Helson Gallery Programs

Q: When can I schedule a program?

You can contact us viaand schedule a program during a time that fits your classrooms schedule.

Program Index

Helson Gallery School Programs

gallery curator showing artwork The Helson Gallery virtual school programs provide students with a unique opportunity to view and create art.

Through our interactive presentation, our educators will facilitate the students' experience and exploration of a variety of art works from the Town collection. Your students will be introduced to the elements and principles of art, and apply the critical analysis process to communicate feelings, ideas and understandings.

With an art activity, they will put to use the elements and principals of art to help express feelings and communicate ideas. All projects require basic art materials or recycled/found objects.

Bring the Helson Gallery to your classroom!

All of our school programs directly reinforce the requirements of the Ontario Curriculum in Visual Arts, and offer opportunities for many other Curriculum connections. At this time we are offering these programs for free.

These programs run for approximately 1 hour in total:

Consisting of a 20-30 minute interactive zoom presentation
Followed by an in class or from home art activity which can be completed in 30 minutes

Please contact the Helson Gallery to book your school program.

Choose from 1 of 3 programs designed to meet the curriculum requirements for grades K-3, 4-6, 7-8:

Landscape

Art Activity:

Learn how to create a nature landscape using collage techniques. From coloured papers to found objects, this art lesson provides a range of ideas for the creation of a one of a kind artwork.

Required Materials:

White and coloured paper
Scissors
Glue sticks

Additional Materials:

Patterned paper
Salt, sugar, or dirt/sand
Newspaper, old calendars and/or magazines
Leaves, feathers, or branches
Tissue paper
Cotton balls
Cardboard (older grades)
Fabrics or ribbon (older grades)

Portraiture

Art Activity:

Create 2 portraits that reflect different emotions through colour, shape, line and texture. Learn the basic proportions of the human face and how to create simple facial expressions.

Required Materials:

Printer Paper
Pencil and eraser
Pastels, coloured pencils or crayons
Found objects and/or textured surfaces (Grades 4-8)

Abstract

Art Activity:

Learn how to express feelings and thoughts in an abstract form, using a variety of printmaking techniques.

Required Materials:

Painting paper (White or coloured cardstock or canvas)
Acrylic (best option), tempera paint or studio paint
Found objects such as: bottle caps, plastic bottles, corrugated cardboard, cans, leaves, pinecones, pine needles, Q-tips, Forks, cookie cutters, textured and patterned materials, etc.
Scissors
Paintbrushes
Pencils

Additional Materials for grades 4-8:

Foam board and/or cardboard
Pipe Cleaner
Ribbon
Sponges

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the materials provided?

No, materials are not provided, however teachers can choose to use as much or as little of the additional materials listed.

Is there a charge for this program?

No, this virtual programming is free for schools.

When can I schedule a program?

You can contact us via email and schedule a program during a time that fits your classrooms schedule.

Is there a minimum/maximum number of participants?

At this time we are offering the program to one classroom at a time, however if we have interest in the same program for the same grade level we can possibly accommodate more than one class. We require a minimum of one class per program.

Can we use the chat function?

Yes, please feel free to participate with us during the program with the chat function.

Do I need a microphone or webcam to participate?

Yes, our programs are interactive and require both a microphone and webcam.

How do I prepare my class?

Have the required materials and additional materials ready if you want your students to start their art activity directly after the presentation. You may have to cover your desks as these art activities can be messy.

Will my class be visible?

Given the interactive nature of our programs, it is preferred that your students be visible. They will be visible to the Helson Gallery Educator only.

How does my classroom join from home if we are not in the classroom?

Once we have worked out the time and date of your selected program, you will forward us a Google Meets or Teams invite to your class. From there, you remain in control allowing our Educator into your virtual class as a Presenter.

Helson Gallery Inspirations Program

The Inspirations Art Program was created to inspire an appreciation for art and art making for those with special needs. By establishing a creative and stimulating environment, we afford participants an opportunity to share, explore, have fun and most importantly, feel pride in themselves.

watercolour and black line design The program begins with a tour of the Helson Gallery where participants are encouraged to express their personal responses and engage in a dialogue about the artwork on exhibition. Afterwards in the Cultural Centre Studio, they are given a basic watercolour lesson and can enjoy the relaxing experience of experimenting with colour as pigments are applied and flow over one another. While emphasis is on the creative process, the completed piece also instills a sense of accomplishment.

girl in wheelchair holding up her artwork The Inspirations Art Program is designed to not only inspire creativity, but to also promote social and therapeutic wellness while using art as a means of communication and confidence building. By exploring art in a supportive and relaxed environment, this program addresses issues facing this often marginalized segment of our community through a fun and meaningful creative experience. Participants in the Inspirations Art Program experience not only an appreciation for art, but enjoy a stimulating environment that encourages them to engage with each other, explore, learn and create.

Class sizes for the Inspirations Art Program are small (6 to 10 participants) in order to ensure a safe environment and maximize the level of personal attention. The program runs for approximately 1 hour in total and, at this time, is being offered for free.

If your group is looking for an outing and ready to engage in a creative in-person program, please contact the Helson Gallery to book the Inspirations Program.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a charge for this program?

No, at this time the Inspirations Program is free.

Are the materials provided?

Yes, all art materials are provided. Participants may want to bring an apron to wear – paint can get messy!

When can I schedule a program?

The program is generally offered Monday to Wednesday. You can contact us via email to find a time that fits your schedule.

Is there a minimum/maximum number of participants?

We keep the number small (6 to 10 participants) to ensure a safe environment and maximize the level of personal attention.

Is proof of Covid vaccination required?

In line with provincial guidelines, proof of Covid vaccination is not required. Completion of Covid screening is required when entering the Cultural Centre.

Quick Links

Judy Daley
Curator, Helson Gallery
9 Church Street,
Georgetown, ON,
L7G 2A3
T. 905-877-7915 x2536
F. 905-873-1748
Email Judy Daley
Map to Cultural Centre