Join us in celebratingthe works of the third-year graduating students of the Fine Arts Advanced program at Durham College. This evening will feature musical performance, art activities and food from local vendors.
About RMG Fridays An anchor of the cultural calendar in Durham Region, RMG Fridays are community events that bring together various art forms. Designed for all ages they feature a variety of live music, performances, exhibition tours, artist talks, and highlight community partners and local businesses.
About Emerging Visions
EMERGING VISIONS isan exhibition that presents thesis projects by the third-year graduating students of the Fine Arts Advanced program at Durham College.
While we are often more familiar with an artist’s work than their physical appearance, portraits of artists offer a glimpse into the person behind the art. A good portrait captures the sitter’s likeness, but a great one captures their essence. And who better to achieve this than a fellow artist? This exhibition, drawn from the Permanent Collection, explores portraits of artists created by their peers.
Artists create portraits of other artists for many reasons. Some do so to express admiration, honoring their subject’s contributions and impact on the art world. Others are motivated by personal relationships, capturing mentors, peers, or collaborators to commemorate their shared bond through art. Whether spontaneous or commissioned, these portraits represent a creative exchange between artists, shaped by their unique motivations.
Bringing together various mediums, styles and approaches, the artworks featured in this exhibition are as varied as the subjects and artists themselves. Ranging from intimate sketches to formal representations, these works go beyond mere likeness to reflect the deep admiration and special connections between artists.
Join Curator, Sonya Jones, for a tour of the exhibition “Resistance”. This permanent collection exhibition explores how artists throughout history have used art to resist and disrupt social and political structures– including within the art world.
Thursday Curatorial Tours are free and open to everyone. They provide deeper insight into the themes, context, and content of our exhibitions. Seating options are available. For more information about access and our facilities, please visit this page or contact Sonya Jones at [email protected] with any specific requests.
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 drop-in: Please pre-register using this form. Physical copies will be available at the program to complete.
Upcoming Sessions: Thursday April 24, 2025 4:30 – 6:30PM Thursday May 29, 2025 4:30 – 6:30PM Thursday June 26, 2025 4:30 – 6:30PM
As a drop-in program, you do not need to sign up, come on in! We will have registration forms available onsite to complete by an adult when you arrive to the program. An adult can pre-register using this form including emergency contact information ahead of time if they do not plan on dropping you off directly. It will be easier to pre-register!
If you would like to communicate with the organizer directly, please contact Farah at [email protected]
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. As a drop-in, you can come for a little time or a long time.
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.
Is the environment low-sensory friendly?
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. For a pause from the art-making, the exhibition spaces offer quiet seating.
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. Feel free to try new things.
This time of year brings beautiful flowers! Create peonies, daisies, roses, sunflowers and happy pollinator bugs with clay in your very own plasticine garden.
Suitable for ages 3+
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’ll be getting our hands muddy with clay! We are using clay to form coil pots, a popular method to create bowls and cups.
Suitable for ages 3+
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.
Join us as we design our very own fantasy creatures. Using acrylic paint and stamping we will create unique dragon collages that are cute and friendly.
Suitable for ages 3+
Free admission, no registration required.
We are using an art-technique called Abstract Art to create the texture, patterns and designs of our dragons. This project was inspired by the works of art in our current exhibition, Painters Eleven: Abstract Bonds
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.
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
$225 Members/$250 Non-Members for 5 day camps $175 Members/$200 Non-Members for 4 day camps (*Aug 5-8)
Epic Explorers
These campers will be brave, fearless and experimental adventurers! This camp is all about taking risks, trying something different and looking at the world from a new perspective. Bring your imagination and your willingness to explore various materials as we embark on an artistic journey!
This camp is offered the weeks of:
July 7-11
July 21-25
August 5-8 (4 day week only)*
August 18-22
Curious Creators
These campers will be playful, whimsical and inspired artists! This camp is all about sparking imagination, experimenting with new ideas, and celebrating personal styles and preferences as we take on new and familiar art materials to produce vibrant artworks that are unique and fun!
This camp is offered the weeks of:
July 14-18
July 28-Aug 1
August 11-15
August 25-29
To reserve your place in summer camp, please follow the following steps:
Identify the week(s) you’re interested in and select the age group from the drop down menu under that week
Click on “Add to cart”
Follow the same steps if you would like additional weeks
When complete, click on the cart (right side of your screen)
A pop-up window will come up, fill out all the details and click on “Pay now” (Family memberships should use the discount code provided via email to receive the discount. If you’ve misplaced the code, please email [email protected] or call 905-576-3000 to receive it. They will verify your membership is active before releasing the code.)
You will receive two confirmation emails, one for your purchase and a second from the learning team ([email protected]). The second email contains a link to the registration form.
Please click on the form link, fill out, and click submit.
You will receive a confirmation email with a copy of the information you submitted.
Your registration is now complete. Additional camp information will be emailed shortly before the start of camp.
To be added to our waitlist, please email [email protected] with parent contact phone number/email address, name of the camp(s) and the age group(s). We will notify families if spaces become available.
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.
Painters Eleven was the first abstract artist collective in Ontario. They were founded in 1953 at the cottage of artist Alexandra Luke on the Oshawa/Whitby border. The group did not have a common philosophy or style, instead Painters Eleven banded together around their shared desire to support abstraction and exhibit together. As Jock Macdonald noted: “The meaning of our group is the fact that we think alike about creativeness in art and the unity established is our power.” Rather than a manifesto, the group settled on a statement: “There is no manifesto here for the times. There is no jury but time. By now there is little harmony in the noticeable disagreement. But there is a profound regard for the consequences of our complete freedom.”
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery’s collection began in 1967 when artist Alexandra Luke, a member of Painters Eleven, donated thirty-seven works from her private collection. Luke’s donation of art helped to establish the RMG’s unique focus on collecting and exhibiting the work of Painters Eleven and included works by all members of the group. Today, the RMG’s collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints by Painters Eleven has grown to over one thousand works, including works from before and after the Painters Eleven years (1953-1960). The RMG regularly presents exhibitions featuring works by the group, pulling together different aesthetics or themes.
Join us in celebrating the opening of Tom Dean: GOOD-BYE! The artist and curators will be in attendance. Please RSVP using this form.
Coming from Toronto? We’ll pick you up! Save your seat on the art bus shuttle using the RSVP link above. The bus will collect guests from Factory Theatre (125 Bathurst St, Toronto) at 11:30am and return around 5pm.
Refreshments provided.
Read more about the exhibition here. This event is free and open to everyone. If there are ways we can support your participation, please contact Hannah at [email protected].
