Children's and Youth Programs
Get into the holiday spirit with this fun and festive crafting workshop for kids!
Using a mix of materials and techniques, little makers will create seasonal treasures perfect for decorating, gifting, or keeping as a special holiday memory. This creative adventure is sure to bring cheer and inspire the magic of the season.
All material included.
Spend the day in the studio making snowy, sparkly, and imaginative art inspired by the season. With hands-on projects and creative fun, it’s the perfect way to brighten up a winter day!
All materials included.
Spend the day in the studio making snowy, sparkly, and imaginative art inspired by the season. With hands-on projects and creative fun, it’s the perfect way to brighten up a winter day!
All materials included.
Learn how to create expressive, three-dimensional sculptures inspired by the unique animals of the Arctic, like polar bears, seals, and snowy owls. Using a variety of materials and sculpting techniques, kids will bring these creatures to life while learning about their habitats and adaptations.
All materials included.
Learn how to create expressive, three-dimensional sculptures inspired by the unique animals of the Arctic, like polar bears, seals, and snowy owls. Using a variety of materials and sculpting techniques, kids will bring these creatures to life while learning about their habitats and adaptations.
All materials included.
Get into the holiday spirit with handmade cheer! Make your own super special cards and ornaments to share with family and friends. We’ll use all kinds of crafty materials to create festive, one-of-a-kind treasures that are full of heart.
All materials included.
Get into the holiday spirit with handmade cheer! Make your own super special cards and ornaments to share with family and friends. We’ll use all kinds of crafty materials to create festive, one-of-a-kind treasures that are full of heart.
All materials included.
Paint a winter wonderland! Campers spend the day learning how to use acrylic or tempera paint to create a beautiful landscape inspired by snowy Canadian winters. They’ll explore colour mixing, brush techniques, and texture to bring their chilly scenes to life.
All materials included.
Paint a winter wonderland! Campers spend the day learning how to use acrylic or tempera paint to create a beautiful landscape inspired by snowy Canadian winters. They’ll explore colour mixing, brush techniques, and texture to bring their chilly scenes to life.
All materials included.
In this creative camp, kids will use all sorts of materials, like paint, paper, textiles, and more to make magical mixed media masterpieces inspired by the season. Every project is a chance for campers to explore new techniques and let their imagination run wild. Perfect for any young artists who love to mix it up!
All materials included.
In this creative camp, kids will use all sorts of materials, like paint, paper, textiles, and more to make magical mixed media masterpieces inspired by the season. Every project is a chance for campers to explore new techniques and let their imagination run wild. Perfect for any young artists who love to mix it up!
All materials included.
Kids get crafty as they make their own party hats, confetti poppers, and playful props perfect for celebrating the New Year. This hands-on workshop is all about creativity, colour, and kicking off the new year with style and laughter!
All materials included.
Kids get crafty as they make their own party hats, confetti poppers, and playful props perfect for celebrating the New Year. This hands-on workshop is all about creativity, colour, and kicking off the new year with style and laughter!
All materials included.
Dive into the world of animation with this hands-on studio program where students explore the art of storytelling through drawing, character design, storyboarding, and stop motion animation.
Using tablets, sketchbooks, and even plasticine, participants will bring their ideas to life, culminating in a student showcase featuring original short films and behind-the-scenes artwork. Whether working solo or in small creative teams, young animators will gain essential skills in visual storytelling, camera work, and digital tools for animation.
Please note: Students are required to bring their own tablet for this program.
This engaging program invites young artists to refine their artistic skills and develop their unique artistic style.
Through in-depth, hands-on projects in drawing, painting, printmaking, and other fine art techniques, participants will explore key concepts such as composition, colour theory, and perspective. Guided by experienced instructors, students will be encouraged to experiment, express their individuality, and gain confidence in their creative abilities. Perfect for emerging artists eager to deepen their understanding of art and create works that reflect their personal vision!
All materials included.
Step into the world of digital creativity! In this beginner-friendly program, students will learn the fundamentals of digital drawing and illustration using laptops and drawing tablets. Over the sessions, students will explore tools and techniques in Krita, a free digital art program, to bring their ideas to life, whether it’s characters, landscapes, or abstract designs. Emphasis will be placed on building drawing skills, understanding layers, color mixing, and blending modes, and gaining confidence in a digital workspace.
Note: Each participant will need to bring a laptop with Krita installed. Drawing tablets will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own if they have one.
This intensive program is designed for aspiring artists looking to build a strong, well-rounded portfolio for art school applications or personal growth.
Students will explore a variety of mediums and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media, while receiving personalized guidance from experienced instructors. The program emphasizes the development of technical skills, conceptual thinking, and creative problem-solving. Students will also learn how to curate their work, write artist statements, and present their portfolios with confidence. Perfect for teens eager to take their artistic practice to the next level!
Most materials included.
Bring your creative genius to the Varley to unlock their imagination in a fun and inclusive environment.
Children will be introduced to the vibrant world of colour through engaging drawing, painting, and sculpting projects. The program emphasizes the fundamentals of art, including colour mixing and the creative process, while encouraging self-expression and cooperation. Children will also develop their coordination and fine motor skills along the way.
All materials provided.
*No art classes on Saturday, February 21 due to LunarFest, a family-friendly event. Join us at the Varley for this free celebration featuring cultural activities, performances, and art-making fun for all ages.
This is the perfect program for any young artist eager to play and learn in a fun and creative studio setting.
Children are encouraged to develop their artistic abilities while exploring painting techniques and working with both traditional and non-traditional materials. They’ll also visit the gallery for inspiration, sparking their creativity and deepening their understanding of art. This approach inspires them to try new things, make new friends, and learn valuable skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and creative expression.
All materials provided.
*No art classes on Saturday, February 21 due to LunarFest, a family-friendly event. Join us at the Varley for this free celebration featuring cultural activities, performances, and art-making fun for all ages.
Are you ready to challenge your child to explore their imagination in a creative and supportive studio setting?
Our professional artist-instructor will guide your child through the elements and principles of art and design, encouraging experimentation and self-discovery, fundamentals which are essential for developing critical thinking and observational skills. Children will learn how to properly use tools and techniques to create finished drawings, watercolour and acrylic paintings, prints, and a mixed-media piece. Studio discussions, gallery visits, and artist demonstrations are integral components of this program in order for all children to create works they’ll be proud to showcase at an end of term art show.
All materials provided.
*No art classes on Saturday, February 21 due to LunarFest, a family-friendly event. Join us at the Varley for this free celebration featuring cultural activities, performances, and art-making fun for all ages.
Designed for intermediate students, this program encourages young artists to elevate their artistic skills to the next level.
Pre-teens will be guided through challenging processes to create three-dimensional sculptures and works of art. The program focuses on working with clay and recycled materials, emphasizing creative thinking and the development of problem-solving skills.
All materials included.
*No art classes on Saturday, February 21 due to LunarFest, a family-friendly event. Join us at the Varley for this free celebration featuring cultural activities, performances, and art-making fun for all ages.
Spark your little one’s creativity in this playful and engaging class designed just for mini artists!
Children will explore a variety of materials and techniques, including painting, drawing, collage, and sculpting, to create their very own masterpieces. Guided by experienced instructors in a fun and nurturing studio environment, kids will develop fine motor skills, experiment with colours and textures, and learn to express themselves through art. Gallery visits will provide extra inspiration, connecting their creations to the world of professional art.
All materials included.
*No art classes on Sunday, February 22 due to LunarFest, a family-friendly event. Join us at the Varley for this free celebration featuring cultural activities, performances, and art-making fun for all ages.
Get out of the classroom, and into the studio to Paint and Play this P. A. Day. Children will explore a variety of painting techniques, experiment with vibrant colors, and bring their imaginations to life through hands-on art projects. Alongside creative play and engaging activities, kids will also have time to make new friends, express themselves, and discover the joy of making art. Perfect for young artists eager to learn and play in a supportive and inspiring environment!
All materials included.
Get out of the classroom, and into the studio to Paint and Play this P. A. Day. Children will explore a variety of painting techniques, experiment with vibrant colors, and bring their imaginations to life through hands-on art projects. Alongside creative play and engaging activities, kids will also have time to make new friends, express themselves, and discover the joy of making art. Perfect for young artists eager to learn and play in a supportive and inspiring environment!
All materials included.
Join us for 2 fun-filled hours of Valentine’s Day creativity! Kids will make colorful cards, decorations, and sweet crafts to share with family and friends. Perfect for little artists ready to craft, decorate, and spread the love.
All materials included.
Families, are you ready to paint? Join us at the Varley this Family Day for a collaborative canvas challenge!
In this fun, and educational gallery experience, families get a private tour before heading to the studio to complete a painting inspired by current exhibitions. Work together to bring home a finished painting!
Note: Designed for families of up to 4 members. Children must be at least 4 years of age to participate.
Step into a world of colour, creativity, and fun in the Varley’s Colour Club!
Your mini artists will explore painting, drawing, collage, and simple 3D projects while learning the basics of colour mixing, shapes, patterns, and textures. Campers will experiment with a variety of materials, including tempera paints, crayons, markers, paper, and modeling clay, discovering how different tools create unique effects. Each day features guided activities that teach fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creative problem-solving, while also encouraging self-expression and imagination. By the end of the week, children will leave with a colorful collection of original artworks and a newfound confidence in their artistic abilities.
All materials included.
Its time for your little artist to go Big!
In this week long camp, kids will design and create their very own giant paintings from start to finish. Campers will begin by brainstorming ideas and making preliminary sketches to plan their colours and composition. They’ll then learn techniques for scaling up their drawings onto large canvases, exploring underpainting and focal points, and proportion and scale. Each day, young artists will add new details and refine their work, experimenting with creative expression on a grand scale. By the end of the week, every camper will have a one-of-a-kind large painting to proudly take home to display.
All materials included.
In Stop-Motion Studio, young artists will dive into the exciting world of stop-motion animation. Campers will learn the full process of creating their own short film, starting with storyboarding, character design, and set building, and moving on to animating their figures using clay and other materials. Along the way, they’ll practice skills in sequencing, timing, photography, and digital editing, gaining hands-on experience in both art and technology. By the end of the week, each camper’s film will be ready for a final showcase, celebrating their creativity, problem-solving, and hard work.
Some materials are provided. Campers should bring a device compatible with the free Stop Motion Studio app (such as a smartphone), a personal laptop if possible, and a USB drive to securely store their finished film.
Unleash your imagination in this 3-hour Halloween-themed art workshop!
Kids will design and create their very own spooky, silly, or downright wild monsters using a variety of art materials and techniques. Perfect for little artists, this workshop is all about creativity, fun, and embracing the Halloween spirit. Costumes are encouraged!
All materials included.
Register for Program
Registration:
Sign up for classes by clicking the button to the left or call the City of Markham’s Contact Centre at 905.475.4731 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
Members and Seniors Save:
Become a Varley member and save 10 % on all programs at the Varley. Seniors save 30%.
Accessibility
If you, or your child require accommodations, contact Public Program Coordinator, Rachel D’Oliveira Fell at rdoliveirafell@markham.ca.
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