Contemporary Kids: Framing New Perspectives

February 23 + March 2

1-2:30 PM or 3-4:30 PM
Workshop

Exhibition Tour and Framing Workshop Inspired by the 2025 Exposure Photography Festival

Exploring photography works from the Exposure Photography Festival exhibitions, kids will discover how a simple frame can completely transform a picture, all while considering how photographers make choices—what to include, what to leave out, and why. Kids will then create their very own unique frames to bring these ideas to life. It’s a fun way to discover fresh perspectives and see the world in a whole new light!

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

For children ages 5-12. Maximum group of 40 children, with one guardian per child. Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

Contemporary Calgary Educational Programs are often photographed. This photography includes the participants, parents or guardians and their creations. If you wish to not be photographed, please let Contemporary Calgary education staff know upon arrival and they will assist you.

The same workshop is offered in four sessions for your convenience: two sessions on Sunday, February 23 and two sessions on Sunday, March 2. Choose one session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, February 23
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, February 23
3:00-4:30 PM

Sunday, March 2
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, March 2
3:00-4:30 PM

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Lunar New Year Special Contemporary Kids Program
Share Your Wishes and Showcase Creations

January 12 + 19

12:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Workshop

For children ages 5-12.

This January, join us for two exciting workshops in partnership with the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre and Artistry Unite Association. These drop-in creative sessions will take place on Sunday, January 12, and Sunday, January 19, from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

Kids will have the opportunity to explore the art of Chinese ink calligraphy and brush painting while designing playful patterns on rice paper attached to modular boxes. Together, participants will contribute to a collaborative artwork, the Snake Modular Box, made from hundreds of these boxes to express best wishes for 2025.

The final artwork will be displayed at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre as part of the Lunar New Year celebration for the Year of the Snake on January 26. Families are invited to attend the celebration to view the exhibition and enjoy a fun and festive event!

Please note:

• Children will leave their workshop creations for inclusion in the final exhibition.

• If you'd like to pick up your child’s artwork, it will be available at a future workshop after February.

Come and celebrate creativity, culture, and community with us!

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

These are drop-in sessions, no registration is needed for this special Contemporary Kids program.

For children ages 5-12, with one guardian per child. Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

About Our Community Partners

About our TD Educational Coordinator

Yilu Xing (she/her)

Yilu Xing is an artist-educator with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts and a Master's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Alberta, specialized in Printmaking. Xing is the recipient of grants and scholarships from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council, which support her research exploring themes related to culinary cultures, human connections, and the transmission of traditions within immigrant families. Her recent work includes public-based interactive installations, prints, drawings, ceramics, and videos. Xing has also taught art courses within the community and at the University of Alberta.

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Shaghayegh (Poppy) Ghasemi is a PhD candidate at the University of Calgary, with research focusing on children. She holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. Awards from both the University of Manitoba and the University of Calgary have supported her research on child neglect. Poppy has over five years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools across Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. She is passionate about activating children's critical and creative thinking through programs delivered in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River.  

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids: Friends in the Forest

December 1 + 8

1-2:30 PM or 3-4:30 PM
Workshop

For children ages 5-12.

Join us for the Future Wildlife Craft Workshop, inspired by Mia & Eric’s video from the exhibition In a Strange Place.

During this hands-on workshop, children will draw inspiration from the artists' imaginative exploration of forests and their caretakers. They will craft their own unique animal faces to wear on their heads. This engaging activity fosters artistic expression and encourages kids to consider conservation, climate awareness, and how creativity can deepen our understanding and care for the world around us.

*On December 1st, we will be inviting Calgary Wildlife to present porcupines from their Wild Wise program series. Along with crafting porcupine masks, we will step into the paws and claws of our neighbours through song, dance, drama, and much more!

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

For children ages 5-12. Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child. Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

*In case you are unable to attend, kindly inform us by emailing education@contemporarycalgary.com at least 48 hours in advance so someone else can attend.

The same workshop is offered in four sessions for your convenience: two sessions on Sunday, December 1 and two sessions on Sunday, December 8. Choose one session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, December 1
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, December 1
3:00-4:30 PM

Sunday, December 8
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, December 8
3:00-4:30 PM

About Calgary Wildlife

Calgary Wildlife was established in 1993 and is the only wildlife veterinary hospital in the City of Calgary.  Each year, we provide people from Calgary and surrounding areas with expert and compassionate care for the wildlife that live in our communities and wild spaces.  We treat and rehabilitate animals so they are ready to return to the wild and release them in ways that help them thrive. Calgary Wildlife is more than a veterinary hospital and rehabilitation centre.  We contribute to larger studies and conservation efforts by tracking and contributing patient information.  We support humans to live in harmony with wildlife through education, public service announcements, and a hotline for information and support when people meet with injured or orphaned wildlife.  We spark awe and wonder for the natural world in our youth and provide solutions for wildlife related issues to the public. 

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids: Mini Eco-Explorers

November 17 + 24

1-2:30 PM or 3-4:30 PM
Workshop

For children ages 5-12.

Join us for the natural wildlife craft Workshop inspired by Paola Pivi’s playful exhibition Come check it out. 

Inspired by Pivi’s imaginative take on animals and the environment, this hands-on workshop invites kids to craft their own wildlife creatures using natural bark pieces. Children will uncover and shape animal silhouettes, bringing them to life with natural materials and recycled items. This fun activity encourages participants to explore themes of climate change, environmental awareness, and recycling through art and creativity.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

For children ages 5-12. Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child. Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

*In case you are unable to attend, kindly inform us by emailing education@contemporarycalgary.com at least 48 hours in advance so someone else can attend.

The same workshop is offered in four sessions for your convenience: two sessions on Sunday, November 17 and two sessions on Sunday, November 24. Choose one session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, November 17
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, November 17
3:00-4:30 PM

Sunday, November 24
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, November 24
3:00-4:30 PM

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids: My Chess, My Rules

October 20 + 27

1-2:30 PM or 3-4:30 PM
Workshop

For children ages 5-12.

Join us for the Chess making Workshop inspired by Marcel Dzama’s exhibition Ghosts of Canoe Lake. 

This hands-on workshop invites kids to design their own custom chess boards, create whimsical pieces, and invent fun new rules—like a king who loves to cook or a knight who enjoys dancing. Inspired by Marcel Dzama’s video work, children will reimagine traditional chess, using their creations to tell unique stories and infuse the game with humour, fantasy, and personal flair.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

For children ages 5-12. Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child. Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

*In case you are unable to attend, kindly inform us by emailing education@contemporarycalgary.com at least 48 hours in advance so someone else can attend.

The same workshop is offered in four sessions for your convenience: two sessions on Sunday, October 20 and two sessions on Sunday, October 27. Choose one session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, October 20
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, October 20
3:00-4:30 PM

Sunday, October 27
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, October 27
3:00-4:30 PM

About the Artist

Marcel Dzama (he/him)

Since rising to prominence in the late 1990s, Marcel Dzama (b. 1974) has developed an immediately recognizable visual language that draws from folk vernacular, art-historical, and contemporary influences. 

Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Dzama received his BFA in 1997 from the University of Manitoba. Since 1998, his work has been represented by David Zwirner. He has exhibited widely throughout the United States and abroad. In November 2023, Dzama presented To Live on the Moon (For Lorca) a film and performance commissioned by Performa as part of Performa Biennial 2023. Recent solo exhibitions by the artist include Marcel Dzama: Viviendo en el limbo y soñando con el paraíso at the Museo de Arte de Zapopan (MAZ), Mexico, in 2022; Marcel Dzama: An End to the End Times at the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Art, Georgia, in 2021; and Marcel Dzama: Tonight We Dance at the Sara Hildén Art Museum in Tampere, Finland, in 2021. 

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids: Masks & Magic

September 15 + 22

1-2:30 PM or 3-4:30 PM
Workshop

For children ages 5-12.

Join us for a Mystic Masks Magic workshop inspired by Marcel Dzama’s exhibition, Ghosts of Canoe Lake: New Work by Marcel Dzama.

We’ll explore the magical and whimsical elements of folklore and create our own ghostly eye masks. This hands-on session encourages self-expression and brings to life the dreamlike stories found in Dzama’s art. Don’t miss the chance to transform into a character from a fantastical realm!

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

For children ages 5-12. Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child. Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

*In case you are unable to attend, kindly inform us by emailing education@contemporarycalgary.com at least 48 hours in advance so someone else can attend.

The same workshop is offered in four sessions for your convenience: two sessions on Sunday, September 15 and two sessions on Sunday, September 22. Choose one session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, September 15
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, September 15
3:00-4:30 PM

*Following this workshop there will be a FREE film screening of Where the Wild Things Are (2009), dir. Spike Jonze in the Dome Theatre at 5 PM. CLICK HERE to register. 

Sunday, September 22
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, September 22
3:00-4:30 PM

About the Artist

Marcel Dzama (he/him)

Since rising to prominence in the late 1990s, Marcel Dzama (b. 1974) has developed an immediately recognizable visual language that draws from folk vernacular, art-historical, and contemporary influences. 

Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Dzama received his BFA in 1997 from the University of Manitoba. Since 1998, his work has been represented by David Zwirner. He has exhibited widely throughout the United States and abroad. In November 2023, Dzama presented To Live on the Moon (For Lorca) a film and performance commissioned by Performa as part of Performa Biennial 2023. Recent solo exhibitions by the artist include Marcel Dzama: Viviendo en el limbo y soñando con el paraíso at the Museo de Arte de Zapopan (MAZ), Mexico, in 2022; Marcel Dzama: An End to the End Times at the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Art, Georgia, in 2021; and Marcel Dzama: Tonight We Dance at the Sara Hildén Art Museum in Tampere, Finland, in 2021. 

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids: Colour, Tunnel and Kaleidoscope

August 11 + August 18

1-2:30 PM or 3-4:30 PM
Workshop

For children ages 5-12.

Join us for a Kaleidoscope Workshop inspired by Marie Lannoo’s exhibition In Extremis.

Drawing inspiration from Marie Lannoo’s work in the exhibition In Extremis, this hands-on workshop offers a special experience that explores the beauty of light, colours, and reflections. Kids and parents are invited to work together to make a simple kaleidoscope. This fun activity allows participants to think about and see how light and colour work together to create beautiful permutations.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

For children ages 5-12. Maximum group of 40 children, with one guardian per child. Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

*In case you are unable to attend, kindly inform us by emailing education@contemporarycalgary.com at least 48 hours in advance so someone else can attend.

The same workshop is offered in four sessions for your convenience: two sessions on Sunday, August 11 and two sessions on Sunday, August 18. Choose one session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, August 11
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, August 11
3:00-4:30 PM

Sunday, August 18
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, August 18
3:00-4:30 PM

About the Artist

Marie Lannoo

Marie Lannoo was born in Delhi, Ontario. She attended the University of Saskatchewan and studied painting at the Banff School of Arts and at Emma Lake Artists’ Workshops as well as in Virton, Belgium. Her work has been shown in exhibitions throughout Canada and internationally.   

Moving between abstraction and representation, Lannoo’s paintings exert a potent physiological effect on viewers. Imminent art historian Roald Nasgaard comments: “Lannoo’s work draws the viewer deep into internal illusions replete with reflected invasions from the external world. At the same time, it reaches out to embrace and enfold itself around the body of the viewer, who sees the world as if with eyes in the back of his/her/their head.”

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids: Dream, Fantasy and Gleaming Midnight

July 28 + August 4

1-2:30 PM or 3-4:30 PM
Workshop

For children ages 5-12.

Join us for a Papier-mâché Workshop inspired by Marcel Dzama’s exhibition Ghosts of Canoe Lake: New Work by Marcel Dzama.

Drawing inspiration from the fantasy world created by Marcel Dzama in his exhibition Ghosts of Canoe Lake, this workshop invites kids to explore the connection between the seen and unseen. Participants will gain hands-on experience by creating a papier-mâché moon sculpture themed around the mysteries, wonders, and imagination of dark nights.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

For children ages 5-12. Maximum group of 40 children, with one guardian per child. Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

*In case you are unable to attend, kindly inform us by emailing education@contemporarycalgary.com at least 48 hours in advance so someone else can attend.

The same workshop is offered in four sessions for your convenience: two sessions on Sunday, July 28 and two sessions on Sunday, August 4. Choose one session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, July 28
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, July 28
3:00-4:30 PM

Sunday, August 4
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, August 4
3:00-4:30 PM

About the Artist

Marcel Dzama (he/him)

Since rising to prominence in the late 1990s, Marcel Dzama (b. 1974) has developed an immediately recognizable visual language that draws from folk vernacular, art-historical, and contemporary influences. 

Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Dzama received his BFA in 1997 from the University of Manitoba. Since 1998, his work has been represented by David Zwirner. He has exhibited widely throughout the United States and abroad. In November 2023, Dzama presented To Live on the Moon (For Lorca) a film and performance commissioned by Performa as part of Performa Biennial 2023. Recent solo exhibitions by the artist include Marcel Dzama: Viviendo en el limbo y soñando con el paraíso at the Museo de Arte de Zapopan (MAZ), Mexico, in 2022; Marcel Dzama: An End to the End Times at the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Art, Georgia, in 2021; and Marcel Dzama: Tonight We Dance at the Sara Hildén Art Museum in Tampere, Finland, in 2021. 

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids: Plants, Bodies, and Nature

June 23 + 30

1-2:30 PM or 3-4:30 PM
Workshop

For children ages 5-12.

Join us for a Paper Plants Making Workshop inspired by Winnie Truong’s exhibition Curious Nature.

Drawing inspiration from the delicate paper sculptures featured in the Curious Nature exhibition, kids will engage in drawing and hands-on activities during the workshop to explore the similarities and connections between plant components and parts of our bodies. This workshop provides kids with the opportunity to understand the natural growth process, enhance their self-body awareness, and discover the relationships among plants, our bodies, and the natural world.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

For children ages 5-12. Maximum group of 40 children, with one guardian per child. Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

*In case you are unable to attend, kindly inform us by emailing education@contemporarycalgary.com at least 48 hours in advance so someone else can attend.

The same workshop is offered in four sessions for your convenience: two sessions on Sunday, June 23 and two sessions on Sunday, June 30. Choose one session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, June 23
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, June 23
3:00-4:30 PM

Sunday, June 30
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, June 30
3:00-4:30 PM

About the artist

Winnie Truong (she/her)

Winnie Truong is a Toronto artist working with drawing and collage to explore ideas of identity, feminism, and fantasy along with a digital art and animation practice that includes public art and community engagement. She has exhibited across Canada, the US and Europe with solo presentations at Volta New York Art Fair, Pulse Miami Art Fair and Art Toronto. Truong is a 2017 recipient of the Chalmers Arts Fellowship and. Her work can be found in private collections, The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Overland Park, Kansas, Doris McCarthy Gallery at the University of Toronto, Bank of Denmark, EQ Bank, Scotiabank Fine Art Collection, RBC Art Collection and TD Bank Corporate Art Collection.

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids
Forest, Creature and Fairytale

May 5+12
1-2:30 PM or 3-4:30 PM

For children ages 5-12.

Join us for Planting and Clay Sculpting Workshop inspired by Derek Liddington’s exhibition the trees weep, the mountain still, the bodies rust.

Inspired by the trees weep, the mountain still, the bodies rust by Derek Liddington, this workshop invites kids to dive into the fairytale forest envisioned by Liddington and unleash creativity through hands-on activities with clay sculpting and planting. This workshop offers a wonderful opportunity to explore diverse perspectives, feelings, and relationships between the forest and ourselves.

*This workshop involves hands-on activities with plant seeds and potting soil.  If your child has any sensitivities to these materials, we recommend bringing gloves to ensure their comfort during the activities.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

For children ages 5-12. Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child.Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

*In case you are unable to attend, kindly inform us by emailing education@contemporarycalgary.com at least 48 hours in advance so someone else can attend.

The same workshop is offered in four sessions for your convenience: two sessions on Sunday, May 5 and two sessions on Sunday, May 12. Choose one session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, May 5
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, May 5
3:00-4:30 PM

Sunday, May 12
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, May 12
3:00-4:30 PM

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids
Dimensions, Mixed-Media and Sculpture

April 7 + 14
1-2:30 PM or 3-4:30 PM

For children ages 5-12.

Exhibition Tour and Mixed-Media Sculpture Workshop inspired by the Exhibition Surface, by Anton Ginzburg.

Inspired by Surface by Anton Ginzburg, this hands-on Mixed-Media Sculpture workshop invites kids to explore the fun of making mix media sculpture, while considering ideas related to different dimensions, feelings and how our brain can work as an algorithm.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities. 

Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child.Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

The same workshop is offered in four sessions for your convenience: two sessions on Sunday, April 7 and two sessions on Sunday, April 14. Choose one session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, April 7
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, April 7
3:00-4:30 PM

Sunday, April 14
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, April 14
3:00-4:30 PM

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids
Landscape, City and Collage

March 24 + 31
1-2:30 PM or 3-4:30 PM

For children ages 5-12.

Exhibition Tour and Collaborative Collage Workshop inspired by the Exhibition Surface, by Anton Ginzburg.

Inspired by Surface by Anton Ginzburg, this hands-on collage workshop invites kids to explore the fun of collaborative collage, while considering ideas related to composition, landscape in city planning, and how we relate to the city in which we reside.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities. 

Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child.Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

The same workshop is offered in four sessions for your convenience: two sessions on Sunday, March 24 and two sessions on Sunday, March 31. Choose one session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, March 24
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, March 24
3:00-4:30 PM

Sunday, March 31
1:00-2:30 PM

Sunday, March 31
3:00-4:30 PM

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids
Air, Lungs, and Balloon Paint

February 25 + March 3
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

For children ages 4-12.

Join us for an Exhibition Tour and Balloon Paint Workshop inspired by the Exhibition of Resistance & Respiration, curated by Amanda Cachia.

Inspired by the Resistance & Respiration curated by Amanda Cachia, this hands-on balloon painting workshop invites kids to practice breathing and explore the fun of collaborative balloon painting while considering ideas related to mark making, colour choices, storytelling and how we breathe air in and out of our lungs.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities. 

For children ages 4-12. Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child.
Snacks and workshop supplies will be provided.

Please make sure to arrive on time as this workshop is scheduled outside our regular gallery operational hours. The front entrance will be locked after 10:15 am. We appreciate your punctuality. Thank you!

Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

This workshop is offered on two Sundays for your convenience: February 25 and March 3. Please choose a session that suits your schedule best. 

Sunday, February 25
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday, March 3
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids
Air, Lungs, and Music

February 11 + 18
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

For children ages 4-12.

Join us for an Exhibition Tour and Sound Workshop is inspired by Resistance & Respiration curated by Amanda Cachia.

Embark on a creative journey inspired by the vibrant Resistance & Respiration exhibition, where kids will discover the fascinating realm of art through the lens of breathing. Join us in crafting unique instruments that transform breathing into a dynamic and expressive expression. Through this workshop, children will explore how their lungs and breath can become powerful tools for creating art.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities. 

For children ages 4-12. Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child.
Snacks and workshop supplies will be provided.

Please make sure to arrive on time as this workshop is scheduled outside our regular gallery operational hours. The front entrance will be locked after 10:15 am. We appreciate your punctuality. Thank you!

Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

This workshop is offered on two Sundays for your convenience: February 11 and February 18. Please choose a session that suits your schedule best. 

Sunday, February 11
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday, February 18
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids
Shapes, Compositions, and Block Printing

January 7, 21 & 28
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

For children ages 4-12.

Join us for an Exhibition Tour and Printmaking Workshop inspired by the work of Jennifer Marman and Daniel Borins.

Inspired by the paintings in THX 2020 by Jennifer Marman and Daniel Borins, this hands-on block printing workshop invites kids to explore shapes and composition. Considering ideas related to mark making, colour choices, and storytelling, participants will craft their own unique printing matrix and hand-pull prints from it.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities. 

For children ages 4-12. Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child.
Snacks and workshop supplies will be provided.

Questions? Please visit our FAQ page.

This workshop is offered on three Sundays for your convenience: January 7, January 21 and January 28. Please choose a session that suits your schedule best. 

Sunday, January 7
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday, January 21
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday, January 28
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

About our TD Educational Facilitators

Poppy Ghasemi (she/her)

Poppy holds a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies and a master's in Anthropology. The awards she received from the University of Manitoba supported her research on child neglect. She has over four years of hands-on experience working with children and youth in museums and schools in Iran, Turkey, and Canada. Before joining Contemporary Calgary, she was a program educator at the Manitoba Children's Museum. Poppy primarily focuses on activating children's critical and creative thinking skills while delivering programs in English, French, Farsi, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking and walking with her husky along the Bow River during her leisure time.

Dandan Gu (she/her)

Dandan Gu graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design. Prior to that, she obtained her first bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. Dandan has worked as a graphic designer for various companies and creative projects. Currently, she passionately serves as an educational assistant for art-making programs within the community, sharing her creative expertise with young learners. In her free time, Dandan enjoys practicing ink art, Chinese calligraphy, and illustrating cats and people around her.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids
Shapes, Symbols, and Headgear

December 10 & December 17
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

For children ages 4-12.

Join us for an Exhibition Tour and Wearable Headgear Workshop inspired by the work of Jennifer Marman and Daniel Borins.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

Inspired by the installations and paintings from 'THX2020' by Jennifer Marman and Daniel Borins, kids will take part in a hands-on project exploring symbols and shapes in art. Using paper and crafting materials, participants will create wearable headgear while considering cultural symbols and personal expressions

For children ages 4-12. Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child.
Snacks and workshop supplies will be provided.

This workshop is offered on two dates for your convenience: Sunday, December 10 and Sunday, December 17. Please choose a session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, December 10
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday, December 17
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

About the facilitator,
Yilu (she/her)
TD Educational Coordinator

Yilu Xing is an artist-educator with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts and a Master's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Alberta, specializing in Printmaking. Xing is the recipient of grants and scholarships from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council, which support her research exploring themes related to culinary cultures, human connections, and the transmission of traditions within immigrant families. Her recent work includes public-based interactive installations, prints, drawings, ceramics, and videos. Xing has also taught art courses within the community and at the University of Alberta.

Supported by

Supported by

Contemporary Kids
Colours, Patterns, and Wearable

November 26 & December 3
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

For children ages 4-12.

Join us for an Exhibition Tour and Pattern Exploration inspired by the work of Jennifer Marman and Daniel Borins.

Our free onsite Contemporary Kids programs invite children to learn about modern and contemporary art through unique and engaging art activities.

Inspired by paintings of the costumes from ‘ABCD’ by Jennifer Marman and Daniel Borins, kids will engage in a hands-on project where they will explore colour and pattern composition. Using craft and drawing materials, participants will create a paper wearable top while considering the self-expression and pattern design on clothing.

For children ages 4-12. Maximum group of 30 children, with one guardian per child.
Snacks and workshop supplies will be provided.

This workshop is offered on two dates for your convenience: Sunday, November 26 and Sunday, December 3. Please choose a session that suits your schedule best.

Sunday, November 26
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday, December 3
10:00 AM-12:00 PM

About the facilitator,
Yilu (she/her)
TD Educational Coordinator

Yilu Xing is an artist-educator with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts and a Master's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Alberta, specializing in Printmaking. Xing is the recipient of grants and scholarships from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council, which support her research exploring themes related to culinary cultures, human connections, and the transmission of traditions within immigrant families. Her recent work includes public-based interactive installations, prints, drawings, ceramics, and videos. Xing has also taught art courses within the community and at the University of Alberta.

Supported by

Supported by