For many young people at Covenant House, art is not just an activity—it is a way to express themselves, build confidence, and find moments of joy during challenging times.
Earlier this year, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) partnered with Covenant House to offer youth workshops to explore different forms of art in creative and meaningful ways. The workshops are held every two weeks where program curators and artists from the AGO visit Covenant House to lead painting, drawing, printmaking, and other creative learning opportunities for youth.
“We designed this initiative based on what the youth told us they were interested in,” says Sarah Febbraro, AGO’s Programs Curator for Youth. “Art can be an incredible tool for building self-esteem and social connections, and we’re proud to be part of helping youth discover that.”
The workshops have already made an impact. Youth have shared how the sessions bring them peace, joy, and inspiration. One participant shared that it was a calming and exciting experience them. Another said that the opportunity helped them forget their struggles with an illness and focus on something else for a moment.
So far, youth have learned a variety of techniques—from painting with acrylics and watercolours to lino printmaking, still-life drawing, and even making clay keychains shaped like tiny pizzas and tacos.
This month youth will also visit the AGO to tour the galleries and participate in sculpture-making and other creative activities.
Youth participating in the workshops will also have the opportunity to enroll in free art classes at the AGO. For some, it might spark a lifelong hobby. For others, it could open the door to a future in the arts.
“Partnerships like this help youth feel empowered,” added Sarah “with Covenant House’s strong relationships with young people and the AGO’s expertise, we’re breaking down barriers.”