Vernon Public Art Gallery

Family Saturdays
2025-12-20 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver)
Date & Time: December 20, 2025, 1:00 – 2:30 PMLocation: Vernon Public Art GalleryAge Group: Kids of all agesAdmission: Individuals: $3/members $5/non-members. Families (4 or more): $10/members $14/non-members.

Join us for Family Saturdays, a fun, hands-on art program for kids of all ages and their caregivers. Explore art, learn new skills, and create together in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Each session begins with a short tour of the current gallery exhibition led by Samantha, our Learning and Community Engagement Curator. After the tour, families participate in guided, hands-on art projects inspired by the exhibition. Materials are provided — all you need is art-appropriate clothing and a willingness to get creative!

Family Saturdays is designed to foster creativity, connection, and a sense of community. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether it’s your first time making art or you’re a seasoned creator.

Parents or guardians must accompany children for the duration of the session.Register online to ensure space and materials:

register for December’s family Saturday

learn more about family saturday

First Friday Art Trail — Featuring Sara Wiens
2026-01-02 12:00 - 16:00
Date: Friday, January 2, 2026Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PMLocation: Vernon Public Art Gallery, 3228 31st Ave, Downtown VernonAdmission: Free | Everyone welcome

As part of Greater Vernon’s First Friday Art Trail, the Vernon Public Art Gallery is pleased to host local artist Sara Wiens for an open studio experience. Visitors are invited to drop in throughout the day to meet Sara, learn about her creative process, and see her artwork in progress.

About the ArtistGrowing up in the Coast Salish territory of Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō, and Tsleil-Waututh nations implanted the power and beauty of the ocean, mountains, and forest in Sara from a young age. Seeking to understand local ecologies and their connection to wider global ecologies has been a stubborn passion. Her work is informed by rigorous academic pursuits paired with local projects focused on equity and accessibility of large ideas and aesthetics for all people. Sara brings together her years in education, community organizing, and consistent interest in conservation to her art practice to move collectors and participants to contemplation and action to protect the natural world. As a parent to 3 teens and partner to another advocate for youth, she values mentoring the next generation with hope. Sara Wiens is a current graduate student in the Ecological and Sustainable Practices MFA program at Emily Carr University. She holds a BA in Studio Arts and a Bachelor of Art Education both from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Currently, she works from her studio situated on the stolen lands of the Secwepemc people of the North Okanagan in Salmon Arm, British Columbia.

artist website

Discover more about the First Friday Art Trail and explore participating artists across Greater Vernon — or get involved as a featured artist at VPAG.

Learn More / Apply to Be a Featured Artist

Crit Club
2026-01-23 08:00 - 17:00
Date & Time: January 23, 2025, 3:30–5:00 PMLocation: Vernon Public Art GalleryAge Group: TeensAdmission: Free + Pizza included!About the ProgramCrit Club is a free, hands-on workshop for high school students. Each month, a different local artist leads a session where teens can try new materials, explore techniques, and share their work in a relaxed, no-judgment space.

All supplies are provided, and there’s pizza to enjoy during a mid-session break. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Crit Club is a fun space to create, connect, and be inspired!

RSVPs are encouraged so we know how much pizza to order — but walk-ins are welcome!

RSVP for January’s Crit Club

Learn More about Crit CLub

Mini Artists
2026-01-29 10:00 - 11:30
Date & Time: January 29, 2025, 10:00–11:30 AMLocation: Vernon Public Art GalleryAge Group: Children under 5 (with parent or guardian)Admission: By donation

Join us for Mini Artists, a hands-on art program for little ones and their caregivers! Each session invites children to explore a variety of art materials and creative processes that foster creativity, sensory awareness, and early learning. Using safe, non-toxic materials, kids get to play, imagine, and create while developing fine and gross motor skills.

Parents or guardians must accompany children for the duration of the session.Register online to ensure space and materials:

Register for January’s Mini Artist

Learn More about mini artists

Crit Club
2026-02-27 15:30 - 17:00
Date & Time: February 27, 2025, 3:30–5:00 PMLocation: Vernon Public Art GalleryAge Group: TeensAdmission: Free + Pizza included!About the ProgramCrit Club is a free, hands-on workshop for high school students. Each month, a different local artist leads a session where teens can try new materials, explore techniques, and share their work in a relaxed, no-judgment space.

All supplies are provided, and there’s pizza to enjoy during a mid-session break. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Crit Club is a fun space to create, connect, and be inspired!

RSVPs are encouraged so we know how much pizza to order — but walk-ins are welcome!

RSVP for February’s Crit Club

Learn more about Crit Club
