As we step into the new year, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) Studio is excited to present a fresh lineup of programs that foster artistic growth and exploration for all ages. With our studio renovations complete, we’re eager to welcome you back for a vibrant season of classes and workshops. Thanks to generous community support, our upgraded studio provides the perfect space for painting, printmaking, sculpture, and more!
Our Pro-D Day camps continue to be a highlight for young artists. For a very special Valentines Day Pro-D camp, students grades 1–5 immersed themselves in a full day of creative exploration, drawing inspiration from AGGV exhibitions. Looking ahead, we are also preparing for the final Pro-D Day camp of the term, coming up this May.
For our youngest learners, Little Art Explorers (ages 2–4) offers fun, hands-on experiences that introduce colour, form, and texture, with monthly sessions designed for exploration alongside a caregiver.
For youth, programs such as Drawing Lab, Teen/Tween Art Experimentation, and Pop Art Fusion are in full swing, offering opportunities for skill-building and creative experimentation. This spring, we’re excited to offer new after-school classes: Drawing and More (ages 6–9) explores light, shadow, and shading, drawing inspiration from exhibitions like From Warhol to Banksy and A View From Here. These young artists will also create silkscreened Pop-Art wall hangings and Kintsugi-inspired clay sculptures.
Our Art Experimentation class provides older teens and tweens a space to refine their drawing and hands-on project skills, including watercolour transfer printing, fabric-wrapped masks, and embroidered patches. Also inspired by exhibitions like From Warhol to Banksy and Architectures of Protection, this class helps teens explore new techniques. Acrylic Painting (ages 10–17) offers a Saturday morning opportunity to dive into acrylics, experimenting with various techniques and subjects such as still life, portraiture, and abstraction, all inspired by the gallery’s exhibitions.
Families can enjoy a variety of workshops that bring creativity to shared experiences. This season’s exciting offerings include Origami Samurai Helmet, Exploring Charcoal, Earth Day Mask Making, Cherry Blossom Scrolls, and Plant-Based Prints. Previous workshops, such as Pop Art Pie Day and Valentine’s Day Cards, have already brought fun and creativity to families, and we’re eager to continue offering accessible projects that celebrate cultural events and seasonal themes. Whether crafting samurai helmets, exploring the expressive medium of charcoal, or creating beautiful cherry blossom scrolls, these workshops provide unique opportunities for all ages to connect with art.
Our adult workshops offer diverse opportunities to refine artistic skills and explore new techniques. Flower Collage invites participants to create floral collages inspired by Pop Art, while Imprinted Clay Vessel guides the creation of embossed clay vessels inspired by Beauty of Mending. In The ABC’s of Art, participants will delve into Pop Art through Andy Warhol, Banksy, and more. Watercolour and Stitching on Paper blends watercolour with embroidery stitches, inspired by Beauty of Mending. Plein Air Drawing invites participants to sketch nature in the AGGV’s serene Japanese garden, drawing inspiration from Emily Carr. Introduction to Linocut Printing explores printmaking techniques inspired by the Asian Art collection and woodblock carving traditions. Finally, Contemporary Still Life focuses on protection and resilience, inspired by objects in A View From Here.
For weekend workshops, Acrylic Painting from Collage and Acrylic Painting from Hand-Made Models offer unique opportunities to explore acrylics, using reference material inspired by From Warhol to Banksy and Architectures of Protection. Additionally, Art of Katana invites participants to craft cardboard katana swords and learn basic Japanese sword techniques.
Our “Discover Art at the AGGV” private group classes offer a personalized art experience, allowing participants to explore the gallery’s exhibitions and create artwork inspired by them. Led by instructor April Caverhill, these 2-hour sessions, available on select dates, offer the opportunity to help choose the focus of each class. These relaxed, supportive sessions, available on dates including April 30, May 21, and June 25, 2025, are perfect for both beginners and experienced artists alike, offering a chance to develop new skills and deepen your appreciation of art.
As always, Open Studio offers a creative space where individuals can work on their own art in a relaxed, social setting. On Wednesdays, March 12, April 16, May 14, and June 18, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, join instructor April Caverhill for a self-directed session. Bring your own projects, connect with fellow creatives, and enjoy a complimentary gallery pass to explore exhibitions for added inspiration. The cost covers AGGV admission, allowing you to fully enjoy the gallery after your session.
We look forward to a season of creativity, inspiration, and artistic growth. Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, there’s always a place for you to create, learn, and be inspired at AGGV.
– Written by Meghan Krauss, AGGV Studio Coordinator
Spring Registration is OPEN!
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Save the Date: Summer Registration opens on April 4, 2025.
A big thank you to our AGGV Studio sponsor, Monk Office & Art, for their generous donation of studio tables and chairs, and for their continued support of creative learning at the Gallery. A very special thanks to the Gallery Associates for raising significant funds in support of AGGV Studio improvements. Thank you to our donors who chose to support this project during our 2023-2024 Annual Appeal. And last, but not least, thank you to the City of Victoria for their Cultural Infrastructure Grant which allowed us to replace the studio doors, making them more accessible for all visitors.
We couldn’t have made this project happen without the generous support of our community!
Enjoy and before and after look at the recent transformation of the AGGV Studio:
AGGV Studio Before:
AGGV Studio After:
Feature Image: The newly renovated AGGV Studio. All images courtesy of the AGGV.
