In view of fostering connections with the community and stimulating new artistic discoveries, OPTICA is in the process of implementing its educational program, which is addressed to CPEs (childcare centres), elementary schools, colleges, and universities, as well as to families and community groups in the Mile End district.
Family Saturdays
January 31 - March 21 2015 from 1 PM to 4 PM
Free
On Family Saturdays, you and your children can discover Marc-Antoine K. Phaneuf's new exhibition entitled Études préparatoires. Dessins d'explosions 2012-2015.
During the visit, children will learn about the artist’s creative process while sharing their thoughts with our mediator in a friendly atmosphere. Afterward, you’ll be invited to rumage through books and magazines, find images and directly modify them, using drawing to accentuate their graphical composition or narrative potential. Discover a new way of making images speak by creating your own story! Start the workshop anytime you want, and take all the time you need to finish your work.
Creative workshop for childcare centres and primary schools
Inspired by works by Marc-Antoine K. Phaneuf
Free of charge, reservation required 


From January 26 to March 16, 2015 


OPTICA is offering creative workshops in which students merge the seeing with the doing. Through an interactive visit in a friendly atmosphere, they will familiarize themselves with contemporary art and learn to observe and decode an artwork, to discuss what they see in a group, to share their observations and develop critical thinking.
After the visit, as they tour the gallery, children will be invited to become artists themselves, combining theory and practice to arrive at a better understanding of the creative process. It is important to mention that the creative workshops are adapted to our visitors’ age groups and are established according to the guidelines of the Québec Education Program. They aim to comply with cross-curricular competencies associated with preschool and elementary school education.
Inspired by the works of Marc-Antoine K. Phaneuf presented as part of his exhibition at OPTICA, children will learn to combine visual elements with images to enhance their narrative power. The images made available to them will be culled from books and various media sources.
Practical Informations
The workshops last 1h15 and consist of a 30 minute visit and a 45 minute workshop. They are held every Monday from January 26 to March 16 and are suited for children aged 4 and older.
Colleges and universities
Guided tours and talks
Free of charge, reservation required 


Guided tours of current exhibitions are offered for a collegiate and university clientèle. Upon request, we may also organize discussions and roundtables on such themes as our mission, artist-run centres, or any topic connected with current artistic issues. These encounters are organized in the AGORA space.
For more information on our educational program: mediation@optica.ca
The educational program is supported by the ministère de la Culture et des Communications and the City of Montreal (as part of the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal), and the Caisse Desjardins du Mont-Royal, Caisse Desjardins de l'Est du Plateau, and Caisse Desjardins des Versants du mont Royal.
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