The Living with Art program is a studio-based series of three-hour-long classes developed for young adults (aged 18 and older) living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or other exceptionalities. The program provides an opportunity for the participants to view and create art while socializing in a safe and inclusive environment. The program is offered on scheduled dates for individuals. Organized groups are welcome to book a session for up to 15 participants.
WORKSHOP THEMES
A Lens on Landscape
During this workshop we will visit spaces inside the gallery that were part of the McMichaels’ home and explore some landscape paintings. The group will continue outdoors to enjoy a brief walk, look at and – if weather permits – photograph or sketch the landscapes on the McMichael grounds. Inside the studio, we will have a short break before creating our own watercolour landscape paintings!
Clay Works
In this workshop we will explore sculpture including different ways sculptures are made and the materials artist use to make 3D works for art. We will discover many types of 3D art together. We will start with a walk Outdoors to take a closer look at some of the sculptures located on the gallery/McMichael grounds. Then, inside the gallery we will continue our exploration of other sculptures. In the Studio, we will have a short break and then we will make our own 3D art using clay.
Paint with Texture
In this workshop we will examine how artists express ideas using thick (impasto) paints. Inside the gallery we will begin with a visit to the theatre as a “Behind the Scenes’ look at this room which was a part of the McMichael’s home. We will also handle an artist’s paint box and their tools to examine how some artists expressed their ideas of nature. We will look at some paintings in the gallery spaces and then head outdoors to take a leisurely walk. In the studio, we will have a short break, then make art. We will make our own nature-inspired painting using thick paint and a palette knife.
Prints-Prints-Prints
In this workshop we explore the Inuit stone cut printmaking method and explore a variety of printmaking techniques. We begin in the Pine Cottage where we can handle objects from the Arctic and learn about printmaking through photos and hands-on activities. Then we head outdoors for a short walk to enjoy the natural setting of the McMichael. Our walk will include (if weather permits) a close-up look at the Inukshuk located on the grounds. Inside the gallery we will explore artwork to see how the natural environment can be a source of inspiration for artmaking. Back in the studio we will create our own individual prints using various tools and materials designed for creative expression.
The Shape of Things
This workshop will take a closer look at the McMichael’s collection indoors and outdoors. We will begin with a gallery visit which includes interactive art-viewing activities exploring a variety of artistic styles. We will discover how artists use 2D shapes in their artwork to express ideas. We will then take a discovery walk on the McMichael grounds to explore nature and outdoor artwork. Back in the studio participants will use paper and a variety of design tools, drawing and colouring materials, to creatively express their ideas in making their own ‘shape’ inspired artwork.
Scratch Painting
In this interactive, hands-on workshop we explore how many artists use colour and dramatic lines in their paintings. We will begin with a walk to the Tom Thomson Shack and a ‘Behind the Scenes’ visit inside. We will learn about the shack and how it had once been Tom Thomson’s home and studio. We then go into the gallery to view and explore a variety of artworks with a focus on line and colour. In the studio we will make our own ‘scratch’ paintings using acrylic paint, oil pastel and an assortment of inscribing tools.
