Posted : November 30, 2019
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
Art is meant to be experienced, and as self-proclaimed art lovers, we think the best way to immerse yourself in art is to get up close and personal. Lucky for us, York Durham Headwaters (YDH) has lots of opportunities to get intimate with the local art scene.
Do it!
Want to get your hands dirty and try something new? Fancy meeting the artist and talking about the inspiration for a piece before you hang it on your mantel? You’ll find many opportunities to interact with artists and try workshops and other hands-on activities in YDH.
Jump right in to your interactive art experience here:
Alton Mill Arts Centre
An artistic hub, the Alton Mill hosts 25 studio artists, galleries, a café and unique shops all within a striking heritage building. Visit artists like Mark Grice (or take one of his popular Sunday afternoon painting classes) and find out more about their art and their processes.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Visit this 1860s-era village and try your hand at a heritage trade, learn to play popular period music or take a virtual reality tour. Bonus for families – admission is free for kids under the age of 14 from Monday to Friday in July and August (limited to four kids per paying adult or senior)!
Visual Arts Centre of Clarington
Build creative skills while learning and discovering new artistic practices such as pottery or fine arts. VAC’s programs offer exciting 8-week classes for all ages. These programs for 2020 will have you learning, exploring and discovering new projects each week. All programs are taught by professional artists, and they have a wide range of programs for kids and adults.
Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre
Visit working artist studios and chat with artists who create paintings, ceramics, sculptures, prints, jewellery, glassworks and more. This centre occupies four historic buildings in the heart of a charming village; it will delight all five senses…especially when you stop in for dinner at the pub!
Meta4 Gallery
Become an artist for a day with one of this contemporary craft gallery’s many workshops. Choose from over 20 one-day workshops, including painting, metalsmithing, mosaics, sculpture…you can even carve your own wooden spoon! For extra inspiration, browse works by over 120 Ontario artists for sale within this creative and welcoming space.
