In School Programmes

An ‘in school’ visual arts programme for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 inspired by community programming at Walnut Studios. Walnut Studios is a large warehouse in the King West Village that houses over 45 artists working in a variety of disciplines. Blank Canvases is an offshoot programme inspired by Walnut’s current mission to provide children in the TDSB and TDCSB  with authentic and sophisticated art lessons. This unique programme began as a partnership with neighbouring Niagara Street P.S. and has now expanded into other schools across the GTA. There is also a Blank Canvases After School Art Programme for children grades 1-6.

See Blank Canvases Artist in the Schools in Toronto

Goals

  • provide children  with an enriching experience of interacting with artists in their neighbourhood or community
  • provide education on and about local Toronto Artists
  • foster local cultural knowledge and identity
  • expose children to the artistic process in an authentic form
  • allow children to experience sophisticated arts programming they may not otherwise be able to afford or have access to
  • connect children  to the surrounding community through artistic engagement
  • use art to help students connect with social studies, local history, and other subject matter linked with the  curriculum
  • provide PD for teachers with extensions for further learning with their class
  • use art as a vehicle for creative and critical thinking

 

Art Classes in the Schools in the GTA

The program uses the inspiration of both historical and contemporary Toronto artists as the inspiration for each lesson. At the beginning of the lesson, students see images and learn a bit about the art and life of the specific Toronto artist/art group. Afterwards, students are led through an art lesson inspired by the technique of this artist, culminating in the creation of their unique art piece. The lessons are designed by qualified art education specialists that meet the standards of the Ontario Ministry Curriculum.

 

Teaching Methods of Artists in the Classrooms 

The Blank Canvases Art Educator uses methods which allow for children to create and express their individuality to their utmost capability. This includes best practices in arts education which reflect: open-ended choice-making, an encouragement of individuality, fostering of expression, and a focus on process rather than a product. The lessons use art-making as a vehicle to promote qualities of group camaraderie, mutual respect, positive self-esteem, and critical and creative thinking skills.

Costing for one half-day blank canvases lesson

 

TDSB and TCDSB Schools Fee

$375.00 per workshop

 

Private Schools Fee

$475.00 per workshop

Plus 10% admin/handling fee

 

“It was fun. The teachers were really nice. We got to learn new things and had new experiences. We got to show what makes us happy. The lesson was 100% different from the art classes we usually have”

Grade 4 student Niagara Public School TDSB