What to expect from our At-Gallery School Programs
In 2026-2027, RMG’s gallery programs explore artworks found in our permanent collection exhibition, Everyday Matters as well as other gallery exhibitions. It is important for students to be exposed to the variety of artworks artists create to communicate meaning. All school visitors will complete their gallery tour with a walkthrough of current exhibitions for deeper insight into artists’ use of materials and approaches to artmaking. Please follow the links below for more information on what will be on display during your visit!
We strive to;
- Design and deliver relevant and impactful programming
- Activate new perspectives, ideas and connections inspired by Ontario Curriculum and are cross-curricular
- Use fine art materials and encourage experimentation, process over final product is key
- Empower student’s sense of self and build self-confidence and to interpret the world around them
- Build communication and critical thinking skills
Booking Details
- Our At-Gallery programs are designed for minimum of 15 students to a maximum of 60 students
- Start times are flexible, we recommend 9:30-11:30am, 10am-12pm, and 12-2pm. All programs are available Wednesdays to Fridays
- Payment: Can be made on the day of the program OR an invoice will be emailed to the school after the visit. We accept cash, cheque or credit/debit onsite.
- Questions? Contact the Learning Team: 905 576 3000 ex.114 or email: [email protected]
- Read our FAQ for more details
Kindergarten: Art and Daily Life
October 2026 to June 2027
120 minute session | $15 per student (no tax)
Students will explore the permanent collection exhibition Everyday Matters featuring traditional and contemporary artworks. We will discover the wonders of art from familiar and unexpected still lifes, landscapes, and genre art and use play based inquiry through gallery interactives. Students will enhance their observational skills, communicate their ideas, and express emotion.
In the studio, we will be creating a mixed media still life, utilizing watercolour and collage techniques while discussing overlapping, shape, and patterns.
Gr. 1-3: Art Matters
October 2026 to June 2027
120 minute session | $15 per student (no HST)
What are artists trying to communicate? Art Matters program aims to encourage students to take a closer look at traditional and contemporary artworks to strengthen their observational skills. Themes of common objects, quiet moments and scenes of daily life will encourage students to slow down and discover how art can affect their emotions, how they may see themselves and the world around them.
In the studio, we will be creating a mixed media floral still life, utilizing Gelli plates, oil pastels, and collage techniques while discussing composition, overlapping, colour theory, patterns and repetition.
Gr. 4-6 : Everyday Matters
October 2026 to June 2027
120-minute session | $15 per student (no HST)
This program explores the permanent collection exhibition, Everyday Matters and encourages students to slow down and think critically about the artworks, the messages and how these artworks affect perception about themselves and the world around them. Using the themes of common objects, quiet moments and scenes of daily life students will delve into both familiar and unexpected artworks to sharpen their critical thinking and visual literacy skills through gallery interactives and discussions.
In the studio, we will be building a slab clay vessel employing both additive and subtractive techniques, while discussing patterns, repetition, and symmetry.
Gr. 7-8: Art and the Ordinary
October 2026 to June 2027
120 minute session | $15 per student (no HST)
In this program, students will tour the permanent collection exhibition, Everyday Matters and will be asked to slow down and think critically about the artworks, the messages and how these artworks affect perception about themselves and the world around them. Through group discussions and visual messaging activities students will consider the role art has in their lives. In the studio, we will create an image of an object of our choice that ties us to our everyday lives. We will learn printmaking techniques using foam printing plates and block ink to turn our images into prints. We’ll also engage in discussions about line, pattern, perspective, contrast and colour theory.
FAQ
What will my day look like?
The two hour program will be divided equally between the gallery interactives and studio time, approximately one hour in the gallery and one hour in the studio. With two groups, they will switch places after an hour. Group 1 will start in the gallery while Group 2 will start in the studio. Halfway through the program, Group 1 will move to the studio and Group 2 will move to the gallery exhibitions.
Can parent volunteers join us?
Yes! We encourage parents to help supervise during the program. Parents do not pay for their visit, the fee is for students only. Please note, teacher and parent volunteers will not be making their own art, but their help are very much appreciated throughout the session. Parent drivers may park in the south lot, and will need to pay at the pay station.
Should we bring snacks?
Pocket snacks can be eaten in between or after programming. We do not have a designated area for eating so this would happen in the space outside the studio or in the backyard, if it is open. If you feel it would be a benefit to your students to have a snack, please let us know ahead of time so we can adjust the schedule accordingly.
Can we eat in the gallery?
Eating and drinking in the gallery spaces are prohibited which includes adults with coffee cups or water bottles. Student backpacks are also prohibited in the gallery spaces but we have a place for students to place their things while attending a program. If a teacher/adult must keep a backpack on hand they must carry it.
How many students can I bring in a single visit?
We can have a maximum of 60 students, split into two even groups. Our studio does not hold any more than 30 students at a time.
What should the students wear?
We will be making art and there is a chance of getting messy. Please advise parents to send children in clothing appropriate for art making. During the winter, it is recommended that students bring their indoor shoes to the program.
Will there be time to visit the gift shop?
We do have a gift shop onsite but we do not build in time to visit it.
What amenities can we expect?
We have fully accessible washrooms available, a drinking fountain and water bottle filling station is located next to the washrooms. There are no vending machines onsite.
Can teachers/students take photos?
Flash free photos are allowed in the gallery exhibitions and in the studio space.
How do we pay?
Option 1: Cheque, cash, credit card and debit card are accepted on the day of your trip, we unfortunately cannot provide change for cheque payments. Please note, it may take us several business days to send a receipt.
Option 2: Invoicing from the RMG to your school after your trip. We will only charge for the number of students in attendance.
Do you charge HST?
The RMG currently does not charge HST or GST for any of this children’s programs including school groups.