EDUCATIONPrograms

Our mission is to inspire an appreciation of art and nature and to discover the connection between

them.

We believe deeply in carrying on Barbara Leighton’s dream to “unleash the artist in everyone.”

Art to Go!Our in-school field trip delivers a talented artist-instructor armed with a fresh art project right to your classroom. Our experienced, enthusiastic educators bring professional art techniques, materials, and instruction right into your classroom in an age-appropriate program. Students will learn new visual art skills as well as create a class banner using print making techniques. This program includes lots of time to experiment.Our programs can be tailored to fit curriculum focus or delivered as pure visual art instructions. It is an invaluable means of influencing the next generation to appreciate art through making advanced techniques attainable for all ages! Class time is approximately one-half day and can be booked for either the morning or afternoon.Program Includes:- Sketchbook- One main Art Project- Banner Project

Art & NatureOur 4-hour on-site school program combines exploring art in the Leighton Art Centre’s museum with hands on art lessons in our historic art studios. Here at Leighton, nature is our inspiration, our classroom, and our playground.Our program includes a dedicated instructor who will promote visual literacy, thoughtful observation, critical thinking and gain inspiration from the landscape around us. The Leighton Art Centre is situated on 80 acres of Foothills landscape and students will enjoy a nature walk while recording their thoughts and experiences in their own sketchbook. We have three historic art studios available for your group.

We have a minimum charge of 20 students for one studio, 38 for two studios and 57 for the use of three studios. To a maximum of 86 students.

Program Includes:- Sketchbook- Nature Walk- Guided visit to the Leighton’s Museum- One main Art Project

(For two main art projects: If a school would like to do two main art activites instead of the regular one per class, an additional $2.50 will be added. The total per student will then be $18.50. Applicable to Art & Nature Program Only)

Rates per Student:Art and Nature Program: $16/student • Art to GO! Program: $13/student

We Grow Artists!

KindergartenStudents create a clay pinch pot• Students explore texture and shape. • Pupils use a ball of clay to make a pinch pot with repetitive

stamped patterns on the interior and exterior.

CLAY - PINCH POT

Through exploration of geometric shapes, students experiment with primary colours to create a Mondrian-Style Abstract painting.

ABSTRACT PAINTING

LANDSCAPE PAINTINGStudents learn landscape through a painting process, culminat-ing in a landscape painting based on a step by step landscape drawing done in their sketchbook.• Students explore the contours of the landscape and use

primary colours to create a landscape painting.

Students are taught how to create a clay ornament sculpture through the manipulation of the clay medium.• Students explore texture and form. They will begin

discovering the creation of three-dimensional form by using stamping tools.

CLAY - ORNAMENT

Students learn watercolour techniques through an experimental painting process to create a deciduous tree.• Pupils experiment with the application of watercolour and the

use of brushes to create interesting effects.

WATERCOLOUR TREE PAINTING

• Students explore texture and shape by manipulating clay to create a pinch pot.

• Pupils experiment with the three-dimensional quality of the clay medium. At an intermediate level, students can create coils, handles and lids.

CLAY - POT: INTERMEDIATE

Students create a low relief clay piece.• Students experiment with texture, depth and shape.• Texture and the meaning of the word “tactile” are introduced. • Pupils explore translation from 2-Dimensional form to the

3-Dimensional.

CLAY - LOW RELIEF LANDSCAPE (Grades 2 and 3)

Through exploration of geometric shapes, students experiment with contour, contrast, harmony, colour and layout to create a Mondrian- style Abstract Painting.

ABSTRACT PAINTING

Students learn about colour, shape and the proportions of the human head through drawing and painting a portrait in the Picasso-Style.

CUBIST-STYLE PORTRAIT

Grade 1-3

LANDSCAPE PAINTINGStudents learn landscape through a painting process, culminating in a landscape painting based on drawings from the nature walk around the Leighton Art Centre grounds.• Students explore the contours of the landscape as well as

discussing depth and distance through colour and tone.• Basic color theory is reviewed and students explore different

painting techniques.

WIRE SCULPTURE - HUMAN FIGUREStudents create a wire sculpture of the human figure. Pupils explore texture and shape by manipulating a wire stapled to a wooden block.• The basic proportions of the human body are discussed.• Pupils use coloured wire and a variety of materials

to create their individual pieces.

Grade 1-3

WIRE SCULPTURE - SPECIAL INQUIRYStudents create a wire sculpture of a chosen animal, tree, etc... according to the teacher’s curriculum. Pupils explore texture and shape by manipulating a wire stapled to a wooden block.• Pupils use coloured wire and a variety of materials

to create their individual pieces.

COLD BATIK (Grade 3)Students will learn about different types of batik and how to do a manual cold batik technique. Color and pattern will be discussed in relation to nature in the surrounding area. The end result will be a colorful, patterned fabric flag.

Students learn watercolour techniques through an experimental painting process to create a deciduous tree. • Discussion occurs regarding application of watercolour and

how differentbrushstrokes create different effects.

WATERCOLOUR TREE PAINTING

Grade 1-3

Students learn colour theory through a painting process, culminating in a painting based on a photo of Barbara Leighton’s parrot, Rojo.• Students explore the both Primary and Secondary colour

schemes and tonal value.

ROJO PAINTING

WOLF DRAWINGStudents are taken through a drawing process for the eye, pro-portions of a wolf head and the texture of fur to complete a real-istic wolf drawing. There is a choice of mediums:• Version 1 – Black on White: Students learn to draw a wolf head

using black felt pen on Bristol Board.• Version 2 – White on Black: Students explore light and shade

through drawing with white pencil on Black Bristol Board. Using the white pencil, pupils draw a wolf emerging from the darkness.

Grade 4-6

LANDSCAPE PAINTINGStudents learn landscape through a painting process, culminating in a landscape painting based on drawings from the nature walk around the Leighton Art Centre grounds.• Students explore the contours of the landscape as well as

discussing depth and distance through colour and tone.

PORTRAIT PAINTINGStudents learn portraiture through drawing and painting processes, culminating in a portrait painting from photo reference.• Students explore the proportions of the human head and how

to draw the eye.• Discussion occurs regarding artistic style.• Students paint the subject onto board, from photo reference

Grade 4-6

Students create a wire sculpture of a chosen animal, tree, etc.. Pupils explore texture and shape by manipulating a wire stapled to a wooden block.• Pupils use coloured wire and a variety of materials

to decorate their individual pieces.

WIRE SCULPTURE - SPECIAL INQUIRY

Students learn about the manual process of felting though basic techniques and the exploration of color, objects and textures found in the natural setting of the Leighton Art Centre grounds. The rock felting process will result in a charming personalized keepsake.

FELT ROCK CHARM

WIRE SCULPTURE - HUMAN FIGUREStudents create a wire sculpture of the human figure. Pupils explore texture and shape by manipulating a wire stapled to a wooden block.• The basic proportions of the human body are discussed.• Pupils use coloured wire and a variety of materials

to create their individual pieces.

Students create a low relief clay piece object.• Students experiment with texture, depth and shape.• Texture and the meaning of the word “tactile” are introduced • Pupils explore translation from 2-Dimensional form to the

3-Dimensional.

CLAY - LOW RELIEF LANDSCAPE (Grades 2 & 3)

Students will learn about different types of batik and how to do a manual cold batik technique. Color and pattern will be discussed in relation to nature in the surrounding area. The end result will be a colorful, patterned flag.

COLD BATIK

Grade 4-6

EXPERIMENTAL WEAVING (Grade 5 and 6)Students will discover the process of weaving and how it relates to the history of the Leighton Art Centre. A small tapestry will be created.• Students will learn about basic board weaving techniques.

Design of the tapestry will be related to natural textures and objects.

• Pupils will be shown how to change colours and materials to complete their piece.

Students explore portrait and figure drawing through referencing popular superheroes. Artist style of characters is discussed.• Students experiment with mood, drama, colour, composition

and emotion. • Pupils design and draw their own comic character.

Students receive a ten - page comic booklet (5.5”x8.5”) to write and illustrate the origin story of their new character.

COMIC BOOK (Grade 6)

LANDSCAPE PAINTINGStudents learn landscape through a painting process, culminating in a landscape painting based on drawings from the nature walk around the Leighton Art Centre grounds.• Students explore the contours of the landscape as well as

discussing depth and distance through colour and tone.

PORTRAIT PAINTINGStudents learn portraiture through drawing and painting processes, culminating in a portrait painting from a photo reference (ie.: A.C. or Barbara Leighton)• Students explore the proportions of the human head and learn

how to draw the eye in sketchbook format• Discussion occurs regarding artist style• Students draw the subject, then, experiment with mood, facial

expression, colour and composition to enhance the emotion of the subject.

Students learn about three dimensional space, design and composition through the creation of an abstract clay mask.• Students learn the proportions of the face and head by

drawing the head from two different perspectives: front view and profile.

• Art vocabulary, such as, slab work, slurry, clay tools will be introduced.

CLAY - MASK

Students explore portrait and figure drawing through referencing popular superheroes. Artist style of characters is discussed.• Students experiment with mood, drama, colour, composition

and emotion. • Pupils design and draw their own comic character

Students receive a ten - page comic booklet (5.5”x8.5”) to write and illustrate the origin story of their new character.

COMIC BOOK

Grade 7-12

WOLF DRAWINGStudents are taken through a drawing process for the eye, proportions of a wolf head and the texture of fur to complete a realistic wolf drawing. There is a choice of mediums:• Version 1 – Black on White: Students learn to draw a wolf head

using black felt pen on Bristol Board. They experiment with the technique of this medium.

• Version 2 – White on Black: Students explore light and shade through drawing with white pencil on Black Bristol Board. Using the white pencil, pupils draw a wolf emerging from the darkness.

PORTRAIT DRAWINGStudents learn portraiture through drawing processes, culminating in a finished portrait drawing from photo reference (ie.: A.C. or Barbara Leighton)• Students explore the proportions of the human head and how

to draw the eye.• Discussion occurs regarding artistic style.

Grade 7-12

WEAVINGStudents will discover the process of weaving and how it relates to the history of the Leighton Art Centre. A small tapestry will be created.• Students will learn about basic board weaving techniques.

Design of the tapestry will be related to natural textures and objects.

• Pupils will be shown how to change colours and materials to complete their piece.

Art & NatureQ: Is there a minimum number of students that can attend the program?

A: We don’t have a minimum number for attendance but we do have a minimum charge of 20 students for a single studio, 38 for 2 studios and 57 for 3 studios. This quota lets us cover basic operating and staff costs.

Q: Is there a maximum number of classes our school can bring to the Leighton?

A: Our historic studios are small in size and we have a maximum capacity of 86 students when all 3 studios are booked. All 3 studios are different in size and our staff will divide the classes to fit comfortably in the studios.

Q: How many projects can we do in a day?

A: All fieldtrips include one art project per studio. If you have extra time and would like to do a second project there is a small extra cost of $2.50 per student. Remember your day also includes the sketchbook session, the nature walk and the visit to the Leighton’s Residence and Gallery.

Q: Will we have time for lunch? A: Yes! Our itinerary allows for a 25 to 30 minute recess. Please remember to bring your packed lunches. Play time should be supervised by the teacher and/or volunteers accompanying the group.

Q: Why don’t you do the Banner Project anymore?

A: We received feedback from teachers indi-cating that the day was already full of fun activities and the banner project -as wonder-ful as it is- was many times rushed or incom-plete. We wish to offer students and teachers the best time possible. If you wish to add the banner project to your day, please let us know when you book and we’ll do our best to accommodate. The banner project is still offered as part of the Art-to-Go! Program.

FAQ’s

Art to Go!Q: Is there a maximum number of classes you can do in one morning or afternoon?

A: We can normally do a maximum of 3 classes in the morning and/or the afternoon. This program is also subject to instructor avail-ability and we will contact you if we are un-able to teach all your requested classes.

Q: How many projects can we do in a day?

A: All in-school fieldtrips include one art project. Remember your day also includes a sketchbook session and the banner activity.

Q: Will we have time for a break?

A: Yes! Please communicate with your instructor about the preferred break time.

Q: Do I need to book any volunteers for the Art-to-Go! Program?

A: We recommend having one or two volunteers in class to help students when needed. Volunteers who wish to participate in the art projects are asked to bring $5.00 cash to cover material cost. If the school wishes to cover this cost, just let your instructor know and we’ll add it to the invoice. *Teachers have no extra cost for participating.

Q: Should I bring payment with me?

A: Invoices will be sent to the school with you on the day of your visit. Your office can for-ward a cheque to the Leighton Art Centre.

Q: Is it free for adults to attend the fieldtrip?

A: Yes, teachers and volunteers are free to attend. Volunteers who wish to create their own art projects while helping the children are asked to bring $5.00 cash to cover ma-terial cost. If the school wishes to cover this cost, just let your instructor know and we’ll add it to the invoice. *Teachers have no ex-tra cost for participating.

Visit our website to register www.leightoncentre.org

For further questions about registration, availability or projects please contact us:

education@leightoncentre.org • 403-931-3636

EDUCATIONPrograms

Our mission is to inspire an appreciation of art and nature and to discover the connection between

them.

We believe deeply in carrying on Barbara Leighton’s dream to “unleash the artist in everyone.”