 15
Instructor: Belinda Ageda

Members $220 / General Public $255 (5 weeks)

Discover art while exploring creativity and having fun, alongside your young artist. Children with an adult caregiver will be introduced to a wide range of artmaking materials and techniques by working on individual and shared projects.

This class is for 1 child and 1 adult. All materials are included. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Drawing Together in the Galleries

Ages 6–10 with an Adult

Sundays, 10 am – noon
September 29 - November 3 (No class Sunday October 13)
Instructor: Daphne McCormack

Sundays, 10 am – noon
November 17 - December 15
Instructor: Daphne McCormack

Members $220 / General Public $255 (5 weeks)

There’s no better way to learn to draw than to be surrounded by the incredible art at the AGO and inspired by the drawings, prints, paintings and objects all around you! Adult caregivers and children learn new skills and techniques using a variety of sketching tools while visiting the galleries.

This class is for 1 child and 1 adult. All materials are included. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Scupture by Henry Moore, Draped Reclining Woman

Sculpting Together: Exploring Henry Moore

Ages 6–10 with an Adult

Saturday, 1 – 4 pm
October 5
Instructor: Laura Barrett

Saturday, 1 – 4 pm
October 19
Instructor: Laura Barrett

Saturday, 1 – 4 pm
November 2
Instructor: Laura Barrett

Saturday, 1 – 4 pm
November 9
Instructor: Laura Barrett

Members $40 / General Public $55 (1 day)

Join us for our 1 day family workshops where children with an adult caregiver will explore artists and artworks in our collection and get inspired to create back in the studio. This fall we're exploring the work of Henry Moore and making sculptures together in the studio.

This class is for 1 child and 1 adult to attend together. All materials are provided. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

child and caregiver sitting on the floor painting

Painting Together: Exploring Group of Seven

Ages 6–10 with an Adult

Saturday, 1 – 4 pm
November 23
Instructor: Daphne McCormack

Saturday, 1 – 4 pm
November 30
Instructor: Daphne McCormack

Saturday, 1 – 4 pm
December 7
Instructor: Daphne McCormack

Saturday, 1 – 4 pm
December 14
Instructor: Daphne McCormack

Members $40 / General Public $55 (1 day)

Join us for our 1 day family workshops where children with an adult caregiver will explore artists and artworks in our collection and get inspired to create back in the studio. This fall we're exploring the work of Group of Seven and painting together in the studio.

This class is for 1 child and 1 adult to attend together. All materials are provided. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Childrens' Courses

Drawing, Painting & Mixed Media

Ages 6–7

Sundays, 10 am – noon
September 29 - December 8 (No class October 13)
Instructor: Jessie Jakumeit

Members $390 / General Public $440 (10 weeks)

With the AGO’s amazing collection as inspiration, young artists learn a variety of drawing, painting and mixed media techniques and skills. 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. Classes visit the galleries frequently.

All materials are provided. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Sculpture Adventures: Animals

Ages 6–7

Sundays, 1 pm - 3 pm
September 29 - November 3 (No class October 13)
Instructor: Melissa Pauw

Ages 8-10

Sundays, 1 pm - 3 pm
November 17 - December 15
Instructor: Janine Lindgren

Members $220 / General Public $255 (5 weeks)

Explore all things animals in this sculpture class and create exciting three-dimensional works of art using clay, papier-mâché and more. Learn fundamental sculpting techniques and get inspired by the animals in the AGO Collection, as well as the wild animals from our imagination.

All materials provided. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Light It Up: Paper Circuits

Ages 8-10

Saturdays, 1-3 pm
November 16 - 23
Instructor: Olia Mishchenko

Saturdays, 1-3 pm
December 7 - 14
Instructor: Olia Mishchenko

Members $80/ General Public $110 (2 weeks)

In this two-day workshop, we cover the basics of working with simple electronic paper circuits. You’ll learn how to use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to light up your paper works of art. We’ll combine art and technology in this course to bring your paper sculptures or pop-up cards to life!

All materials are included. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Life Drawing

Ages 8–10

Sundays, 1 – 3 pm
September 29 - December 8 (No class on Sunday October 13)
Instructor: Jessie Jakumeit

Ages 11–13

Sundays, 1 – 3 pm
September 29 - December 8 (No class on Sunday October 13)
Instructor: Heather Lapp

Members $415/ General Public $465 (10 weeks)
*Includes model fee

Using the AGO Collection as inspiration, children are introduced to the fundamental skills and techniques of drawing. Students will work with a combination of still life and fully-clothed life models – and maybe even a friendly pet dog – to explore different drawing techniques and materials.

All materials included. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Cartooning

Ages 8–13

Saturdays, 10 am – noon
September 28 - December 14 (No class on October 12 & 26)
Instructor: Dave Lapp

Saturdays, 1–3 pm
September 28 - December 14 (No class on October 12 & 26)
Instructor: Ani Castillo

Sundays, 10 am – noon
September 29 - December 8 (No class on October 13)
Instructor: Dave Lapp

Members $390 / General Public $440 (10 weeks)

Students learn the art of drawing, storyboarding and character development, working on projects that can include storyboards, flip books, trading cards and collaborative comic book anthologies. Have fun while exploring this unique and playful art form.

All materials are included. Meet in Seminar Room 2 in the Weston Family Learning Centre.

Learn More

Animation

Ages 8-13

Sundays, 1-3 pm
September 29 - December 8 (No Class Sunday October 13)
Instructor: Olia Mishchenko

Members $390/ General Public $440 (10 weeks)

Bring your drawings to life in this animation course, where we’ll explore a range of animation techniques from old school to new. Create some of the earliest hand-drawn animation inventions like flip books and thaumatropes, experiment with stop-motion and Claymation, and dive into new technology with digital animation apps to create your own stories.

All materials are included. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Painting: Reinventing The Masters

Ages 11 – 13

Saturdays, 1 – 3 pm
September 28 - November 9 (No class on October 12 & 26)
Instructor: Heather Lapp

Members $220 / General Public $255 (5 weeks)

In this course, we’ll take a closer look at the master artworks in the AGO Collection, including our Early Rubens exhibition, and reinvent them in new contemporary ways. Learn fundamental painting techniques and use acrylic paint, watercolours, oil pastels and other media to transform your epic stories, myths and tales into bold paintings, full of drama.

All materials are provided. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Peter Paul Rubens, Daniel in the Lions' Den (detail), c. 1614 -1616. Oil on canvas, 224.2 x 330.5. National Gallery of Art, Washington, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1965.13.1. Image courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Learn More

Youth Courses (ages 14-18)

Youth Studio: Portfolio Development

Ages 14–18

Saturdays, 1 – 4 pm
September 28 - December 14 (No class on October 12 & 26)
Instructor: Amanda Arcuri

Members $490/ General Public $540 (10 weeks)

This course focuses on developing individual creativity and artmaking skills, along with the photographic and written documentation required to prepare a strong and well-supported portfolio. Using the AGO Collection as inspiration, students will create paintings, drawings, sculpture and mixed media works while participating in group and individual critiques with our artist-instructors and visiting guests. Whether you’re just starting your portfolio development or putting the final touches on your school applications, this class will support you along the way.

All materials are provided. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Life Drawing

Ages 14 – 18

Sundays, 1 – 3 pm
September 29 - December 8 (No class on October 13)
Instructor: Jason Deary

Members $415 / General Public $465 (10 weeks)
*Includes model fee

Using the AGO Collection as inspiration, youth are introduced to the fundamental skills and techniques of drawing. Students will work with a combination of still life and fully-clothed life models – and maybe even a friendly pet dog – to explore different drawing techniques and materials.

All materials are provided. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Youth Studio: Printing Patterns

Ages 14 – 18

Saturdays, 10 am – noon
November 2 - 9
Instructor: Olia Mishchenko

Members $80 / General Public $110 (2 weeks)

In this two-day class, you’ll carve a printing block with your own design and learn the basics of printing patterns on paper and fabric. A fabric tote bag and all other materials are provided, but you can bring additional clothing items from home, like T-shirts or anything else you would like to print on.

Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Woman working on large abstract painting

Youth Studio: Paint It Large!

Ages 14 – 18

Saturdays, 1 – 3 pm
November 16 - December 14
Instructor: Atleigh Homma

Members $220 / General Public $255 (5 weeks)

Inspired by large-scale paintings in the AGO Collection, students will explore both traditional and contemporary styles and techniques while drawing and painting oversized artworks. Stretch yourself with this course and paint it large! To get the most from this class, we suggest you take an AGO Life Drawing or Painting course first.

All materials are provided. Meet in the Dr. Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School.

Learn More

Register for AGO Children and Youth Courses

View courses for Adults

Art Education Policies

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

Adult Courses

Payment is due in full at time of registration.
Customers who withdraw more than 2 weeks prior to the start of the course will be issued a full refund, minus a $2 service fee.
Refunds are available in full 5 days before the start of the first class, minus a $2 service fee and a $30 administration fee.
For all courses a withdrawal is allowed before the start of the second class, minus a $2 service fee and an $80 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 telephone through the Contact Centre at 416-979-6608.

Children and Youth Courses

Payment is due in full at time of registration.
Refunds are available in full 5 days before the start of the first class, minus a $30 administration fee.
For all courses a withdrawal is allowed before the start of the second class, minus an $80 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 telephone through the Contact Centre at 416-979-6608.

Camps

Payment is due in full at time of registration.
Customers who withdraw more than 4 weeks prior to the start date of your child’s camp program will be issued a full refund, minus the $30 administration fee.
Withdrawals within 4 weeks of the start date of your child’s camp program are eligible for a 50% refund minus the $30 administration fee.
After the start of your child’s camp program, there are no refunds for cancellations.
The above policy also applies to extended care and meal plan purchases.
Medical exceptions require a doctor’s note at the time of the request.
Absence does not constitute a withdrawal.
Withdrawal requests must be done by telephone through the Contact Centre at 416-979-6608.
Transfer requests will be considered up to 5 business days prior to the start of your child’s camp program.
Transfer requests will be considered based on availability within the desired program, and are subject to a $30 administration fee.
Transfer requests must be done by telephone through the Contact Centre at 416-979-6608.

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.

Weather/ Cancellation Information

Please call 416-979-6660 ext. 5954 to confirm classes in the event of inclement weather.
Students will not be contacted when the school is closed due to weather.
Every effort to provide make-up classes will be made but cannot be guaranteed.
Refunds will not be given in these rare cases.

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

Still have Questions?

Call us at 1-877-225-4246 or 416-979-6648