Programs at Baxter
Baxter offers year-round programming both on-site and around the County with our Baxter Field Trip initiative. As a community centre, we actively work with you to create the programming you want! Let us know what you are looking for by contacting our Program Director.
Programming is divided into four Sessions. We announce each Session in our Newsletter a month in advance. Due to demand, Camps are announced even earlier, with Summer Camp registration in February.
Subscribers to our newsletter always receive priority registration to programs!
Winter (Jan - March) Spring (April - May)
Summer (July - Aug) Fall (Sept - Dec)
Adult Programming
Workshops
These are individual full- or half-day programs that focus on one subject. We offer workshops dedicated to a wide range of subjects. It is a great way to learn about a subject that you can then practise at home, such as gardening, writing, and journaling. Some workshops are dedicated to the creative process with the goal of completing an item, just as silver jewellery making, paint pouring, or macrame.
Classes
These longer programs are once a week for 4 to 8 weeks. Each class builds on the previous and helps the participant build life-long skills. Every Session we offer drawing or painting, and hope to expand our sewing program into longer classes.
Open Studio
A regular drop-in time where you can work on your craft. Artists’ Open Studio is volunteer led and is a great way to receive feedback from your peers. Life Drawing Open Studio features draped and undraped models. Artists working in any medium are encouraged to join. We provide easels, drop cloths, and have extra drawing supplies available.
We welcome newcomers! If you’ve just moved to the area, this is a great way to learn more about the community and Baxter. These programs are often Pay What You Can at the door (cash only) and this fee covers models wages, purchases of items needed to support the program, and general overhead costs.
PWYC Programs
Pay-What-You-Can programs help us learn what subjects you enjoy. They may be pilot programs we are interested in making classes, or volunteer-run programs that encourage practising your craft during times of the year when we may not be as motivated to get out of the house!
Children’s Programming
We continue to expand programming to include more art classes, sewing, and dance classes. Let us know what else you’d like to see at Baxter!
Baxter Kids Camp
Our most sought after program is our Summer Camp! We have some of the most amazing instructors offering art, games, and play for Ages 5 - 13. Every camp is developed around a theme for a particular age group (often Ages 5 - 8 or 9 - 12). A preview of the summer’s upcoming camps is made available in January. Registration launches in February and our camps have been known to sell out within hours!
We also offer creative play, cooking, and art classes during Winter Break and March Break!
Intergenerational and Youth Programming
Thanks to the generous support of various grants, Baxter is able to offer programs that bring together all ages to create and socialize. Current programs include Buddy Paint Nite, D&D After School.
Baxter Field Trips
With the help of The County Foundation, Baxter is able to take the fun on the road! This program allows us the flexibility to go wherever creativity takes us: artist studio visits, cooking in kitchens, and exploring historic grounds to find amazing subject matter. In 2022 and 2023 we’ve partnered with The County Museums, Base31 and QEMA’s Victoria Schoolhouse to offer en plein air classes, photography workshops, and summer camps.