Outdoor School Trips
Groundwork is a nature-based alternative to our regular educational program, taking a creative approach to ecological education for elementary and high school students across the Waterloo region. Like our regular school field trip, students will take part in a 30-minute guided and interactive tour of the HWHG collection and exhibition, as well as our grounds, and followed by a 90-minute eco-based art project. Groundwork explores a variety of curriculum expectations while encouraging collaboration, skill development and an appreciation for art and the natural world.
Who is Groundwork offered for?
Groundwork serves students from kindergarten through to grade 12, with projects catered to students’ specific curricular goals and expectations.
Why is it called Groundwork?
The title Groundwork conveys the environmental focus and the foundational connection to nature that we want to highlight. It also has a dual meaning, suggesting both the physical ground and the foundational work in understanding the environment through art.
Groundwork:
Focus: A tour of the gallery’s collection, current exhibition, and grounds, highlighting Homer Watson’s connection to nature and environmental themes. This includes an eco-themed creative workshop exploring the relationship between humans and nature through art.
A field trip to HWHG offers an exceptional opportunity for students to engage in imaginative art-making within a professional setting, ensuring an enjoyable and enriching experience. We hope to see you soon!
Field Trip Schedule:
Field Trip is 2 hrs total, please arrive 15 minutes prior to schedule time and schedule bus to pick up your class 15 minutes after your scheduled field trip time to allow for clean-up.
Pricing Breakdown & Workshop Offerings:
- Botanical Monotypes – $7.50 per student
- Nature Inspired Collage- $7.50 per student
- Botanical Clay Impressions – $10 per student
Example schedule:
- Arrive 15 min prior to field trip time – Greeted by HWHG staff upon arrival.
- 45 min tour of the gallery spaces and grounds – Interactive activities happening throughout
- 15 min break – A great time for students to enjoy the grounds
- 1 hr workshop – Choose from one of our three activity options
- Allow for 15 min of clean-up/wrap-up time and then head back to school!
Activity Options:
Botanical Monotypes
Explore the beauty of nature through printmaking! In this workshop, students will learn how to create monotype prints using leaves, flowers, and other natural materials. Discover printmaking techniques while experimenting with textures and colours to make unique art pieces.
Botanical Clay Impressions
Create beautiful, nature-inspired clay art in this hands-on workshop! Students will press foraged materials into clay to make unique imprints, then paint their designs with colorful underglazes. A hole can be added to thread a ribbon through, turning their creations into lovely hanging pieces. Perfect for young artists who love working with natural textures and materials!
Nature Watercolour Resist
Explore the unique beauty of nature through a fun watercolour resist technique! Students will use patterns and textures from their natural surroundings to create unique designs, then bring them to life in unexpected ways with watercolours. This workshop encourages creativity, experimentation, and a deeper appreciation for nature—perfect for curious creatives looking to express themselves with colour and imagination!
