RMG Virtual School is a FREE synchronous learning opportunity for Kindergarten to Grade 8 students! One of our Educators will visit your classroom virtually and provide a directed and social interactives using artworks from the RMG’s permanent collection. Each virtual engagement is designed to build students’ visual literacy skills, nurture problem solving and communication skills, and encourage imaginative and creative thinking.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery has an extensive collection of modern and contemporary artworks, in particular, abstractions by the Painters Eleven.

This year, we will take a deeper dive into abstractions to facilitate discussion on themes such as identity, mental health and wellbeing, environmental advocacy, and social justice. While abstraction will be at its core, integration of historical artworks (such as works by members of the Group of Seven) will be used for a holistic approach to our innovative and multi-disciplinary learning offerings.

Starting February, these programs will be offered Wednesday to Friday. They can be booked to suit your classroom and school scheduling needs. Each program is approximately 30-45 minutes in length and can be extended to include a 45 minute studio workshop. Studio activity kits will be available at a nominal fee ($75 for a class set for up to 30 students), pick up at the RMG.

Kindergarten, Grade 1-3

Abstract Portraits: Communicating our Thoughts and Feelings

Mental Health and well-being is at the forefront of our daily lives and affects even the very young. Looking at and reflecting on portraits is a great way to identify various emotions in ourselves, encourage empathy with others and build healthy social relationships. In this program, we will play, discuss and explore realistic and abstract portraits by Canadian artists. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their experience through a grade appropriate basic drawing exercise. The optional extended studio workshop will encourage students to consider the use of patterns and textures to create their own whimsical water-soluble oil pastel portrait.

Grade 4-6, Grade 7-8

Abstract Portraits and Identity

Art is a connector between us, artists often use the theme of relationships as a subject of their artwork. What can art teach us about ourselves? How can art help us enhance our emotional and social intelligence? How do our identities inform our values, ideas, and actions? In this interactive program, we will consider not only our own development of identity and self-advocacy but also explore how we handle social justice issues using abstract concepts and artworks. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their experience through a grade appropriate basic drawing challenge. The optional extended studio workshop will encourage students to create a mixed media self-portrait.

To book a session, please contact Learning and Engagement Lead, Jennifer Welch at [email protected].