Watch the virtual celebration here.
Design
Selected through an international competition, Michael Maltzan Architecture‘s challenge was to increase public access to the WAG’s celebrated collection of contemporary Inuit art, while respecting the context and character of the Gallery’s iconic 1971 modernist building, designed by Gustavo da Roza. Maltzan was inspired by a trip to Nunavut where the team visited Inuit communities and artists’ studios. Working with associate Cibinel Architecture, Maltzan’s design echos the ephemeral qualities of the North. Qaumajuq’s undulating white stone façade, made of Bethel Granite, hovers above the ground as if floating over the glass-filled lobby. Its abstract quality recalls the scale and carved forms of the North as well as the artwork housed within its walls.
Nutaaq Tummaqtuyuq
“big steps forward” Inuvialuktun >>> Outdoor Plaza
Come relax at the new community plaza on St. Mary Ave. You can peek inside to the Visible Vault and other spaces of Qaumajuq, and enjoy the patio in the summer months. You’ll also come face-to-face with two new outdoor sculptures: Tuniigusiia/The Gift by Goota Ashoona, commissioned by the Manitoba Teachers’ Society; and Time to Play by Abraham Anghik Ruben, commissioned by Tannis M. Richardson.
Ilavut
“our relatives” in Inuktitut >>> Entrance Hall
The first thing you’ll see, even before you enter Qaumajuq, is a three-story glass vault filled with thousands of carvings from the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. The vault’s curved walls allow you to walk around the collection and also be immersed in it. You’ll see curators, conservators, and other Gallery staff working within the vault. It’s like a town square—you come from the outdoor plaza into the entrance hall with art, a main floor shop and café, and leading you to breathtaking new gallery and learning spaces.
New Era of Accessibility
Qaumajuq’s new main entrance isn’t the only way the Gallery is opening up, the entire main floor is FREE. Membership to WAG-Qaumajuq is FREE if you’re 25 or under, and if you’re over 25 you can sign up for $35. Admission is also FREE for all Indigenous Peoples.
Ilipvik
“a place where you can go to learn” in Inuttitut >>> The Learning Steps
The Learning Steps is a 90-seat theatre where you can take in talks, performances, films, and more. It’s also a smart classroom expanding our distance learning programs, connecting classrooms, artists, elders, and educators locally, from North to South and worldwide. A massive curtain printed with an artwork by Elisapee Ishulutaq, titled Yesterday and Today, will envelop you during screenings and private events.
Niizhwaaso
“seven” in Ojibway, in honour of the Indigenous group of seven >>> Collaborative Learning Centre
Make your way up to the second floor and discover the reading room with access to the Clara Lander Library which includes artist files, periodicals, and archives totalling over 24,000 volumes. Learn more about the space here. This research area expands on the Clara Lander Library, established in 1971.
The non-circulating collections support research activities of WAG staff and are also available to the academic community and general public. It overlooks the Learning Steps and features an outdoor terrace where you can not only hang out, but where you’ll discover artist demonstrations, performances, and more. Stay tuned!
Three New Gallery Spaces
- PIMÂTISIWIN “life and the act of living, to be alive” in Cree/Ojibway >>> Focus Gallery
- GIIZHIG / KISIK “sky, heaven, day” in Cree/Michif/Ojibway >>> Fourth Floor Gallery
- QILAK “sky” in Inuktitut >>> Main Inuit Gallery
On the third level, you will enter an intimate space called Pimâtisiwin that leads into Qilak, an 8,000-square-foot gallery dedicated to the display of Inuit art. Enormous skylights in the ceiling bring an amazing quality of light, illuminating the art and undulating walls. Keep ascending skyward to Giizhig, overlooking the main gallery.
WAG Studio
Art-making has moved up to the rooftop level of WAG-Qaumajuq! No matter your age or skill level, this new space is sure to inspire you. Join artist instructors and channel your creativity in five indoor classrooms, and two outdoor studios. From painting and pottery to carving and new media, choose from five and 10-week classes, or casual, one-night workshops (including private virtual sessions for you and your family and friends!).
Events
Director’s Trip
Vive le Quebec!
Oct 21 Oct 26 '24
Join Dr. Stephen Borys on a bespoke trip to Montreal and Quebec City.
Kids Arrangement Workshop
April 21
Sunday, April 21
Come join us for our delightful Floral Workshops tailored for children ages 6 and up! Led by Julie Myers, a mother of three and accomplished floral designer, this workshop promises an enriching experience for young minds. Julie, with her background as an illustrator, painter, and flower arranger, is eager to share her knowledge and creativity with the kids.
Spring Centerpiece Workshop
April 19
April 19
In this workshop, botanical artist Julie Myers will lead you through a captivating floral arranging demonstration, providing expert guidance and insights into various flower types to spark inspiration and guide your creative process. In this engaging workshop, participants will have the opportunity to craft a unique garden-inspired arrangement using fresh seasonal early-Springtime flowers.
Spring Centerpiece Deluxe Workshop
April 20
April 20
In this workshop, botanical artist Julie Myers invites you to join a captivating floral arranging workshop where she will personally guide you through a demonstration, offering insights into various flower types to inspire and direct your creativity. During this session, participants will have the opportunity to craft a one-of-a-kind garden-inspired arrangement using fresh seasonal early-Springtime flowers.
Fresh Spring Wreath Workshop
April 20
April 20
Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll have the opportunity to create a unique and charming wreath that captures the essence of the fresh spring season. Under the expert guidance of our instructor, you will learn the art of combining Eucalyptus, Plumosa, and Pussy Willows to craft a beautiful and fragrant wreath to enhance your home’s entrance.
Kids Arrangement Workshop
April 20
Saturday, April 20
Come join us for our delightful Floral Workshops tailored for children ages 6 and up! Led by Julie Myers, a mother of three and accomplished floral designer, this workshop promises an enriching experience for young minds. Julie, with her background as an illustrator, painter, and flower arranger, is eager to share her knowledge and creativity with the kids.
Ikebana Workshop
April 21
April 21
This workshop will be led by the talented Julie Myers! With her expertise, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the intricate world of Ikebana, learning the principles of balance and the art of creating a captivating visual poetry with flowers. Join us for an enriching experience where you can explore the profound beauty of Ikebana under the guidance of Julie Myers.
Dried and Preserved Arrangement Workshop
April 21
April 21
Botanical artist Julie Myers invites you to join a live workshop that delves into the concepts and techniques of creating stunning, long-lasting preserved and dried flower arrangements. This hands-on experience will empower you to craft exquisite arrangements that you’ll take pride in displaying in your home or gifting to others.
Portraits: Abstract Realism (Intermediate)
Adult
Apr 17 Jun 19 '24
This class is designed for individuals who have a basic drawing and painting skill level and wish to learn the art of figurative painting using acrylic paints.
Life Drawing (Intermediate)
Adult
Apr 16 Jun 18 '24
Using a variety of drawing materials, you will work from a model and learn about proportion, foreshortening, and other fundamental techniques for drawing the human form.
Oil Painting
Adult
Apr 18 Jun 20 '24
Discover the art of oil painting.
Mixed Media
Adult
Apr 18 Jun 20 '24
Combine disparate materials, employ a variety of techniques, and use your creativity to develop images and ideas.
Collage & Assemblage
Adult
Apr 16 Jun 18 '24
Juxtapose, transform and combine recycled materials, found objects, paper, photographs, cloth, cardboard, metals, or wood, into 2D and 3D works of art. Whether constructing a piece of personal history through use of mementos or an abstract piece, students learn through experimentation with color, form, and design.
Acrylic Painting
Adult
Apr 17 Jun 19 '24
Discover the art of acrylic painting.
Thursday Drawing Basics
Adult
Apr 18 Jun 20 '24
For students with little or no drawing experience, this introduction to the fundamental techniques and concepts of drawing will sharpen observational skills and build confidence.
Tuesday Drawing Basics
Adult
Apr 16 Jun 18 '24
For students with little or no drawing experience, this introduction to the fundamental techniques and concepts of drawing will sharpen observational skills and build confidence.
Intermediate Pottery
Adult
Apr 17 Jun 19 '24
For students that have taken pottery previously and are ready to move onto more advanced techniques.
Thursday Pottery
Adult
Apr 18 Jun 20 '24
Discover hand building, which includes slab building, slump molded forms, and throwing on the potter’s wheel.
Tuesday Pottery
Adult
Apr 16 Jun 18 '24
Discover hand building, which includes slab building, slump molded forms, and throwing on the potter’s wheel. From basic thrown or hand-built forms you’ll create mugs, bowls, and platters. You’ll also learn glazing and decorating techniques to finish your work and develop your own ideas related to functional and non-functional forms.
Monday Pottery
Adult
Apr 15 Jun 24 '24
Discover hand building, which includes slab building, slump molded forms, and throwing on the potter’s wheel. From basic thrown or hand-built forms you’ll create mugs, bowls, and platters. You’ll also learn glazing and decorating techniques to finish your work and develop your own ideas related to functional and non-functional forms.
Figurative Painting (Intermediate)
Adult
Apr 15 Jun 24 '24
This class is designed for individuals who have a basic drawing and painting skill level and wish to learn the art of figurative painting using acrylic paints.
Block Printing
Adult
Apr 15 Jun 24 '24
Learn to create custom art prints, cards, textiles and more!
Digital Drawing
Adult
Apr 15 Jun 24 '24
Transform your drawings into digital works of art! Bring your own tablet, or use the WAG’s in our new Digital Media Lab!
Watercolour Painting
Adult
Apr 15 Jun 24 '24
Learn the basic techniques of watercolour painting, the use and care of paints and brushes, the elements and principals of design, and colour theory.
Digital Drawing 4
Ages 12-15
Apr 17 Jun 19 '24
Students will learn to translate the principles of traditional drawing and painting into the language of digital media using an iPad with Apple Pencil and the Procreate app.
Digital Drawing 4
Ages 12-15
Apr 16 Jun 18 '24
Students will learn to translate the principles of traditional drawing and painting into the language of digital media using an iPad with Apple Pencil and the Procreate app.
Clayworks 2
Ages 6-8
Apr 14 Jun 23 '24
Students will work on a series of functional and sculptural projects, using a variety of techniques to develop clay hand-building skills.
Clayworks 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 14 Jun 23 '24
Students will work on a series of functional and sculptural projects, using a variety of techniques to develop clay hand-building skills.
Mixed Media 2
Ages 6-8
Apr 14 Jun 23 '24
Students will try out a variety of media that may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking.
Drawing & Painting 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 14 Jun 23 '24
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Digital Drawing 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 14 Jun 23 '24
Students will learn to translate the principles of traditional drawing and painting into the language of digital media using an iPad with Apple Pencil and the Procreate app. Transform your drawings into digital works of art! Bring your own tablet, or borrow the WAG’s in our new Digital Media Lab
Digital Drawing 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 14 Jun 23 '24
Students will learn to translate the principles of traditional drawing and painting into the language of digital media using an iPad with Apple Pencil and the Procreate app. Transform your drawings into digital works of art! Bring your own tablet, or borrow the WAG’s in our new Digital Media Lab
Mixed Media 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 14 Jun 23 '24
Students will try out a variety of media that may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking. Encouraging creativity, projects can be layered, mixed, and occasionally take more than one class to complete.
Drawing & Painting 2
Ages 6-8
Apr 14 Jun 23 '24
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Clayworks 4
Ages 12-15
Apr 13 Jun 22 '24
Students will work on a series of functional and sculptural projects, using a variety of techniques to develop clay hand-building skills.
Handbuilt Pottery
Adult
Apr 13 Jun 22 '24
Learn how to manipulate slabs of clay into everyday functional forms or sculptural pieces.
Drawing & Painting 4
Ages 12-15
Apr 13 Jun 22 '24
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Grown Up & Little 1
Ages 4-5
Apr 13 Jun 22 '24
Grown ups will explore their creative side, while introducing their little one to the world of visual arts during this collaborative class!
Drawing & Painting 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 13 Jun 22 '24
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Mixed Media 2
Ages 6-8
Apr 13 Jun 22 '24
Students will try out a variety of media that may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking.
Animation
Ages 9-14
Apr 13 Jun 22 '24
This course provides a beginner’s understanding of animation process and techniques.
Art in Bloom 2024
April 19 - 21
Apr 19 Apr 21 '24
Every second year, the galleries blossom with a feast for the senses. Join us for this year’s Art in Bloom, April 19 – 21!
Spring Fling
Preview Party
Thursday, Apr 18 '24
Join us for this year’s Art in Bloom Preview Party in the Gallery, and get a first-hand look at this year’s floral exhibits created by professional and amateur florists!
We Are Made from the Land
Documentary Screening
March 27
Join us for the screening of We Are Made from the Land! We Are Made from the Land tells the story of four First Nations…
Digital Drawing 3 or 4
Ages 9-11 and 12-15
Multiple Dates/Ages Available
Students will learn to translate the principles of traditional drawing and painting into the language of digital media using an iPad with Apple Pencil and the Procreate app.
Robert Archambeau In Memoriam
A Retrospective Sales Series @ ShopWAG
March 21
Robert Archambeau In Memoriam: A Retrospective Sales Series
Cannes Lions
International Festival of Creativity
December 9 - March 30
Catch the screenings of the 2023 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity – The World’s Best Ads! The works will screen at WAG-Qaumajuq with select dates in December and January.
Mixed Media 2 or 3
Ages 6-8 and 9-11
Multiple Dates/Ages Available
Students will try out a variety of media that may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking.
Pottery
Adult
Multiple Dates Available
Discover hand building, which includes slab building, slump molded forms, and throwing on the potter’s wheel.
Drawing Basics
Adult
Multiple Dates Available
For students with little or no drawing experience, this introduction to the fundamental techniques and concepts of drawing will sharpen observational skills and build confidence.
Clayworks 2, 3 or 4
Ages 6-8, 9-11 and 12-15
Multiple Dates/Ages Available
Students will work on a series of functional and sculptural projects, using a variety of techniques to develop clay hand-building skills.
Drawing & Painting 2, 3 or 4
Ages 6-8, 9-11 and 12-15
Multiple Dates/Ages Available
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Travel Tour
Haida Gwaii
Jun 11 Jun 16 '24
Join the Associates of the WAG on a Travel Tour to Haida Gwaii!
Spring Break Art Camp 2024
Ages 6-12
Mar 25 Mar 28 '24
Campers have the opportunity learn about the current exhibitions on display and the permanent collection, while getting a behind the scenes look at how the gallery operates.
The Gallery is open today regular hours. For tips for visiting, please visit wag.ca/tips.