Goals

• Provide children in Toronto and the GTA with an enriching experience of interacting with artists in their neighbourhood or community

• Provide art education on and about local Toronto Artists

• Foster local cultural knowledge and identity in the classrooms

• Expose children to the artistic process in an authentic form

• Allow children to experience sophisticated arts programming they may not otherwise be able to afford or have access to

• Connect children  to the surrounding community through artistic engagement

• Use art to help students connect with social studies, local history, and other subject matter linked with the curriculum

• Provide professional development on art education for teachers in the TDSB and TCDSB with extensions for further learning with their class

• Use art as a vehicle for creative and critical thinking in classrooms in Toronto and the GTA

Art Classes in the Schools in the GTA

The program uses the inspiration of both historical and contemporary Toronto artists as the foundation for each lesson. At the beginning of the lesson, students see images and learn about the art and life of the specific Toronto artist or art collective. Afterwards, students are led through an art lesson inspired by the technique of this artist, culminating in the creation of their unique art piece. The classes are designed by qualified art education specialists who work with out learning outcomes to meet the Ontario Ministry Visual Arts Curriculum standards.

Teaching Methods of Artists in the Classrooms 

The Blank Canvases Art Educator uses methods that allow children to create and express their individuality to the best of their ability. This includes best practices in arts education, which reflect open-ended choice-making, encouraging individuality, fostering of expression, and focusing on process rather than product. The lessons use art-making to promote qualities of group camaraderie, mutual respect, positive self-esteem, and critical and creative thinking skills.