Join MAG Artist Saija Maureen to explore the works of George Littlechild on May 15, 2024 at 6:30 pm.

“If I were to ask myself why I create the art I do; I would have to answer: It is what I was born to do. It is my passion, my joy, as my art has been there throughout my life’s journey!” – George Littlechild

George Littlechild is a Plains Cree artist from Edmonton, Alberta. He uses a range of techniques in his colourful art pieces, all of which speak to social and political experiences of First Nations people.

We will get the chance to tour his exhibition Here I Am, Can You See Me? right here in the MAG’s galleries, and then explore the technical elements of his portraiture style with our own art project inspired by his work.

Join MAG Artist Saija Maureen for our Making Art History program to explore Symbolism on March 20, 2024 at 6:30 pm.

In the late 19th century, some artists from France, Belgium, and Russia decided to get weird with it. In response to the focus on realism in popular art at the time, the Symbolist movement sought to represent deep truths about the spirit, the psyche, and the human condition through metaphorical images.

This movement of both poetry and painting birthed some truly strange and beautiful artworks. Some artists we’ll look at include Odilon Redon, John William Waterhouse, and Charles Guilloux, and we’ll follow up the lecture with a painting using our own symbolist approach!

Join MAG Artist Saija Maureen for our Making Art History program to explore DADAism on February 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm.

Learn the weird and wonderful world of DADA. What is DADA, you ask? Dadaism is an art style and artistic philosophy that emerged in response to the aftermath of World War One. A group of artists and poets formed a collective with the goal of making nonsensical art in response to the feeling that the war (and the world left in its’ wake) was cruelly senseless. It was a subversive art movement, but it still brought a sense of joy and fun to a strange and scary time in history. Come learn more and try your hand at our Dadaist art collage!

Have you ever wanted to learn the history behind different art styles, and try your hand at creative projects that’s friendly for beginners? Making Art History is an exciting new program for artists and history aficionados. Each class starts with a brief lesson on art’isms’ (art movements) or artists in history, as well as contemporary artists, followed with a beginner-friendly art project.

Pre-register to guarantee a spot (drop-in available). All supplies are included with registration. For ages 14+.

We recommend arriving on time, as the mini lecture session will occur at the beginning of the program, followed by an art project that will allow participants to further immerse themselves in and understand the subject matter.

Join MAG Artist Saija Maureen to explore the art of Christi Belcourt on December 13, 2023 at 6:30 pm.

Hailing from Scarborough, Ontario, Christi Belcourt’s incredible artwork and activism for Indigenous people have made an important mark on both the art landscape and public consciousness of Canada. We will learn about her life and work, as well as explore her distinctive painting technique inspired by Métis beadwork.

Making Art History is an exciting new program for artists and history aficionados. Have you ever wanted to learn the history behind different art styles, and try your hand at creative projects that’s friendly for beginners?  Join us for a brief lesson on art’isms’ (art movements) or artists in history, as well as contemporary artists. Cost: $25+gst for members, $30+gst non-members. Pre-register to guarantee a spot. Drop-ins available.

All supplies are included with registration. For ages 14+.

We recommend arriving on time, as the mini lecture session will occur at the beginning of the program, followed by an art project that will allow participants to further immerse themselves in and understand the subject matter.