During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the AGGV had to shift much of its in-person programming to a virtual format. This shift also meant that the much-loved Family Sunday program, an afternoon of hands-on art making featuring special guests like artists and musicians, was also adapted to an online event. Fortunately, our innovative Family Sunday team was able to facilitate some truly exciting and inspiring digital programing that offered people an opportunity to explore art and ideas from the comfort and safety of their homes. Our Family Sunday free virtual offerings are chock-full of fun and creative activities that you can enjoy anytime on our YouTube channel!
These are a few of our favourite virtual Family Sundays:
Family Sunday with Special Guest Owen:
This program was first released in July of 2021, and it features very special guest Owen. Owen is young artist who loves to design and create dresses, hats, and other magical fashion pieces. Owen’s delightful digital workshop leads viewers through the process of creating their own fabulous fashion piece. Check out Owen’s Family Sunday video below:
This clip was released as part of Family Day 2022 featuring special guest Sade Alexis. Sade describes herself as a Black Woman artist and writer, living, working, and loving on the stolen lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ nations. Sade’s work focuses on the ways in which Blackness can be understood and celebrated through art, in all of its complexities and intricacies. She uses her practice as a means of bringing the Black experience into the historically colonial art world. In this fun video workshop below, Sade guides viewers through a thoughtful self-portrait drawing exercise. Make sure to have paper, pencil, colouring tools and a mirror ready!
Liam Singh: Bird Watching
This video was posted in May of 2021, and it features bird enthusiast Liam Singh. In his own words, Liam has “been fascinated by birds since I was 9 years old. Their beautiful plumages and complex songs captured my interest and I’ve been hooked ever since.” May is a particularly interesting month for bird watching in Victoria, as many of the migrating species arrive in full force. In this extraordinary Family Sunday clip below Liam takes us outside to explore and learn all about the feathered folk who make Vancouver Island their home.
If you liked the clips featured above, make sure to check out the rest of our cool, inspiring, Family Sunday videos featuring wonderful local artists on our YouTube channel!
With the easing of restrictions, we’re looking forward to offering more in-person Family Sunday events so stay tuned for exciting updates to our Spring lineup!
Family Sunday is a recurring program that runs every third Sunday of the month, Oct-June. In-person events are included in admission.
Feature image credit above: Artwork courtesy of Sade Alexis.
