Programs @ Baxter

Adult Programming

In Conversation With…

Join our instructors to learn more about their upcoming program! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the subject before you register. This is an ongoing series that happens approximately two weeks before each program begins. The instructor will speak about what you can expect to learn during the class, and there is a dedicated Q&A period for any questions you may have. 

 

Workshops

These are individual full- or half-day programs that focus on one subject. We offer workshops dedicated to a wide range of subjects. It is a great way to learn about a subject that you can then practise at home, such as gardening, writing, and journaling. Some workshops are dedicated to the creative process with the goal of completing an item, just as silver jewellery making, paint pouring, or macrame. 

 

Classes

These longer programs are once a week for 4 to 8 weeks. Each class builds on the previous and helps the participant build life-long skills. Every Session we offer drawing or painting, and hope to expand our sewing program into longer classes. 

 

Open Studio

A regular drop-in time where you can work on your craft. Artists’ Open Studio is volunteer led and is a great way to receive feedback from your peers. Life Drawing Open Studio features draped and undraped models. 

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Artists working in any medium are encouraged to join. We provide easels, drop cloths, and have extra drawing supplies available. 

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We welcome newcomers! If you’ve just moved to the area, this is a great way to learn more about the community and Baxter. These programs are often Pay What You Can at the door (cash only) and this fee covers models wages, purchases of items needed to support the program, and general overhead costs.

 

PWYC Programs

Pay-What-You-Can programs help us learn what subjects you enjoy. They may be pilot programs we are interested in making classes, or volunteer-run programs that encourage practising your craft during times of the year when we may not be as motivated to get out of the house!

 

Toddler Programming

As we grow our programming, we plan to hold morning programming for Ages 0 - 4. Programs we’ve loved so far include: Dance, Art, and Free Play. These are offered both as weekly classes and drop-in programs. 

 

Children’s Programming

We continue to expand programming to include more art classes, sewing, and dance classes. Let us know what else you’d like to see at Baxter!

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Regular Children’s Programming includes Kids’ Contemporary Dance with Marlise, Hip Hop with Miss Katy, Art Esteem with Sharon and Kids in the Kitchen with Sharon. 

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Baxter Kids Camp 

Our most sought after program is our Summer Camp! We have some of the most amazing instructors offering art, games, and play for Ages 5 - 13. Every camp is developed around a theme for a particular age group (often Ages 5 - 8 or 9 - 12). A preview of the summer’s upcoming camps is made available in January. Registration launches in February and our camps have been known to sell out within hours!

 

We also offer creative play, cooking, and art classes during Winter Break and March Break!

 

Youth Programming

Thanks to the generous support of Canada Post, Baxter is able to offer free registration in 2023 for programming that appeals to High School students and Youth (ages 18 - 29). We are working on developing new programming for this age group. Are there programs you want to see? Let us know!  

 

Baxter Field Trips

With the help of The County Foundation, Baxter is able to take the fun on the road! This program allows us the flexibility to go wherever creativity takes us: artist studio visits, cooking in kitchens, and exploring historic grounds to find amazing subject matter. In 2022 and 2023 we’ve partnered with The County Museums, Base 31 and QEMA’s Victoria Schoolhouse to offer en plein air classes, photography workshops, and Summer Camps.