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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the MacLaren Art Centre and New Path Youth and Family Services invite families to special art workshops at Barrie Public Library!
In acknowledgement of Mental Health Awareness Month and Children's Mental Health Week in May, New Path Youth and Family Services and the MacLaren Art Centre are thrilled to continue their partnership on the commUNITY art project – a series of free, hands-on workshops designed to bring families together through creative expression. Guided by MacLaren art instructor Marjorie Dale, participants will explore shapes and symbols, and incorporate the colour green, to create a vibrant painting that visually represents themes of growth, hope and transformation.
The resulting artwork will be showcased at the MacLaren’s PIE Education Centre beginning in May, to align with Children’s Mental Health Week, and highlight the power of art in fostering connection and wellbeing. All are welcome to celebrate at the opening reception for this exhibition on Saturday, May 2 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
These workshops are idea for families with children ages 6 and up.
This is a registered event with limited spots available. Please register everyone individually and click 'REGISTER' to get started.

Marjorie Dale is a passionate multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, sculpture, mixed media, and digital art. She has a deep appreciation for creative expression in all its forms and thrives on exploring different techniques and pushing artistic boundaries. Her art takes inspiration from her personal interests, experiences, and, well, kind of everything and everyone. Every cool new tidbit she learns, every inspiring story she reads, and everywhere she goes adds depth and dimension to her work.
Beyond Marjorie’s personal practice, she is deeply committed to nurturing creativity in others, especially young artists. She has worked with children in camps, school programs, and community art initiatives and believes that every child has a unique artistic voice waiting to find its expression. Through patient guidance and an encouraging approach, she likes to help students gain confidence, develop new skills, and express themselves freely. Whether working on a large-scale sculpture, an intimate canvas, or guiding a group of young creators, Marjorie hopes to bring passion, experience, and a dedication to making art accessible and meaningful for all.
This is a registered event with limited spots available. Please register everyone individually and 'REGISTER' to get started.

The MacLaren and New Path would like to thank Karen Hansen from Pratt Homes for their generous donation, making this collaboration possible.

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Our Downtown Branch is centrally located in the Downtown core at the corner of Worsley and Owen Streets. The building and facilities are fully accessible. Enjoy a beverage or a small snack from our Café located inside the lobby, use our complimentary wifi, experiment with technology and maker tools, or soak up the sun on our Rooftop Reading Garden.