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
Tautuktavuk: What We See
Film Screening
Friday, May 17 '24
Join us for the FREE Decolonizing Lens screening of Tautuktavuk: What We See at WAG-Qaumajuq, 300 Memorial Blvd, on Friday, May 17, 2024! Doors open at 6pm, followed by a buffet-style dinner at 6:15pm.
Opening Reception
Riopelle: Crossroads in Time
Friday, May 31 '24
Join us for the opening of Riopelle: Crossroads in Time! On Friday, May 31, join us in the Main Hall for the public opening of…
Valuation Day
Information Session
Wednesday, May 1 '24
Art Appraisal & Information Session: Discover the Value of your Treasures! Are you wondering about the value of the artworks in your home? Join us for an exclusive Art Appraisal & Information Session at the Main Hall of WAG-Qaumajuq!
Print Shop (Long Week)
Ages 9-12
Aug 12 Aug 16 '24
Be inspired by the history of print! During this week at WAG-Qaumajuq, we’ll be looking into print and learning about different types of printmaking. We’ll be learning how to create our own printed materials, either on paper, fabric, or other surfaces. Create a design, make a stamp, ink it up and press it on! Registration begins May 3 at noon!
Mixed Media
Ages 6-8
Jul 22 Jul 26 '24
Discover the magic of collage, drawing, and analogue and new media digital design. Explore storytelling through the creation of your own characters, plant life, animals, landscapes, buildings and more! Have fun while you learn the principles of design & connect your imagination to the exhibits currently on display at WAG-Qaumajuq! Registration begins May 3 at noon!
Mixed Media
Ages 9-12
Jul 29 Aug 2 '24
Discover the magic of collage, drawing, analogue and new media digital design. Story telling through the creation of your own characters, plant life, animals, landscapes, buildings and more! Having fun, while learning principles of design & connecting your imagination with the exhibits currently on display at WAG- Qaumajuq. Registration begins May 3 at noon!
Sculpture Week
Ages 9-12
Jul 15 Jul 19 '24
Explore Sculpture in every way possible. Make 3-Dimensional art creations, figurative sculptures, mobiles, buildings, dioramas, etc…have fun while learning the 7 elements of design: shape, colour, space, form, line, value & texture in our Rooftop Studios! Finish the week with your own finished 3-Dimensional art work. Registration begins May 3 at noon!
Sculpture Week
Ages 6-8
Jul 8 Jul 12 '24
Explore Sculpture in every way possible. Make 3-Dimensional art creations, figurative sculptures, mobiles, buildings, dioramas, etc…have fun while learning the 7 elements of design: shape, colour, space, form, line, value & texture in our Rooftop Studios! Finish the week with your own finished 3-Dimensional art works. Registration begins May 3 at noon!
Print Shop (Short Week)
Ages 6-8
Aug 5 Aug 9 '24
Be inspired by the history of print! During this week at WAG-Qaumajuq, we’ll be looking into print and learning about different types of printmaking. We’ll be learning how to create our own printed materials, either on paper, fabric, or other surfaces. Create a design, make a stamp, ink it up and press it on! Registration begins May 3 at noon!
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, May 12 '24
Join us on the second Sunday of every month for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
Director’s Trip
Vive le Quebec!
Oct 21 Oct 26 '24
Join Dr. Stephen Borys on a bespoke trip to Montreal and Quebec City.
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!
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.
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.
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.
To plan your visit, check out wag.ca/visit.