Austin Henderson: RBC Emerging Artist Residency Exhibition

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.

Emerging Visions Artist Talks

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].

EMERGING VISIONS: Durham College Thesis Exhibition 2026

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.

Spring Exhibitions Opening: Sukaina Kubba: Not Soft By Nature and Painters Eleven: Radical Colour

Come celebrate the opening of Sukaina Kubba: Not Soft By Nature and Painters Eleven: Radical Colour on April 11, 2026!

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].

Summer Camp 2026

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!

This summer, campers from two different camps, in two different countries will be sharing their art! The RMG is pleased to partner with Future Achievers and their camp, R.O.C.MIN Summer Camp in Richmond, Jamaica, which holds shared values as the RMG.

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. 

Stamps and Stickers Workshop

All spots for this workshop have been filled, please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.

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+ with priority consideration given to youth applicants aged 16-29. 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.

Public Art as Social Practice: Developing Your Artistic Point of View

In March, we are hosting a workshop that looks at trends in contemporary public art. Megan Kammerer will offer The Bentway as a case study to explore how public art is evolving in Canada, illustrating how creative interventions can shape the ways people move, gather, and connect in shared spaces.

With this workshop, we are pleased to welcome Dani Crosby to lead a local conversation about public art in Oshawa and Durham Region. She’ll begin by sharing her own experiences, offering valuable insight gleaned through trial and error and by aligning her values with her artistic practice. Then, through a series of facilitated exercises, artists will be invited to define their own points of view and generate ideas for bringing creativity and connection to public spaces.

The intention with this workshop is to create a supportive opportunity for local artists to develop ideas together and to form or strengthen professional bonds. It is designed for anyone who is curious about bringing their artwork into public spaces and those seeking inspiration or motivation to get started.

This event is free and will be held in-person at the gallery. Please register to attend. If there is anything we can do to support your participation, please reach out to Hannah at [email protected].

Dani Crosby is an artist, community-engaged project builder, and arts educator with over 15 years of experience working across illustration, studio art, and public art. Dani’s creative process is rooted in play, exploration, and curiosity, and her work often explores themes of identity, place, illusion, nature, and connection.

Since 2011, Dani has taught part-time at Durham College in the Faculty of Media, Art & Design, where she has built strong relationships with community partners to expand experiential learning opportunities through collaborative service learning projects. Her practice is deeply grounded in community engagement and collaboration, with a focus on creating work that responds to the social and environmental contexts of the region.

1. Dani Crosby, digital drawing for Turning The Wheel Mural (detail), 2024, McMillan Parkade, 110 King St W, Oshawa.
2. Dani Crosby, SUSO Skate Banner, 2024, 419 King St W, Oshawa.
3. Dani Crosby, Turning The Wheel Mural, 202 McMillan Parkade, 110 King St W, Oshawa.

The Artist Professional Development Workshop series is generously sponsored by the RBC Foundation.

The Oshawa Art Association’s 58th Juried Art Exhibition: Opening Reception and Awards Presentation

Join us from 6-9pm for the opening reception of the Oshawa Art Association’s 58th Juried Art Exhibition. Awards to be presented at 7pm.

This event is free and open to everyone. If there are ways we can support your participation, please contact Hannah at [email protected].

The Oshawa Art Association’s 58th Juried Art Exhibition

2026 marks the Oshawa Art Association’s 58th Juried Art Exhibition. This juried exhibition showcases artworks by many talented artists from across Durham Region.

Join us for the opening reception on Thursday, April 23,from 6-9pm.

Presented in partnership with the Oshawa Art Association

Durham District School Board: For Art’s Sake Exhibition Opening

Come together to celebrate student art in Durham Region!

The RMG invites you to attend the opening reception our bi-annual Durham District School Board Exhibition: For Art’s Sake. Showcasing artworks from nearly every high school in the region, this event recognizes our local budding young artists.

This event is free and open to everyone. For information on our facilities, please click here. If there are ways we can support your participation, please contact Leila at [email protected].

Presented in partnership with