Artists for Kids
Who We Are

​​​​​​​Artists for Kids is a unique art education venture supported by the North Vancouver School District in British Columbia. In partnership with more than 50 of Canada's most prominent artists, Artists for Kids brings together educators and the community at large, to provide inspiring, highly relevant educational experiences and enrichment, for thousands of young people annually, while encouraging students to pursue and share their own artistic voice and narrative. Through the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art, established as Canada's first public art gallery for young audiences, Artists for Kids has created a space for young audiences and our community to  experience the narrative of Canadian Art through a significant collection of visual art. As a visual arts catalyst in the community, Artists for Kids is proud to contribute to the development of a rich cultural aesthetic.

 

The continued growth and development of our acclaimed program in North Vancouver during the past three decades, provides substantial documentation that intentional art education in schools led by art specialists, can significantly transform young lives, inform programming in schools and ultimately shape a community in ways once thought unimaginable. We see clearly what can be accomplished and possible in education with intentional commitment, understanding and engagement.​


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MEET THE ARTISTS FOR KIDS TEAM 


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    Allison Kerr
     Director, Artist for Kids I Gordon Smith Gallery
     District Principal, Arts Education​
 ​ Daylen Luchsinger
  District Vice Principal Arts Education


  ​Amelia Epp
   District Visual Art Teacher

Chantal Pinard
Artists for Kids' Program Assistant

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​​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.


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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.


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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


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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. ​


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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

Learn more about the Smith Foundation and opportunities to support our exhibitions and public programs, donate online now, or become a Friend of the Gallery.​​​



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Artists for Kids

2121 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 2K6 | 604-903-3798 AFKinfo@sd44.ca​ |Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed Statutory Holidays