Come hang out at the art gallery! These sessions offer a welcoming space for teens to express their individuality, share new ideas, and try out a variety of art materials in a low-pressure environment. With a new theme each month, they’ll discover new ways to unleash their creativity, whether it be through painting, sculpting, mixed media or something else.
Free Ages 13-17 Registration required Class dates and details below
Surreal Pentimento Experiment with two art techniques: pentimento and surrealism! We will be taking vinyl record covers to new places through layering tape, paints and markers on top. Our finished products will be something from a bizarre dream, allowing you to let go of “right and wrong” in art to create something wacky and unique!
May 28, 2026 6-7:30PM
Reduction Print-making Level up your print-making skills by practicing reduction printing! We will make carving super easy using foam, to let your designs shine. In reduction printing, we layer colours allowing for a bold effect to shape your artwork!
June 25, 2026 6-7:30PM
Polymer Clay Pins Create wearable pins that let your personality shine through! Design and sculpt your own characters, bold abstract shapes, or fandom emblems to turn into wearable art.
What is the space like? You are encouraged to either come alone or with friends! Plug into your own music or listen to the chatter. Materials and refreshments are provided.
We tend to keep the lights dimmed but they are still on. We play music on a medium volume, however this can be turned off upon request. The noise level in the room is about medium.
Where is it happening? The studio on the lower level. The gallery is free to visit. Walk in through the front doors, turn right and go down the stairs, turn right again once you see the door to the studio. Or, take the elevator near our gift shop to level 1 and go through the hallway to the studio.
Do I need to know how to do art ahead of time? Do I need to be an artist? No! The art activities are beginner friendly. We offer all the necessary materials and instruction to complete a project. We also value abstract art, ugly art, and silly art. It’s a great way to test new materials and make new ideas.
How do I contact the organizer? Email [email protected] or call (905) 576-3000
This June, we are delighted to welcome the Oshawa Garden Club to our Backyard at the RMG for a special family-friendly experience! Young gardeners and grown-ups alike can discover how local blooms grow, the gardens that are around Oshawa, what makes them flourish, and how we can help our own gardens blossom and thrive.
Flowers have sprung all over Downtown Oshawa! Let’s celebrate our beautiful botanical gardens and our very own Backyard at the RMG with artwork!
In the studio, use a variety of found-objects and materials to stamp in flower shapes. We are getting messy with ink, making our artworks stand out against a colourful collaged background.
In the lookout, admire our backyard through the giant window. Use strips of paper to curl and swirl them into coils. We will arrange them to make an intricate and sculptural paper quilled creation.
The purpose of the Oshawa Garden Club is to promote interest in all things Green; horticulture, agriculture, environmental responsibility, a communal enjoyment of nature and more. Our mission remains committed to encouraging engagement with and the improvement of our community green spaces. Visit www.oshawagardenclub.ca for all our activities and membership information.
The Backyard at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery is an outdoor space designed for community use, artistic engagement, and quiet reflection. Enjoy a picnic, read a book, catch up with a friend, listen to the sounds of the creek, meditate, do some yoga – use this space to bring you joy and well-being.
Suitable for ages 3+ Adult supervision is required in all gallery/ studio spaces. Free admission, no registration required.
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery is a proud participant in Ontario Power Generation’s Power for Change Project, supporting the areas and people where OPG operates.
This month, we dive deep to explore life among the coral reefs. We will use colourful plasticine to sculpt a turtle or sea creature of your choosing. We will also use vibrant soft pastels to draw floating jellyfish, with patterns glowing in the dark abyss. Our bold artworks take inspiration from the lively, striking and rich artworks in our exhibition, Painters Eleven: Radical Colour.
In the lookout, using plasticine and step-by-step instructions, sculpt your own turtle! With some creative flair, try your hand at sculpting a shark, or even whale, and add some coral or seaweed to finish off your model habitat.
In the studio, use soft pastels to draw wavy waters and gelatinous jellyfish. We will blend our pastels to make them hazy. Then, we will add layers on top using unique patterns and spots to make our jellyfish stand out!
William Ronald (Canadian, 1926 – 1998); Festival; 1967; acrylic on canvas; Gift of Chantal Laberge, 1987
About Painters Eleven: Radical Colour Painters Eleven was the first abstract artist collective in Ontario. The Toronto group was founded in 1953 at the cottage of artist Alexandra Luke on the Oshawa–Whitby border. In the early 1950s, Toronto’s art scene was criticized for being conservative and unexciting. Painters Eleven was determined to shake things up and elevate abstraction within mainstream Canadian art. The group’s first exhibition drew crowds and received positive press, despite its radical approach to art. Banded together by a shared desire to support abstraction and exhibit collectively, the artists did not adhere to a common philosophy or style but did share a love of colour. This exhibition showcases Painters Eleven’s diverse approaches to abstraction alongside a common enthusiasm for bold, expressive colour, highlighting the individuality of each artist. Click here to learn more about Painters Eleven: Radical Colour.
Suitable for ages 3+ Adult supervision is required in all gallery/ studio spaces. Free admission, no registration required.
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery is a proud participant in Ontario Power Generation’s Power for Change Project, supporting the areas and people where OPG operates.
This month, we are getting messy by creating painted papers, and using them to make collages! We will also take inspiration from Group of Seven artworks on display in our current Permanent Collection exhibition, Homage, by experimenting with oil pastel layered landscapes.
In the studio, roll your sleeves up and join us to create painted papers, mixing cool colours with card scraping techniques. Then, we will cut our papers up in shapes, such as umbrellas, rain drops, clouds, and flowers to represent our surroundings as spring emerges!
In the lookout, we are experimenting with oil pastel techniques. We will draw our landscapes with layers of hills and valleys inspired by Group of Seven. Then, after blending our layers with baby oil, we will add in foreground details such as sharp coniferous trees and leafy deciduous trees.
Installation of Homage at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, 2025. Photos by Toni Hafkenscheid.
About Homage Paying homage is more than an act of reverence—it is a gesture rooted in respect and a way to acknowledge influence and inspiration. Artists often engage with the past to make sense of the present: responding to those who shaped them, the histories they’ve inherited, and the cultural forces that continue to shape our world. In this way, tribute becomes not only a recognition of influence, but also a means to challenge, reinterpret, and build upon it. Click here to learn more about Homage.
Suitable for ages 3+ Adult supervision is required in all gallery/ studio spaces. Free admission, no registration required.
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery is a proud participant in Ontario Power Generation’s Power for Change Project, supporting the areas and people where OPG operates.
Engaging in archival research and familial self-reflection during his residency, Austin Henderson will produce new paintings, prints, drawings, and other multimedia works inspired by his Greek-Canadian grandfather, or papou. Upon coming out to his parents, the artist learned that his maternal grandfather had passed away from AIDS-related complications in 1988. Curious about the conversations they could have shared, Austin will continue an ongoing project that investigates the obscuring effects of secrecy and the impacts of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Canada. Considering joy as a pathway out of shame, the work will explore what it means to transform a family portrait through tenderness, love, and reclamation.
Artist Bio: Austin Henderson is an artist, writer, and cultural worker based in Tiohtià:ke / Mooniyang / Montréal, with familial roots in Oshawa, Ontario (Williams Treaty Territory). Working primarily in drawing, painting, and printmaking, Austin’s practice is attentive to queer histories and politics of the archive. Austin’s work has been presented in Canada and the United States, and his writing has appeared in Esse arts + opinions and Visual Arts News. Austin has participated in residencies with Union House Arts, Momus, and the New York Academy of Art. His practice has been supported by the Canada Council for the Arts. Austin holds an MA in Art History from Concordia University and a BFA from Queen’s University.
The RBC Emerging Artist Residency Program is generously sponsored by the RBC Foundation’s Emerging Artist Project.
Artist Talks (2025) with Durham College students at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, May 14, 2025.
Join us at 1pm on May 13th for an artist-led tour of EMERGING VISIONS, an exhibition that presents thesis projects by the third-year graduating students of the Fine Arts Advanced program at Durham College.
We welcome staff and students from Durham College and any members of the public who want to learn more about specific projects and hear about the journey from conception to fabrication to presentation. This event is free and open to everyone.
If there are ways we can support your participation, please contact Hannah at [email protected].
We are pleased to present the annual Durham College Thesis Exhibition!
Like all visionary explorers, the students in Durham College’s Fine Arts Advanced program are involved in a continual process of identifying and studying meaningful subjects that pertain to their own evolving bodies of work. They first research then develop strategies unique to their practice through experimentation, all the while learning to define and focus their personal interests. This exhibition includes a wide range of subjects, interests, and mediums.
Celebrate EMERGING VISIONS with the staff and students of Durham College! The opening reception will be hosted on May 1, 2026. Then, stop by the gallery at 1pm on May 13th for an artist-led tour of the exhibition. This is your chance to learn more about specific projects and hear about the journey from conception to fabrication to presentation.
Curatorial and artist remarks will be delivered at 1:30pm in the exhibition Not Soft By Nature.
Refreshments served.
Take the shuttle bus from Toronto! We’re excited to partner with Mercer Union (1286 Bloor Street West) on this opening event. Starting at 11am sharp, you can join a tour and screening of Alvin Luong’s solo project DEPHINITELY PARADISE at Mercer Union. The film has an approximate run-time of 20 minutes. You’ll also have a chance to purchase a recent publication of Sukaina Kubba’s work, published alongside her exhibition at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) and limited-edition laser etchings by the artist.The bus will leave Mercer Union at 11:45am, returning around 5pm.Be sure to check out Alize Zorlutuna’s billboard installation facing St. Clarens Ave where the bus will pick-up and drop-off.
Please RSVP for the opening and/or reserve your spot on the bus here.
This event is free and open to everyone. If there are ways we can support your participation, please contact Hannah at [email protected].
Do you want your kids to dive into creativity this summer? We have got you covered! Our fun-filled, fine art camps are packed with inspired projects, interactive gallery activities, and active outdoor play! Here’s the best part: your children will come home with lots of creative art and stories while we take care of the mess! Come and discover the endless artistic possibilities that the RMG has to offer.
Choose from 2 different weeks. Each week includes experimentation with a variety of creative, mixed-media materials. The projects are individually guided and personal to each participant!
Ages 5-7 15 spots per age group Ages 8-12 15 spots per age group
$235 Members/$260 Non-Members for 5 day camps $185 Members/$210 Non-Members for 4 day camps (*Aug 4-7)
Come Out and Play
Do you want to come out and play? This camp is all about the wonders of nature! What will we discover? An intriguing animal, a fascinating person, a beautiful scene? Together, we will embark on an exciting adventure, maybe we’ll find something we never even imagined existed.
This camp is offered the weeks of:
July 6-10
July 20-24
August 4-7 (4 day week only)*
August 17-21
Can you Imagine?
Who, where, why, WHAT? Let’s dive into our imaginations and create captivating stories and design enchanting worlds and creatures. What wonders might we uncover as we embrace our curiosity, dream big, and allow our creativity to soar. Together, we will experiment with various ideas and different materials to bring our playful artworks to life.
This camp is offered the weeks of:
July 13-17
July 27-31
August 10-14
August 24-28
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions or concerns that aren’t addressed here, please feel free to contact the Learning and Engagement Department. More detailed information about camps and the Summer Learning Team will be sent to registered families prior to the first day of camp.
Can I register for more than 2 weeks of camps?
We recommend families register for up to 2 weeks. We find campers who repeat the same camp week after week are not nearly as engaged (can be frustrated) as those who are experiencing each camp for the first time.
Can I register for one or two days instead of the whole week?
Unfortunately, we ask families to commit to the full week as often our art making fun requires multiple days to complete (many requiring time to dry before paint or adding final details).
What if I have a child that is outside the age range, can they still join?
All of our camps are geared specifically for children within the designated ages. In order to ensure the best experience for everyone, participants must fall within the indicated age range.
What is your maximum capacity?
15 campers maximum per camp.
Are pre- and post-care available?
No, unfortunately, we are not able to offer this service.
What type of activities have you planned, are campers outside at all?
There will be two different camps, each camp uses similar materials but in different ways; campers spend equal time in the Lookout and the Studio spaces. Both camps will have in-gallery interactive visits include looking activities, games, and sketching. We also have a new fully fenced space! We plan to eat snacks and lunch outside, and play games, if the weather is agreeable. We will also take advantage of beautiful days with outdoor art making projects whenever possible. These are repeating activities/projects that rotate between the two weekly camps.
Do you provide snacks/lunch?
Parents are asked to pack a water bottle, peanut free snacks and lunch daily. There are two snack breaks and lunch is from 12-1pm. We ask all families to refrain from packing snacks/lunch or drinks in glass containers.
Allergen Statement
The RMG has an allergen statement that advises that all program registrants suffering from allergenic medical conditions, documented or otherwise, register at their own risk. The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, its employees, instructors and contractors make no representations and will accept no liability regarding presence or absence of all allergens in the facilities where our programs take place.
What else might my child need to bring?
We recommend sunscreen and a hat for outdoors and if you believe your child may need a change of clothes please provide that. The RMG is air conditioned and some campers may feel more comfortable having a hoodie/sweater on hand should they feel cold throughout the day. Please ensure your child wears art friendly clothing and comfortable footwear.
What is the staff to camper ratio?
We aim for a minimum of 1 to 7 ratio.
Do you provide a “kiss and ride”?
Drop-off takes place from 8:45am – 9:00am. On the first day, we ask campers are signed in with a staff member in the front lobby. Families can choose to escort their camper to their “homeroom” or a camp staff member can ensure your child gets to their room.
Families may choose to do a “kiss and ride” drop off in the mornings at the front of the building Tuesday to Friday starting at 8:45am.
We require all families to pick up their camper in the art rooms (lower level) at the end of each day at 4pm. Only authorized adults will be allowed to sign out campers.
I see that you do online registrations, can I register in-person or over the phone?
While we prefer online registrations, we do accept in-person (cash, debit, VISA and Mastercard) at the gift shop. There is a mandatory registration form that needs to be completed fully for each camper at the time of payment. These forms are reviewed by staff and documented in order to ensure we know what’s what, and who to contact. We may reach out to families if we have follow-up questions prior to camp.
The form must be filled out and sent back as soon as possible to secure the spot and to ensure we have name tags and they are on the sign in sheet.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation requests received prior to the start of the program will receive a full refund minus a $15 administration fee. We do not issue refunds (partial or full) after the start of the program.
The RMG reserves the right to cancel programs if the minimum enrollment is not met. In the event of a program cancellation, a full refund will be given. If a program is cancelled, registrants will receive notice one week prior to the beginning of the program.
In collaboration with Ruckus Art Collective, we are hosting a stamp-making workshop!
Join us for a relaxed, hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own eraser stamp from scratch, then turn stamped creations into stickers. In collaboration with Ruckus Art Collective, this session is all about experimenting, learning, and having fun in a chill space!
This workshop is beginner friendly, walking you through each step from designing your stamp to carving it out. Materials and refreshments will be provided. Limited spots, register using the link below.
This event is free and open to ages 16+. If there are ways we can support your participation, please contact Farah at [email protected]”
Ruckus Art Collective is an Oshawa-based group dedicated to supporting and uplifting the local art community in Durham Region. Through the hosting of events, exhibitions, and collaborative projects, Ruckus provides a platform for artists to share their work, connect with peers, and engage with the broader public. The collective’s mission is to foster creativity, inclusivity, and dialogue while helping to amplify the voices and talents that define the region’s artistic landscape.
