Educational Art Tours & Large Group Experiences | Dunnville

A man teaching a group of children in a classroom setting.

Bring your tour groups, students, daycare group, or day program to Creative Barracks.

Creative Barracks offers hands-on creative experiences for tour groups, school groups, daycares, day programs and community organizations visiting Dunnville and the Grand River region.

From guided studio tours, art experiences and hands-on workshops, we can help your group turn a day out into something they actually get to participate in.

Groups larger than 12 are welcome.

Submit a Booking Request

People observe blue art pieces displayed on a brick wall in a gallery.

LOOKING FOR A CREATIVE FIELD TRIP?

A good field trip gets kids out of their usual environment. A great one gives them something to do when they get there. At Creative Barracks, groups can explore creativity through hands-on art activities while learning about materials, techniques and the creative process. Our experiences can be adapted to suit different ages, group sizes and educational goals.

Tactile Learning: Visitors leave with their own masterpieces and a deeper understanding of the creative process. By integrating hands-on activities, we nurture curiosity, improve focus, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Educational Value: Workshops integrate artistic techniques with problem-solving, teamwork, self-expression and your curriculum or tour theme.

Safe & Inspiring Environment: Our studio is equipped with everything your guests need to explore art in a safe and welcoming space. With the option for outdoor community exploration if your sgroup allows it, for activities such as urban drawing, plein air painting or solar printing.

Children engaged in a group art activity at large tables.

Plan Your Visit

Duration: Half-day or full-day options available.
Flexible Pricing: Starting at $8+hst per student. All tools, materials and friendly instruction included
Group Size: We accommodate groups of up to 60 people
Location: 131 Lock Street East, Dunnville, ON
Other locations: Classroom visits available or we can meet you at a destination of your choice like a conservation park or playground
Booking: Get started by filling out the contact form below

Children painting under blacklight with neon splashes on canvases and walls.

Available Activities

Improv Theatre Games: Spark creativity, teamwork, and confidence through interactive performance exercises.
Costumed Life Drawing: Learn observation and drawing techniques with a live, costumed model.
Cyanotype Solar Printing: Experiment with sunlight and art to create stunning blueprints indoors or outdoors
Drawing & Watercolour: Explore foundational art techniques in sketching and painting indoors or outdoors.
Polymer Clay Sculpting: Craft unique, hand-sculpted pieces using vibrant polymer clay.
Splatter Painting: Get messy and learn about the abstract expressionists in our splatter room
Pottery: Get hands-on with clay as students shape and create their own pottery.
Stained Glass: Explore the history and techniques of stained glass while creating a beginner-friendly project. Ages 14+ ONLY

More Than Just an Art Class

A group visit can be designed to support what you're already teaching.

Depending on the experience, students can explore:

Colour theory
Design
Art history
Creative problem-solving
Three-dimensional form
Material properties
Following a creative process
Individual expression
Collaboration

The exact educational components will depend on the activity selected.numerous exhibitions, featuring works by some of the most renowned artists of our time.

A FIELD TRIP THAT DOESN'T REQUIRE EVERYONE TO BE "GOOD AT ART"

We know that a classroom can contain a very wide range of abilities.

Some students will immediately know what they want to make.

Others will need more guidance.

Some will love the activity.

Others will discover that a particular medium isn't for them.

That's part of learning.

Our instructors provide clear demonstrations and support throughout the experience while allowing students to make their own creative decisions.

The goal isn't identical artwork.

The goal is participation, exploration and the experience of making something themselves.

NEED TO ACCOMMODATE A LARGE GROUP?

Yes

Our Educational Studio Tours give your guests a chance to see a behind-the-scenes look at our studio and operations before settling into our large workshop to create. Our workshop can accomodate groups of up to 60 people at one time.

We can accomodate everyone in one group or we can discuss:

Multiple workshop sessions
Rotating groups
Staggered arrival times
Multiple activities
A combination of Creative Barracks and other local attractions welcoming space for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

BUILD A DAY AROUND YOUR VISIT

Creative Barracks can be part of a larger Dunnville experience.

Depending on your itinerary, your group could combine a creative activity with:

The Grand River
Muddy the Mudcat
Local parks and trails
Dunnville's waterfront
Local restaurants and cafés
Regional history
Agricultural experiences
Other Haldimand County attractions

For tour operators and educators planning a full-day itinerary, we're happy to discuss how a Creative Barracks experience could fit into your schedule.

FOR BUS TOURS & TOUR OPERATORS

Planning a group itinerary through Haldimand County?

We're happy to discuss the practical details that matter when you're moving a larger group.

With more than 12 years in the arts and culture tour industry we'll work with you on:

Group size
Timing
Activity selection
Arrival and departure logistics
Workshop format
Scheduling
Pricing

Submit Booking Request

FOR TEACHERS & EDUCATORS

If you're planning a school visit, please tell us:

The age/grade of your students
Approximate number of students
Preferred date
Preferred arrival and departure time
Any specific curriculum or educational goals
Accessibility considerations
Any other requirements

We'll use that information to recommend an appropriate experience.

Submit Booking Request

FOR DAYCARES , DAY CAMPS & ADULT DAY PROGRAMS

You don't need to create an elaborate field trip plan.

Tell us the age range and number of cparticipants, and we'll help you determine what kind of creative experience will work best.

Or, ask us about bringing the creative fun to your location.

Submit Booking Request

WHAT TO EXPECT

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

We'll confirm your activity, group size, schedule and any special requirements. Group pricing depends on:

Number of participants
Age group
Workshop selected
Materials required
Length of visit
Group format

Because larger educational and tour groups often have different requirements than private parties, we provide group pricing based on your specific visit guaranteeing you the most affordable group pricing we can offer.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

We'll have the studio prepared for your group.

DURING THE EXPERIENCE

Our instructor will introduce the project, demonstrate the techniques and guide participants through the activity.

AFTER THE EXPERIENCE

Depending on the medium, students may leave with their finished work or we'll arrange a later pickup once pieces have completed required drying or kiln-firing processes.