Tom Thomson Art Gallery Education

Digital Portal 

Visit our Digital Portal, an all access location for The TOM's digital programming. 

Click here to visit the portal

#myessential

On View: March 6 - May 1, 2021

What is essential to you? This is a question we should be thinking about as a community during the global pandemic, urging critical reflection on what we deem vital. #myessential is a collaborative mural project led by local artist JP Morel and guided by the imaginative virtual responses, creations, and spirit of local youth who collectively answered this important question. Through past, present, and future vantage points, the mural offers a visual diary of the "new normal" we are living in, sharing the experiences of our youth and what they consider essential now more than ever. 

We invite you to contribute to this community project by responding to the question What is essential to you and sharing your #myessential with us in the Gallery space and on social media. Learn more about how your can contribute in the video below! 

JP Morel

JP Morel is an active youth workshop leader (Lookup Theatre and Youth Literacy South Grey-Bruce) and accomplished visual artist who lives and works in Durham, Ontario. In 2017, JP was the lead mural painter mentoring local youth with Maria Hupfield in her exhibition East Wind/West Wind at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. In January 2019, for her solo show at the Durham Art Gallery, she created a large scale tryptic and later that summer also completed a sixty-foot mural on a downtown building highlighting historical figures and members of the Durham Sauntering Band. In 2020, she designed and lead her team of volunteers tackling another sixty-foot mural depicting various animals which habitate in the Saugeen Conservation Area, earning a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Christine Robinson from the Municipality of West Grey.

TOM Talks (Guest Speakers) 

*Currently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic

TOM Talks are informal but informative presentations that explore themes brought to light by current exhibitions and programming. Always free – always intriguing.

School Programs

To book a school tour or workshop, or for more information about our Education Programming, contact Kim Skene, Education and Public Programs: kskene@tomthomson.org or 519-376-1932 ext. 229

Group Tours

As a dynamic place where artists and audiences can meet and flourish, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery provides enriching experiences through art for a range of visitors. Exhibitions are accompanied by informative materials and scheduled tours are conducted by trained docents — all designed to bring a new dimension to visitors’ enjoyment and appreciation of art and its creation. 

Groups
Guided tours for groups of 10 or more can be booked at any time and can be tailored for special interests. A three-week advance booking is requested. Charge for tours ($ 5 suggested donation). 

Schools
The TOM offers free educational student tours that respond to the unique needs of each class, connecting with each teacher’s curriculum plan or current topic of study. We also offer themed tours which are designed to focus on The Elements of Art and The Tom Thomson Experience.

Classes & Workshops

Here at The TOM, we focus on providing a genuine art experience in all our studio classes. We offer specialized programmes taught by professional instructors in small groups in our bright studio, using quality materials and supplies – ensuring an enriched learning experience.
Friends and Supporters of the Gallery receive 10% discount on workshops and classes.
Contact the Art Gallery at 519-376-1932 for full details and registration.

High School Co-op Opportunities

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is committed to providing a supportive environment for students, where they can grow, learn and achieve their goals. We take pride in educating future art gallery and museum professionals and watching our students evolve into active members of inter-professional creative teams. We welcome and encourage students to join The TOM team as they work towards completing their education.
The Gallery accepts a limited number of high school students for semester-long co-op placements. Contact the co-op facilitator at your high school if you are interested in a placement at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.

College/University/Post-Grad Internships

An Internship at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the fields of arts administration, special events and sales support. Opportunities are available starting in September & January each year.