School & Group Visits
Explore the historic Homer Watson House & Gallery through a guided tour and in-studio workshop with your class or group.
Our school visits accommodate grades K-12 and are designed to provide a high-quality, unique educational experience through the historical and heritage lens of Homer Watson. Aligning with diverse curricular objectives, our programs encourage students to think critically, foster creativity, and enhance their ability to articulate thoughts and feelings about art through discussion and creative activities.
Homer Watson was both an artist and an environmentalist, and we offer two distinct field trip options to reflect these aspects of his legacy:
Gallery Tour + In-studio Workshop
- Includes a 15 to 30-minute tour of the gallery and a 45-minute to 1-hour creative workshop, facilitated indoors.
*Tour and workshop length are determined by activity choice.
Gallery & Grounds Tour + In-studio Workshop
- A nature-based alternative to our traditional tour and workshop.
- Includes a 15 to 30-minute tour of the gallery & grounds, and a 45-minute to 1-hour eco-based creative workshop facilitated outdoors (weather permitting). *Tour and workshop length are determined by activity choice.
For both options, teachers can choose from different workshop offerings upon registration to best suit their class. We are happy to accommodate any specific needs to ensure the best possible experience for your class.
A field trip to HWHG offers an exceptional opportunity for students to engage in imaginative artmaking within a professional setting, ensuring an enjoyable and enriching experience. We hope to see you soon!
Curricular Connections:
- Hands-on exploration of various techniques.
- Elements and principles of art.
- Personal expression.
- Historical and cultural connections to art.
- Creative problem-solving.
- Critical analysis.
- Nature and art connection.
Workshop Offerings
Clay
Creation*
Clay sculpting is perfect for students who enjoy sensory play and getting messy! Each student will hand build one fun or functional artwork using clay and underglaze colours. Using a pinch pot technique guests can make a bowl for treasures or a piece of treasure itself!
$15/student
Visit Schedule:
1 hr Workshop
30 min Gallery Tour
= 1.5 hr total visit
Foam Relief
Printing
Create your own print! Students will carve a foam plate with their own unique design showing off their favourite parts of nature, then learn how to ink their plate and pull a print! Students will develop an understanding for how negative and positive space are important when creating these monotype prints, laying the groundwork for understanding printmaking.
$8.50/student
Visit Schedule:
1 hr Workshop
30 min Gallery Tour
= 1.5 hr total visit
Watson Inspired
Watercolour Landscapes
Learn to paint like Watson using rhythm, colour value and tone. Each student will learn watercolour techniques to create a landscape painting from life or from their imagination. The best part is that each student walks away with a postcard from their visit to Homer Watson House & Gallery!
$5.50/student
Visit Schedule:
45 min Workshop
15 min Gallery Tour
= 1 hr total visit
Botanical Clay Impressions
Create beautiful, nature-inspired clay art in this hands-on outdoor workshop! Students will press foraged materials into clay to make unique imprints, then paint their designs with colorful underglazes. Perfect for young artists who love working with natural textures and materials!
$10/student
Visit Schedule:
1 hr Workshop
20 min Gallery Tour
10 min Grounds Tour
= 1.5 hr total visit
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.
$8.50/student
Visit Schedule:
1 hr Workshop
20 min Gallery Tour
10 min Grounds Tour
= 1.5 hr total visit
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!
$5.50/student
Visit Schedule:
45 min Workshop
10 min Gallery Tour
5 min Grounds Tour
= 1 hr total visit
*Clay projects are ready 3-4 weeks later for pick up.
FAQ
How many students or group members can attend a visit at once?
We can accommodate up to 2 classes (approx. 60 students) at once. Groups larger than 30 students are divided into 2 tour groups and will take turns touring the gallery and attending the in-studio workshop.
Are parent volunteers/chaperones allowed?
Yes! Parent volunteers/chaperones are always welcome to accompany students or youth groups during their visit to the Gallery.
How many parent volunteers and teachers should we bring?
Groups are not required to bring additional volunteers/ chaperones with them, but we do recommend bringing them if you can.
Recommended student to adult ratio:
- Elementary JK, SK | 1:5
- Grades 1-3 | 1:8
- Grades 4-6 | 1:10
- Grades 7-8 | 1:13
- Secondary grades 9-12 | 1:15
How early should we arrive and what time should the bus pick us up?
We recommend arriving at the Gallery 10 – 15 minutes prior to your booking time. In your booking confirmation we will suggest an arrival time for your visit. We recommend scheduling bus pick-up for 15 minutes after your booking time end to allow for clean-up time. In your booking confirmation we will suggest a pick-up time for your visit.
What happens if there is inclement weather, and I have booked an outdoor tour + workshop?
In the event of inclement weather, the workshop portion of your visit will be moved indoors.
Can we spend extra time at the Gallery?
Absolutely! If you would like to spend additional time at the gallery to enjoy our grounds or would like to spend additional time in our studio space, please mention this in your booking form. Groups are welcome to request extra time at the Gallery to utilize as a lunch break, or a space for outdoor play before heading back to school.
What if I need to make changes to my booking?
Changes to your booking (i.e. changes to the number of students participants, requesting to change your booking time, etc.) can be requested up to 1 week prior to your visit and must be emailed to programs@homerwatson.on.ca. Groups will receive an invoice for the number of participants booked within 1 week of their visit. Any additional participants beyond the confirmed numbers will be added to your booking invoice.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
Notice of cancellation must be emailed to programs@homerwatson.on.ca no later than one week prior to the scheduled visit. Cancellations within 2-5 business days’ notice will be charged a late cancellation fee. No-shows and cancellations less than 2 business days’ notice will be charged the full visit fee.
Questions?
Please contact Tanner van Vliet, Education and Public Programs Coordinator at programs@homerwatson.on.ca.
Booking Form
To book a school or group visit to the Homer Watson House & Gallery, please fill out the booking form below. Once we’ve received your booking request, we will be in touch to confirm your visit.
Have questions about visiting the Gallery? Get in touch with our Education & Public Programs Coordinator, programs@homerwatson.on.ca, to book and discuss details about your visit including tour topics and studio activities.