Artists for Kids

About

Artists for Kids exists to support the legacy of art. By bringing together Canadian artists with teachers and students, we create fun, memorable, hands-on experiences that kids cherish. The magic of Artists for Kids is our unique, three-pronged approach to education. We connect artists and teacher with students to create an environment where learning and discovery flow between the participants.

Our programs thrive because we focus on collaboration, mentorship and support with students, with teachers and with artists. Through Artists for Kids, artists share their insights, abilities and stories, students explore their own talents and develop their own creative problem-solving skills, and we all benefit from the ongoing legacy of Canadian art. 

Camps and Classes

Artists for Kids succeeds and thrives because we offer a unique approach to education. Through our programs, we bring together artists with master art teachers and students, to create a distinct opportunity for artists to share their insights, while being inspired by the curiosity and inventiveness of the kids who are part of our programs.  

After School Art Programs: Since 1993, we have offered after school art programs in the Fall, Winter and Spring in North Vancouver. The classes run once a week for students in Kindergarten - Grade 7.

Spring Break Day Camp: Our Spring Break Day Camps run from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. during spring break, for students who are in Kindergarten - Grade 4. The camp takes place in a studio adjacent to the Gordon Smith Gallery at 2121 Lonsdale. Outdoor recreation is included, weather permitting.

Summer Day Camp: For two weeks in July, our Summer Day Camps run from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Day Camps are for students who have completed Kindergarten - Grade 4 and are held in a studio adjacent to the Gordon Smith Gallery at 2121 Lonsdale. Outdoor recreation is included, weather permitting.

Summer Overnight Camp: Imagine spending a week immersed in the beauty of Brackendale, B.C., learning directly from a Canadian artist, while hiking, canoeing, and enjoying campfire songs. That’s the experience young artists have at our Summer Visual Arts Camp and Summer Visual Arts Intensive. Since 1993, our Paradise Valley Summer School of Visual Arts has welcomed artists-in-residence, master art teachers and students for a week in July to experience the beauty of the outdoors, while exploring their creativity. Our Summer Visual Arts Camp welcomes young artists aged 8 -12. Our Summer Visual Arts Intensive is designed for young artists aged 13 - 18. The older students are encouraged to develop a body of work throughout the week that can be added to their portfolio. 

History

Artists for Kids began in 1990 and our unique approach to art education has grown in reach and stature every year. 

A group of art teachers wanted to provide an art-school experience in our public schools and began pulling the most talented students out of their regular classes to gain guidance and coaching in artist-led master classes. Through the support of our Patron Artists, Artists for Kids has grown from an idea into a world-class art program.