| Emily Neufeld AFK Studio Technician
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OUR HISTORY
Artists for Kids began in 1989, and our unique approach to education has grown in reach and stature every year.
In 1989, the founders of AFK seeked to find a financial model to support arts education in our schools, one that was sustainable, and in turn, would support visual arts enrichment. By purchasing art from artists, then in turn inviting each artist to create original, limited-edition prints that the program could sell, the founders created a unique and lasting fundraising vehicle. With the generosity, commitment and support of founding artist-patrons Gordon Smith, Jack Shadbolt and Bill Reid, Artists for Kids was born, and with it, the acclaimed Artist for Kids Collection of Canadian Art.
Thanks to the ongoing support of our artist-patrons for over thirty years, Artist for Kids has grown from an idea onto a world-class art program.
Exhibitions at the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art
The Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art is a space where education is seen not as an after-thought to curation, but as the purpose of each step we take. To ensure this, the
Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation for Young Artists and Artists for Kids work collaboratively to program the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art.
Artists for Kids In the Gallery
Artists for Kids provides a range of classes and programs, both in the Gallery and throughout the community:
AFK Gallery Program and Tours
After-School Art Classes
Paradise Valley Summer School for the Visual Arts
Studio Art Academy Program
Grade 3, 7 and Secondary Enrichment Programs
Photography Enrichment Programs
Artists for Kids Permanent Collection
The Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art is home to the acclaimed
Artists for Kids
Collection of Canadian Art. For over thirty years the Artists for Kids program has been acquiring masterworks from Canada’s leading artists, including our founding patrons, Gordon Smith, Jack Shadbolt and Bill Reid, as well as Robert Davidson, Graham Gilmore, E.J. Hughes, Russna Kaur, Rodney Graham, Guido Molinari, and Elizabeth MacIntosh and many more.
Visit the
Print Shop to view the selection of limited edition prints and support Artists for Kids art education programming.
The Smith Foundation in the Gallery
The Smith Foundation
promotes a greater understanding of contemporary Canadian art through the Gallery by creating:
Seasonal exhibitions for all audiences
Artist and curator talks and symposia with leading professionals in the field
Publications which introduce insightful and provocative thinking about Canadian art
