Party à la mode (NGC)
Costumes and fun abound as Birthday Workshop participants discover portraits in the Gallery’s permanent collection. After dressing up in costumes which we provide, participants hold their own fashion show as they make their way up to the Great Hall. Once inside the galleries, a variety of hands-on activities let participants explore the rich, diverse, and sometimes unusual world of portraits both past and present. Amused and inspired, they return to the studio to paint a “royal” self-portrait, which is theirs to take home at the end of the party.

An Art Safari (NGC)
Camels, dragons, and butterflies spring to life during this fun and exciting adventure into the wonderful world of animals and creatures as seen in the Gallery’s permanent collection. While on safari in the galleries, Birthday Workshop participants use their keen sight and skills to capture the diverse wildlife in their imagination through a variety of hands-on activities. The adventure continues as participants use their Gallery safari experiences to create a clay sculpture of their own favourite animal or mythical creature. A birthday adventure to remember!

Art in Action (NGC) 
This unique Birthday Workshop will allow participants to explore the contemporary galleries and see the relationship between movement, sound and visual art.  As they learn about the elements of design through interactive gallery activities, participants will have the opportunity to explore and capture the feelings they experience when looking at artworks and interpret them through movement, sound, drawing and painting. In the studio, they will then create an interactive abstract work of art on a t’shirt using fabric paint and fun foam.  

A Sharing Circle (NGC)
In this Birthday Workshop, participants will make a work of art inspired by the exhibition Art of This land.  Participants will explore closely the designs and patterns the Aboriginal people created to embellish their functional objects.  There will also be a focus on learning about storytelling in Aboriginal culture as well as the Canadian artists who told the stories of the Aboriginal peoples.  Workshop participants will create a repoussé aboriginal design project. As a closing, participants will celebrate their work with a special aboriginal birthday party ceremony, opening the circle to share the beauty of art that welcomes all.

Shutterbugs! (CMCP)
Spend your special day with us having fun with photography. Enjoy in-gallery activities, an art project, and a party. Make a sunprint of an imaginary animal using light sensitive paper, and create your own photo album.