Classes and Workshops

Art Programming for Children, Teens, and Adults

Grimsby Public Art Gallery (GPAG) offers a variety of school programs, classes, and workshops for all age groups and ability levels to engage its community in arts and culture through the process of making. GPAG provides the community with access to art through engaging and educational ways of interacting with art-making, and expanding understandings of what creating and art can look like.

Check out our full list of art programming below to register!

We recommend registering early to secure your enrollment.

CHILDREN PROGRAMS (4-10)

Deck the Tree: Kid's Holiday Workshop

Let's get crafty! Join us for a fun-filled holiday workshop where little artists can create three festive Christmas tree ornaments. From colourful creations to holiday sparkle, kids will love making their own decorations to take home and show off.

Choose your time slot:
2 PM - 3 PM
4 PM - 5 PM
6 PM - 7 PM

Please note:
Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or adult.
Please book the appropriate time slot when registering
3 ornaments are included with your registration
All materials are provided

To register, please follow the LINK

Bring your creativity and get ready to make your tree merry and bright!

Saturday Morning Makers: Under the Sea

Date(s): November 7, 14, 28 (No Class November 21), December 5
Time: Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Ages: 4-6
Fee: $75
Register: HERE

Ready to explore the deep blue sea without getting wet? Our Under the Sea art classes invite young creators to plunge into a world of pure imagination. Little artists will experiment with mixed media to bring the mysteries of the ocean to life.

Super Studio Creators: Texture & Treasure

Date(s): October 20, 27, November 3, 10
Time: Tuesdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Ages: 7-10
Fee: $75
Register: HERE

Build it up, then weather it down! In this exciting series, artists use plaster bandages, recycled items, and hot glue to engineer 3D sculptures. Then, they will dive into specialized acrylic painting and mixed-media techniques to give their pieces an authentic, beautifully "lived-in" look. Perfect for creative builders!

Super Studio Creators: Clay, Craft, & Create

Date(s): November 17, 24, December 1, 8
Time: Tuesdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Ages: 7-10
Fee: $75
Register: HERE

In this 4-week sculpture class, kids will explore a variety of sculptural materials to create their own unique animal sculpture. They will work through each stage of the sculptural process, from drawing and planning to building an armature, shaping the form, adding volume and texture, and painting their finished sculpture.

PD Day Art Club

Date(s): Monday, October 26

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ages: 5-8
Fee: $70
Register: HERE

Turn a day off school into a day of pure creativity at GPAG! Students will explore a wide variety of art mediums with all materials provided. A pizza lunch and snacks provided. Sign up early to secure your spot!

PD Day Art Club

Date(s): Friday, November 27

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ages: 5-8
Fee: $70
Register: HERE

YOUTH ART STUDIO (10-18)

Deck the Tree: Kid's Holiday Workshop

Choose your time slot:
2 PM - 3 PM
4 PM - 5 PM
6 PM - 7 PM

To register, please follow the LINK

Bring your creativity and get ready to make your tree merry and bright!

Youth Art Studio (Ages 10-15)

Unlock your potential and find your unique artistic voice. Led by an experienced studio instructor, this program helps youth and teens develop core technical skills across diverse mediums. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced creator, you will work alongside like-minded peers to build a professional portfolio and make your mark as an emerging artist.

Youth Art Studio: Sculpture 101

Date(s): October 22, 29
Time: Thursdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Ages: 10-15
Fee: $45
Register: HERE

Squish, shape, and sculpt your imagination into reality! Artists will explore the exciting world of three-dimensional art, learning foundational techniques to build original masterpieces. Perfect for creative students who love to build with their hands.

Youth Art Studio: Dip, Dab, & Create

Date(s): November 12, 19
Time: Thursdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Ages: 10-15
Fee: $45
Register: HERE

Go from a blank canvas to a finished masterpiece in this hands-on, two-session acrylic painting course for beginners. You will learn colour theory, mixing, light and shadow, and underpainting in session one, then add rich details and highlights in session two. All materials are provided, and you will learn professional setup, clean-up, and paint handling techniques. Feel free to bring your own tools to learn how to use them.

Queer Art Collective Drop-In Art-Hang Series

Date(s): August 24, September 21, October 19, November 23
Time: Mondays, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Ages: 13+
FREE - No registration required

Join us monthly for our relaxed, hands-on workshops, where each month features a new artmaking focus. You’ll gain inspiration from talented, queer-identifying guest artists who will be collaborating with us. You can participate in the activities, work on your own art projects, or simply come as you are. This is a welcoming space for you to explore creative expressions and build a community that embraces your authentic self. Snacks, drinks, and all materials are included. Grimsby Public Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Niagara Community Foundation (NCF).

PD DAY ART CLUB

PD Day Art Club

Date(s): Monday, October 26
Friday, November 27

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ages: 5-8
Fee: $70
Register by clicking your chosen date above

ADULT STUDIO PROGRAMS (16+)

Monthly Coffee & Crafting Social

Date(s): October 21
November 18
December 9

Time: Wednesday, 9:30 AM - 12:30PM
Ages: 16+
Fee: $5 per session

Elevate your creative routine at the GPAG Studio's open crafting sessions. Bring your current project—whether it is knitting, sketching, or scrapbooking—and enjoy dedicated studio workspace, coffee, tea, and inspiring company. It is the perfect opportunity to gather your supplies, share ideas with fellow makers, and dedicate a few uninterrupted hours to your craft in a refined, supportive environment. Coffee and tea will be provided, but please bring your own crafting supplies.

Beginner's Level 2 Watercolour Course with Dianne Massender

Date(s): November 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: Tuesdays, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Ages: 18+
Fee: $125
Register: HERE

Continue your painting journey in this Level 2 beginner's watercolour class. Designed for those who already understand the basics, this course focuses on some advanced techniques. You will refine your colour mixing, master tonal values, and develop a distinct personal style.

Eco-Printing: Botanical Dyeing for Beginners with Carmella Dolmer

Date(s): November 5
Time: Thursday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Ages: 16+
Fee: $35

Register: HERE

Join Carmella Dolmer (@softerfruit) and discover how to print natural fabrics using leaves, flowers, and even fruits and vegetables in this sustainable, beginner-friendly workshop. Learn to prepare fabric, transfer pigments via flower-pounding, and set your designs using common household items so they resist washing and sunlight. All materials are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own fresh flora to experiment with and immortalize on fabric.

Cyanotypes with Sabrina Luckasavitch

Date(s): November 9, 16
Time: Mondays, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Ages: 16+
Fee: $45

Register: HERE

Cyanotype means blueprint - Come out to discover the magic of alternative photography in this hands-on cyanotype workshop! Led by Sabrina Luckasavitch, participants will learn how to create beautiful, Prussian-blue prints using UV light and simple chemistry. You will explore the process of exposing and developing light-sensitive materials using everyday objexts - such as leaves, flowers, and unique stencils - to produce striking silhouette designs.

Kinusaiga with Heather from Creative Bug - Hooked on Handmade

Date(s): November 20
Time: Friday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ages: 16+
Fee: $55

Register: HERE

Join Creative Bug (@cr8vbug) for a Kinusaiga (Japanese Fabric Art) workshop. Choose from a selection of designs or create your own, then explore a vibrat assortment of fabric scraps to craft a one-of-a-kind textile artwork. Participants will follow step-by-step guidance while learning more about this unique Japanese art form.

Handmade Holiday Ornaments with Martina Doom - Hooked on Handmade

Date(s): November 26, December 10
Time: Thursday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ages: 16+
Fee: $55

Register: HERE

Join artist Martina Doom for a fun, hands-on workshop where you'll create your very own porcelain holiday ornaments from scratch! Whether you love timeless, classic designs or want to bring your most imaginative ideas to life, this workshop is the perfect place to get creative. During the 2 classes, you'll sculpt, form, create, and decorate a pair of porcelain ornaments to take home with you, just in time for the holidays.

Pressing Futures: DIY Plastic Crafting with Studio Rat

Date(s): November 28
Time: Saturday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ages: 16+
Fee: FREE
Register: HERE

The community of Grimsby is invited to join Studio Rat (@studio__rat) for a free, hands-on workshop exploring creative and DIY ways of transforming soft waste plastics into new materials. During this 3-hour session, participants will learn how to clean, cut, collage, and heat-laminate reclaimed single-use plastics using household irons and an industrial heat press.

AGE-FRIENDLY WORKSHOPS (55+)

Age-Friendly Beginners Watercolour Course with Dianne Massender

Date(s): October 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: Thursdays, 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Ages: 55+
Fee: $125
Register: HERE

This four-week introductory course is designed for beginners. Students will learn the essential foundations of watercolour, including paint consistency, colour theory, brush techniques, and basic painting skills in a relaxed and encouraging environment. Supplies provided.

Age-Friendly Abstract Art with Karen Klucowicz

Date(s): September 23, 30
Time: Wednesdays, 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Ages: 55+
Fee: $75
Register: HERE

Established Canadian abstract artist Karen Klucowicz will lead the creation of an abstract work of art.

The first session will begin with approachable drawing exercises and creative prompts. Participants will explore how emotion, memory, movement, and personal experience can become a visual language.

In the second class, participants begin transforming ideas into intentional compositions on a new canvas. Through critique guidance, exercises on spatial planning, additional mark-making and painting techniques, and discussion, participants will arrive at well-painted, concept-based art.

PAINT LIKE BOB ROSS

Paint Like Bob Ross

Join us for a Paint Like Bob Ross workshop with Certified Bob Ross Instructor Bobbi Cosby.

Whether you’re a seasoned painter or picking up a brush for the first time, this workshop is all about relaxing, having fun, and embracing the joy of creativity.

And remember, folks—there are no mistakes, just happy accidents. We hope you’ll join us!

Pacific Coastline

Date: August 22
Time: Saturday, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Ages: 13+
Fee: $46 per workshop
Register: HERE

Twin Falls

Date: October 24
Time: Saturday, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Ages: 13+
Fee: $46 per workshop
Register: HERE

Around the Bend

Date: November 21
Time: Saturday, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Ages: 13+
Fee: $46 per workshop
Register: HERE

MUSIC TRIVIA NIGHTS

Music Trivia: Hits of the 90s

Date: October 16
Time: Friday, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Ages: 19+
Fee: $15 per person
Register: HERE

Grab your friends, dust off your flannel, and get ready to relive the decade of boy bands, grunge, pop princesses, and one-hit wonders! Join us for a 90s Music Trivia Night hosted by Niagara's Name That Tune.

Put your music knowledge to the test as you compete through rounds of unforgettable hits from the 1990s. Whether you knew every word to the Spice Girls, rocked out to Nirvana, or still have your favourite MuchMusic memories, this night is for you!

Bring your team of 2-6, enjoy a fun night of friendly competition, and see if you've got what it takes to be crowned the ultimate 90s music champion! Registration is required. 19+ event.

PAINT & SIP WORKSHOPS

Paint and Sip Nights

Gather your friends and get ready for an exciting Paint & Sip night with talented artist Tarah Veerman of Paper Homes!
This 19+ event promises fun, creativity, and great times. Your ticket includes one drink — alcoholic or non-alcoholic — so come ready to relax, laugh, and create wonderful art together!

Registration is required to attend

Scroll down to see the different Paint & Sip events and how to register.

Paint and Sip: October

Date: October 9
Time: Friday, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Ages: 19+
Fee: $55 (includes all supplies and one beverage)
Register: HERE

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Paint and Sip: December

Date: December 11
Time: Friday, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Ages: 19+
Fee: $55 (includes all supplies and one beverage)
Register: HERE

GPAG QUEER ART COLLECTIVE

Grimsby Public Art Gallery is launching the GPAG Queer Art Collective, a FREE, monthly drop in art-hang series inviting local queer and trans youth to get creative in a safe, peer-supported space. Take part in our relaxed, hands-on workshops featuring a new artmaking focus each month and gain inspiration from the talented, queer-identifying guest artists who join us along the way. Participate in the activity, work on your own art projects, or simply show up as you are. This is YOUR space to explore creative expression and build a community that accepts your authentic self. Food, snacks, drinks, and all materials are included!

Ages: 13-18

Time: 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Dates: April 20
May 11
June 22
July 20
August 24
September 21
October 19
November 23

Pre-registration for GPAG Queer Art Collective workshops is NOT required.

Click Here For Crisis & Support Phone Lines for Grimsby 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth

Grimsby Public Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Niagara Community Foundation (NCF). NCF is a public foundation and has been Niagara’s philanthropic partner since 2000. NCF connects donors to causes and charities to resources through permanent endowment funds, providing grants to eligible charitable organizations in culture, health, education, environment, recreation and social service sectors. NCF turns intent into impact.

School Programming

Many schools are regular visitors to the gallery, coming for exhibition tours, skill-based workshops or combinations of both. We have numerous curriculum-based programs to offer and make a special effort to work with the educators in our community to adjust our programs to the needs of individual classes. Outreach programs are also available; an experienced artist instructor can teach many techniques in your classroom.

Age Friendly Programming

Grimsby Public Art Gallery offers opportunities for retirement, long term care, and assisted living communities to connect through meaningful and engaging art programs. Main gallery exhibition tours can be made accessible for the enjoyment of everyone, such as reduced volume and large-print visual aids for those hard of hearing.
Can’t make the trip out to us? We’d be thrilled to send one of our Studio Instructors to your location!

For bookings, please contact our Programs and Community Exhibitions Coordinator, Melisa Barnard at mbarnard@grimsby.ca or call 905-945-3246.