ART START
Creative explorations for our youngest budding artists
Art Start returns with an exciting new eight-week format! With more time to explore, young artists ages 4–6 can become familiar with the studio, build confidence, and develop a joyful routine of making art week after week. Through engaging, hands-on activities, participants will experiment with a variety of materials, colours, and ideas while discovering the joy of art-making in a welcoming, supportive environment that encourages curiosity, imagination, and self-expression. The course will be taught by the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s roster of Art Educators.
Registration opens August 1, 2026
Saturdays, October 17 – December 5, 2026
11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Suitable for ages 4-6
Fee: $200 | $180 AGP Members: Tier 3 and up
Week 1: Character Sculptures October 17, 2026
Instructor: TBC
Create your very own characters full of personality, complete with fun expressions and playful details. Children will explore the possibilities of clay as they roll, pinch, and shape their creations while discovering the joy of sculpting.
Week 2: Expressive Shapes and Colours October 24, 2026
Instructor: TBC
Explore how colours and shapes can express feelings and ideas. Children will experiment with colour combinations from the colour wheel while discovering new ways to share their thoughts and emotions through art.
Week 3: Halloween Plushies October 31, 2026
Instructor: TBC
Celebrate Halloween by designing and sewing a pumpkin plushie! Children will explore simple sewing techniques, strengthening hand-eye coordination, while bringing their playful creations to life with a little fabric, thread, and imagination.
Week 4: Mixed Media Animal Portraits November 7, 2026
Instructor: TBC
Using a range of mediums in the studio, children will create bold and regal portraits of their favourite animals. Along the way, they will explore layering, texture, and creative mark-making while discovering how different materials can work together to bring their artwork to life.
Week 5: Autumn Leaf Painting Prints November 14, 2026
Instructor: TBC
Celebrate the colours of fall by painting directly onto leaves and pressing them onto paper to create vibrant prints. Children will explore colour, pattern, and texture while discovering the fun of printmaking and creating artwork inspired by the changing season.
Week 6: Colourful Bead Creations November 21, 2026
Instructor: TBC
Discover the magic of beads! Children will design and create their own colourful beaded objects while exploring patterns and textures through this tactile activity.
Week 7: Storybooks November 28, 2026
Instructor: TBC
Bring your best stories to life by creating original storybooks filled with humour, creativity, and surprises! Children will turn their ideas into handmade books to take home and share.
Week 8: Paper Snowflakes December 5, 2026
Instructor: TBC
Welcome the winter season by folding, cutting, and painting paper snowflakes to create unique seasonal artworks. Children will experiment with shapes and patterns to create unique snowflakes and celebrate the magic of winter.
Ways to Register:
There are three easy options to register for an AGP Program:
- Click on the links provided to register online (made available when registration is live)
- Call us at 705 743 9179 to register your child over the phone.
- OR, register in person during your next visit to the Art Gallery of Peterborough.
General Information
All participants will need to complete and return a Health and Information form prior to the beginning of the program. Forms can be filled out at the time of registration. If you have any questions, please contact:
Casandra Lee
Education Program Coordinator
caslee@peterborough.ca
705 743 9179 ext. 2025
For more information about AGP Program Policies, refunds, cancellations, etc. please visit our General Information for Programs section.