Children’s Programs

Nurture your child’s imagination through creative play. Using a variety of media, children are encouraged to express their thoughts and emotions about the world around them.

Through sculpture, painting, drawing and more, instructors help your little artist build confidence, practice decision-making and develop fine motor skills. Designed for children with active imaginations and a keen interest in expressing themselves through art.

All materials provided.
No class on March 15, 2025 due to March Break.

Working in a variety of media, kids with a passion for art will learn how to apply the elements of design and principles of art in their creative practices.

Through gallery tours and experiments in the studio, young artists will develop strong visual literacy to understand the fundamentals of art. Studying line, shape, form, and texture, along with rhythm, balance, proportion, and movement, children create final artworks you’ll want to frame and display.

All materials provided.
No class on March 15, 2025 due to March Break.

As they journey through the gallery and discover the studio, children explore their creativity to create one-of-a-kind, inspired, works of art. Designed for kids who love to experiment and play, your little one will have a blast learning how to work with mixed media.

From painting with modeling clay, to drawing with textiles, instructors encourage self-expression as they help your child practice problem solving and communication skills. Take an art adventure at the Varley!

All materials provided.
No class on March 15, 2025 due to March Break.

Take your child’s imagination and creativity to the next level.

Instructors challenge and guide your young artist through the elements of 3D design; space, shape and volume to help them build and sculpt from a variety of mediums.

Through clay, recyclable materials, and everyday objects, instructors emphasize creative thinking and exploration of materials. Children also develop problem solving, communication, and social skills as they collaborate on projects.

All materials included.
No class on March 15, 2025 due to March Break.

Whether they’re finger painting at the kitchen table, or sketching on the bedroom wall, children were born to create.

Bring your little artist to the Varley for their first art studio experience. In a safe and inclusive environment, our friendly instructors guide your child through fun and imaginative art projects that build confidence, language, and thinking skills, emotional understanding and self-expression.

All materials provided.
No class on March 16, 2025 due to March Break.

This Valentine’s day, come into the studio and make fun, unique and even silly gifts with us! Show love to your parents, teachers, and friends by giving them a special Varley Valentine.

All materials included. 

Spend your P. A. Day at the Varley Art Gallery and get hands-on in our art studio.

Children explore the gallery before starting on a variety of projects with paints, pastels, and more. Students will develop visual literacy skills, while practicing communication, decision-making and problem solving skills.

Emphasis is placed on the creative process and self-expression as they draw, paint and sculpt the day away!

All materials included.
Please pack a nut-free snack and lunch.

Spend your P. A. Day at the Varley Art Gallery and get hands-on in our art studio.

Children explore the gallery before starting on a variety of projects with paints, pastels, and more. Students will develop visual literacy skills, while practicing communication, decision-making and problem solving skills.

Emphasis is placed on the creative process and self-expression as they draw, paint and sculpt the day away!

All materials included.
Please pack a nut-free snack and lunch.

Young artists will discover how to draw stylish letters by hand, perfect for decorating bullet journals, creating unique posters, and crafting personalized cards. The workshop will cover the basics of letter formation and give students a chance to experiment with various pens and styles. Students will create a beautifully hand-lettered quote to take home. No experience required.  

Let your kids celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with fun, hands-on crafts! They’ll create colourful, holiday-inspired projects while exploring their creativity in a welcoming and inclusive space. Perfect for young artists to play, learn, and enjoy together. 

Make this March Break unforgettable with creative camps at the Varley! Young artists will explore their imagination through hands-on art projects inspired by the gallery’s current exhibitions. Led by experienced instructors, these camps provide a mix of artistic techniques and engaging activities designed to spark creativity. Perfect for kids looking to learn, create, and make new friends in a welcoming environment.

Make this March Break unforgettable with creative camps at the Varley! Young artists will explore their imagination through hands-on art projects inspired by the gallery’s current exhibitions. Led by experienced instructors, these camps provide a mix of artistic techniques and engaging activities designed to spark creativity. Perfect for kids looking to learn, create, and make new friends in a welcoming environment.

Children will experiment with painting and print making techniques to complete unique artworks inspired by winter. All materials included.

Children will experiment with painting and print making techniques to complete unique artworks inspired by winter. All materials included.

Children will create one-of-a-kind handmade cards and ornaments to bring home as gifts made with love this holiday season. All materials included.

Children will create one-of-a-kind handmade cards and ornaments to bring home as gifts made with love this holiday season. All materials included.

Young artists will learn to make three-dimensional sculptures inspired by Arctic animals. All materials included.

Young artists will learn to make three-dimensional sculptures inspired by Arctic animals. All materials included.

Campers will work with acrylics to create a finished landscape painting that capture the colours and textures of winters in Canada. All materials included.

Campers will work with acrylics to create a finished landscape painting that capture the colours and textures of winters in Canada. All materials included.

Children will celebrate the New Year by making their own party hats, confetti poppers, and silly props for the New Years Eve! All materials included.

Children will celebrate the New Year by making their own party hats, confetti poppers, and silly props for the New Years Eve! All materials included.

Campers use a variety of mediums to create artworks inspired by the beauty of winter. All materials included.

Campers use a variety of mediums to create artworks inspired by the beauty of winter. All materials included.

Children engage with sensory play at the gallery to make snow slime, blizzards in a bottle, and more. All materials included.

Children engage with sensory play at the gallery to make snow slime, blizzards in a bottle, and more. All materials included.

Young artists will capture the essence of Christmas in this fun and fancy winter workshop! design decorations and make wreaths or paper snowflake sculptures all the while listening to traditional Christmas classics.