24 January - 22 February, 2026
Featuring work by students from the Waterloo Region and selections from the
KWAG Permanent Collection
Organized by Public Programs Department
For over 50 years, Expressions has showcased artwork by students across the Waterloo Region. This year, young artists will reflect on intergenerational connectedness as a force for building sustainable futures. Expressions 51: Forging a New Path is inspired by our feature artwork from last year, Encroachment, by Hayden Percy, as well as the works of Rosalie Favell, a Métis artist using photography, portraiture, and painting to understand and represent her ancestry and identity. A major exhibition by Favell will open at KWAG in summer 2026. Through this lens, we gain insight into how we might turn to our ancestry and the land as we navigate the turbulence of current societal and environmental catastrophes.
Each year, over 150 local school board and home-schooled students from JK through Grade 12, KWAG’s Youth Council, and InSight Artist-in-the-Schools program are showcased in Expressions.
Related Programs:
Opening Reception
Saturday, 24 January
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Remarks at 1:30 p.m.
Call for Submissions:
Information for Teachers, Students and Caregivers
Student artists from Waterloo Region Catholic, Public, and Independent schools are invited to submit work for Expressions 51: Forging a New Path. This unique opportunity amplifies youth and student voices through a one-of-a-kind community art exhibition at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery!
All applications, submitted digitally or in-person, must also include a photograph of the artwork being submitted. Although this is not a juried exhibition, KWAG reserves the right to decline any works based on extreme subject matter or hateful content. If you successfully submit your application by the due date, your artwork will be accepted into Expressions 51 (unless it is deemed inappropriate or offensive).
Registration for Expressions 51 opens on Thursday, 2 October.
Those interested in applying to show artworks in Expressions 51 should submit their registration and consent forms by email to Jude Akrey (expressions@kwag.on.ca) by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, 7 December.
Key Dates:
Thursday, 2 October: Expressions 51 Information Night for Teachers and Registration Opens Online
Sunday, 7 December: Registration Form, Consent Form, and Photo of Artwork due
Wednesday, 10 December to Friday, 12 December: Artwork Drop-Off at KWAG
Saturday, 24 January: Expressions 51 Opening Reception from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, 24 January 24 to Sunday, 22 February: Exhibition dates
Monday, 2 March 2 to Wednesday, 4 March: Artwork Pick-Up at KWAG
Images:
Header Image: Expressions 50: Foresight Exhibition Opening. Photo by Scott Lee.
Feature Image: Hayden Percy, Encroachment, 2025. Expressions 50: Foresight, 29 March - 4 May, 2025. Photo by KWAG.
Expressions is generously supported by the Waterloo Region District School Board.
