
On Jan. 12, the Harrison McCain Pavillion was filled with laughter and unique beaded snowflakes crafted by kids.
The Art Cart Pop-Up Studio, inspired by the work of Canadian art icon, Tom Thomson, allows children to show their creativity with hands-on art activities free of charge.
The program offers kids materials based on Tom Thomson’s landscapes but also allows them to choose what they want to work on.
The drop-in art activities are open to all visitors every Sunday afternoon.
Kira Teku, the gallery’s programming assistant, said the Cart Pop-Up Studio is an attempt to get kids “really into art,” especially in the winter months when it is more difficult to keep them entertained.
“If you just give [kids] anything, they’ll figure things out. I think it’s just important for children to have that creative outlet,” said Teku.
Although Teku is new at working with art, she has worked before with kids and families in daycare activities.
She said her goal is to give kids the freedom to express themselves, take control of their ideas and let them evolve with whatever materials are in front of them.
Kirsten Michael, Abigail LeBlanc and Mandy Arsenault are a few of the moms who attended the studio with their daughters.
Michael said she learned about the program online and decided to try it out.
“We came last week and my daughter wanted to come back,” said Michael. “We just invited some friends.”
LeBlanc said it is a good opportunity to get the kids familiarized with art and get them comfortable with the local art gallery and its creative atmosphere.
“It’s a nice and safe environment, which is a bonus,” said Leblanc.
The three moms agreed they would love to have more programs like this for their kids in Fredericton.
“It gives them the opportunity to use different things like beads or the art stuff to create their own thing,” said Arsenault. “They’ve been really excited to share that and their art looks all different.”