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
Climate & Disability Justice
@ WAG-Qaumajuq
Sunday, Apr 16 '23
Join us for an afternoon of film screenings, a panel discussion, and hands-on activities supporting Climate & Disability Justice!
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, Apr 9 '23
Join us on the second Sunday of every month for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
Drop-in Tours
Select Afternoons
Uncover the stories behind the art and artists with a 45-60-minute guided tour by our experienced Gallery Guides on select afternoons.
NOURISH
Signature Dinner &Tour
Friday, Apr 21 '23
Perfect for a special night out! Enjoy the WAG’s signature dinner and tour program, featuring a three-course meal, followed by an inspiring tour in the exhibition galleries.
Sounds of Manitoba
at WAG-Qaumajuq
Mar 17 Jun 30 '23
Join us for an exciting evening at our new music & art program, Sounds of Manitoba, featuring year-long informal performances by Manitoba musicians in our gallery spaces. March 17 will feature Cara Luft!
Opening Celebration
Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time
Friday, Mar 31 '23
Join us for the opening of Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time! Celebrate this massive exhibition featuring over 400 works of art dating from 200 BCE to present day.
Art to Inspire
Apr 6 May 25 '23
Art to Inspire is a program designed to creatively engage people living with dementia, and their care partners, with visual art.
Cannes Lions
International Festival of Creativity
March 30 - April 1
Catch the reruns of the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity – The World’s Best Ads! The reruns will screen at WAG-Qaumajuq with select dates in March and April.
Clayworks 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 15 Jun 24 '23
Students will work on a series of functional and sculptural projects, using a variety of techniques to develop clay hand-building skills.
Watercolour Painting
Adult
Multiple Dates Available
Learn the basic techniques of watercolour painting, the use and care of paints and brushes, the elements and principals of design, and colour theory.
Afternoon Watercolour Painting
Adult
Apr 21 Jun 23 '23
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
Adult
Apr 19 Jun 21 '23
Transform your drawings into digital works of art! Bring your own tablet, or use the WAG’s in our new Digital Media Lab!
Animation 3 or 4
Ages 9-11, and 12-15
Multiple Dates/Ages Available
This course provides a beginner’s understanding of animation process and techniques.
Life Drawing
Adult
Apr 17 Jun 26 '23
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.
Animation 4
Ages 12-15
Apr 18 Jun 20 '23
Students will create animations within Toon Boom.They will work on developing their own stories, characters, and designs to complete basic animation projects with emphasis placed on individual creativity.
Animation 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 15 Jun 24 '23
This course provides a beginner’s understanding of animation process and techniques. Students will work with claymation and other styles of animation if time allows. They will work on developing their own stories, characters, and designs to complete basic animation projects with emphasis placed on individual creativity.
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.
Mixed Media 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 16 Jun 25 '23
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.
Mixed Media 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 15 Jun 24 '23
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.
Mixed Media 2
Ages 6-8
Apr 16 Jun 25 '23
Students will try out a variety of media that may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking.
Mixed Media 2
Ages 6-8
Apr 15 Jun 24 '23
Students will try out a variety of media that may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking.
Oil Painting
Adult
Apr 20 Jun 22 '23
Discover the art of oil painting.
Mixed Media
Adult
Apr 18 Jun 20 '23
Combine disparate materials, employ a variety of techniques, and use your creativity to develop images and ideas.
Graphic Novel
Ages 10-15
Apr 19 Jun 21 '23
Love reading comics and drawing? This graphic novel class allows students to explore the art of storytelling through illustration. Students will develop their unique skills in sketching, storyboarding, creating characters and the worlds they live in, and put their ideas on paper. Students will produce their own graphic novel or zine for personal or portfolio use.
Pottery
Adult
Multiple Dates Available
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.
Illustration
Adult
Apr 20 Jun 22 '23
Learn the basics of this versatile and expressive art form while improving your drawing skills. Tell your story in pictures, develop and design your own characters, create textures, and depict gestures. The end result is a self-produced picture book.
Thursday Pottery
Adult
Apr 20 Jun 22 '23
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.
Tuesday Pottery
Adult
Apr 18 Jun 20 '23
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 17 Jun 26 '23
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.
Grown Up & Little 1
Ages 4-5
Apr 15 Jun 24 '23
Grown ups will explore their creative side, while introducing their little one to the world of visual arts during this collaborative class!
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.
Digital Drawing 4
Ages 12-15
Apr 20 Jun 22 '23
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.
Tuesday Drawing Basics
Adult
Apr 18 Jun 20 '23
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.
Digital Drawing 4
Ages 12-15
Apr 17 Jun 26 '23
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 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 16 Jun 25 '23
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 16 Jun 25 '23
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
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. Practice translating what you see into what you draw as you work with different subjects, including still life studies and the human form.
Clayworks 2, 3, or 4
Ages 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14
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.
Intermediate Pottery
Adult
Apr 19 Jun 21 '23
For students that have taken pottery previously and are ready to move onto more advanced techniques. In addition to working on the wheel, you will also learn shaping, glazing, and decorating techniques to finish your work and develop your own ideas related to functional and non-functional forms.
Clayworks 4
Ages 12-15
Apr 15 Jun 24 '23
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 16 Jun 25 '23
Students will work on a series of functional and sculptural projects, using a variety of techniques to develop clay hand-building skills.
Watercolour Painting
Adult
Apr 17 Jun 26 '23
Learn the basic techniques of watercolour painting, the use and care of paints and brushes, the elements and principals of design, and colour theory.
Clayworks 2
Ages 6-8
Apr 16 Jun 25 '23
Students will work on a series of functional and sculptural projects, using a variety of techniques to develop clay hand-building skills.
Acrylic Painting
Adult
Apr 18 Jun 20 '23
Discover the art of acrylic painting.
Block Printing
Adult
Apr 17 Jun 26 '23
Learn to create custom art prints, cards, textiles and more!
Drawing & Painting 2
Ages 6-8
Apr 15 Jun 24 '23
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Drawing & Painting 2
Ages 6-8
Apr 16 Jun 25 '23
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Drawing & Painting 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 16 Jun 25 '23
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Drawing & Painting 4
Ages 12-15
Apr 20 Jun 22 '23
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
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.
Figurative Painting
Adult
Apr 19 Jun 21 '23
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.
Travel Tour
Patagonia & Buenos Aires
Oct 30 Nov 12 '23
Join the Associates of the WAG on a Travel Tour to Patagonia and Buenos Aires!
Spring Break Art Camp
6-12
Thursday, Mar 30 '23
Print & Press: Explore the exhibition, Headlines: The Art of the News Cycle, featuring hands-on activities, videos, and an original newspaper press, then create your own newsworthy print in the studio.
Spring Break Art Camp
6-12
Friday, Mar 31 '23
Geometry Rules: Enjoy geometric art in the Gallery that features symmetry, pattern, sequence, and tessellations, then create your own mathematical masterpiece using a variety of straight edges, rulers, and graph paper.
Spring Break Art Camp
6-12
Wednesday, Mar 29 '23
Let’s Get Digital: Check out exciting new media artwork in the galleries, then head to our Digital Media Lab for digital drawing and coding with Canada Learning Code!
Spring Break Art Camp
6-12
Tuesday, Mar 28 '23
Gallery Games: Enjoy games, riddles, and puzzles in the galleries to inspire the creation of your own playful mixed-media work of art.
Spring Break Art Camp
6-12
Monday, Mar 27 '23
Clay All Day: Tour the galleries for ideas and inspiration, then let your imagination go as you roll, pinch, and mold self-drying clay into your own unique creation.
Wednesday Drawing Basics
Adult
Apr 19 Jun 21 '23
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.
Online Acrylic Painting (Intermediate)
Ages 14 and up
Jan 12 Mar 26 '23
Learn the art of acrylic painting, one painting at a time! This class is designed for individuals who have a basic skill level and wish to learn new painting techniques. Work at your own pace in our virtual acrylic painting class! Lessons are in the form of pre-recorded video tutorials, allowing you to pause, rewind, and work at whatever time of day is best for you.
Animation 3
Ages 9-11
Jan 14 Mar 25 '23
This course provides a beginner’s understanding of animation process and techniques. Students will work with claymation and other styles of animation if time allows. They will work on developing their own stories, characters, and designs to complete basic animation projects with emphasis placed on individual creativity.
Clayworks 3
Ages 9-11
Jan 14 Mar 25 '23
Students will work on a series of functional and sculptural projects, using a variety of techniques to develop clay hand-building skills.
Drawing & Painting 3
Ages 9-11
Jan 14 Mar 25 '23
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Drawing & Painting 2
Ages 6-8
Jan 14 Mar 25 '23
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
Jan 14 Mar 25 '23
Grown ups will explore their creative side, while introducing their little one to the world of visual arts during this new class!
Animation 4
Ages 12-15
Jan 14 Mar 25 '23
Students will create animations within Toon Boom.They will work on developing their own stories, characters, and designs to complete basic animation projects with emphasis placed on individual creativity.
Mixed Media 3
Ages 9-11
Jan 14 Mar 25 '23
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.
Mixed Media 2
Ages 6-8
Jan 14 Mar 25 '23
Students will try out a variety of media that may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking.
Digital Drawing 3
Ages 9-11
Jan 15 Mar 26 '23
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
Clayworks 3
Ages 9-11
Jan 15 Mar 26 '23
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
Ages 6-8
Jan 15 Mar 26 '23
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Drawing & Painting 3
Ages 9-11
Jan 15 Mar 26 '23
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Digital Drawing 4
Ages 12-15
Jan 15 Mar 26 '23
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.
Mixed Media 3
Ages 9-11
Jan 15 Mar 26 '23
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.
Clayworks 2
Ages 6-8
Jan 15 Mar 26 '23
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
Jan 15 Mar 26 '23
Students will try out a variety of media that may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking.
Clayworks 4
Ages 12-15
Jan 14 Mar 25 '23
Students will work on a series of functional and sculptural projects, using a variety of techniques to develop clay hand-building skills.
WAG-Qaumajuq is open regular hours, see our tips for visiting here.
