2024/2025 Education Program Offerings
KWAG school programming is back in session!
What to expect from KWAG Education Programs:
- Relevant themes and grade-specific connections to the Ontario Curriculum
- Impactful sessions that respond to current exhibitions
- Skill-based and experiential learning with fine art media
Outcomes:
- Empower students’ sense of self and increase self-confidence.
- Foster a collaborative, socially responsive classroom.
- Build upon vital communication skills using visual thinking strategies proven to increase vital life-skills such as critical thinking and empathy
- Engage the imagination and invite curiosity using art as a starting point.
- Build a life-long friendship with their Gallery and joy found in art appreciation.
Generous funding towards subsidizing costs associated with education programs with KWAG has been provided by the WCDSB and the WRDSB. Please reach out to learn more.
Guided Gallery Visits + Studio Workshops
Guided Gallery Visits + Studio Workshops designed with Art and Mindfulness practices at its core are available to school groups, organizations, community groups and clubs here at the Gallery in our exhibition and studio spaces. These experiences complement current exhibitions and connect with the Ontario Curriculum for primary, junior, and intermediate grades through elementary and high school.
We look forward to adapting programming to support your specific course syllabi needs. Exhibition themes and big ideas provide an excellent opportunity to observe, discuss, reflect, and connect cross-curricular ideas which engage with the Creative Process, Critical Thinking, Empathy as well as Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS).
What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present in the moment about who we are, where we are, and where we would like to be.
- Why is Art and Mindfulness important? According to a study conducted in 2016 by professors Lisa F. Smith and Jeffrey K. Smith, the average visitor spends approximately 21 seconds with a single artwork during a gallery visit. When we can practice mindfulness in a welcoming environment together, we notice that we are more present, self-aware. Perhaps, we become less stressed, gain greater insight, and curiosity.
- Individually, in pairs, and collectively, we will explore and unpack big ideas using tools such as visual thinking strategies, and inquiry-based learning to practice mindfulness. Education programming at KWAG gives students the tools and resources to learn more about themselves, inspire each other, and foster community. Art is one of our most vital tools for a universal human connection.
Guided Gallery Visit
1 hour/$6.25+HST per student. Available for students in JK – University and beyond, In-Person at KWAG.
Join a knowledgeable KWAG Artist Guide in the Gallery and outside in the Gardens for an insightful and inspiring tour of our exhibitions.
Guided Gallery Visit + Studio Workshop
2 hours/$12.50+HST per student. Available for students in JK – University and beyond, In-Person at KWAG.
Enhance your Guided Gallery Visit with a Studio Workshop led by an Artist Instructor which responds to major exhibitions themes and big ideas using familiar mediums in a new format.
KWAG 2 GO Classroom Visits
Unable to arrange a visit to KWAG? No problem – let us come to you! We are excited to bring our innovative studio programs to your classroom!
A KWAG Artist Instructor will transform your classroom into a studio. Students will have the opportunity to make connections to relevant exhibition themes and big ideas from The Arts (2009) Ontario Curriculum (D1. Creating and Presenting; D2. Reflecting Responding and Analysing; D3. Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts) including Elements of Design and Principles of Design specific to their grade expectations. Students also experiment with a new medium or reimagine a familiar art’s material with skill-building techniques from an experienced practicing artist.
Book a single visit or build upon your experience with a visit to the Gallery and a second classroom visit to take your art projects to a new level with the Three-Part Program offering.
1. Select Your Medium
- Conte (Available to junior – intermediate grades.)
- Cyanotype* (Available to primary – intermediate grades.)
*weather dependent, offered in the Fall and Spring only.
- Gelli Printmaking (Available to kindergarten – intermediate grades.)
- Watercolour + Oil Pastel (Available to primary – intermediate grades.)
2. Select your program format. Choose between the Single Classroom Visit or the Three-Part Program.
Single Classroom Visit
Approximately a one-hour workshop with an additional half allocated for hour setting-up and tidying-up the classroom, $12.50+HST per student + Mileage.
OR
Three-Part Program Format
(Multi-Day Program, $25.00+HST per student + Mileage.)
Part 1- In-Classroom Visit I
Approximately a 1 hour workshop with an additional half allocated for hour setting-up and tidying-up the classroom.
Part 2- Guided Gallery Visit + Studio Workshop at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
Approximately a 1 hour Guided Gallery Visit and a 1 hour Studio Workshop, In-Person at KWAG.
Join a knowledgeable KWAG Artist Guide in-person at the Gallery and outside in the Gardens for an insightful and inspiring tour of our exhibitions. Following your Guided Gallery Visit, enhance your experience with a Studio Workshop led by an Artist Instructor which responds to major exhibitions themes and big ideas using familiar mediums in a new format.
Part 3- In-Classroom Visit II
Approximately a 1 hour workshop with an additional half allocated for hour setting-up and tidying-up the classroom.
Students will build upon the tools, techniques, and connections to exhibition and curriculum from Part 1 and Part 3.
Contact Us
Interested in reserving a program for your students this School Year?
Please connect with Monique (Wozny) Morrison (she/her), Education Coordinator. Connect with us to begin the booking process by reaching out to us at schools@kwag.on.ca or 519.579.5860 x213.
Please share the following details with us:
- Teacher’s Full Name
- Email Address
- School
- Grade
- Number of Student Participants
- Selected Program
- Potential Available Dates
- Preference for a Morning or Afternoon Session
We look forward to connecting with you soon!
