WORKSHOPS & PROGRAMMING
At the Art Gallery of Mississauga, our public programs are designed to engage, inspire, and connect our community through the transformative power of art. We offer a diverse range of financially accessible programming, including drop-in artmaking sessions, workshops, and family-friendly events, all aimed at fostering creativity and dialogue. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a newcomer, our programs provide unique opportunities to explore contemporary issues, learn from artists, and participate in hands-on experiences.
Join us to discover the vibrant world of art, meet like-minded individuals, and deepen your appreciation for creativity in all its forms.
From Cloth to Code (Virtual)
Join us for From Cloth to Code, a panel discussion that explores how textile traditions are translated, transformed, and reimagined through digital media and industrial material manipulation. Bringing together artists Roda Medhat and Shaheer Zazai, and moderated by Ignazio Colt Nicastro, the conversation threads through three exhibitions across the GTHA, each examining how fibre-based practices shift when rendered through new technological forms.
Co-presented by the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB), Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM), and the Textile Museum of Canada (TMC), the program extends themes from Nicastro’s TMC exhibition From Cloth to Code, which paired historical collection works with contemporary digital responses in celebration of the Museum’s 50th anniversary. From digitally rendered garments that reinterpret narratives embedded in historical fabrics to immersive environments that elevate everyday objects, these exhibitions expand the dialogue around the impact of permanent collections, craft legacies, and evolving material cultures.
At the AGB, Roda Medhat’s exhibition Things I Can Fold, Deflate, and Break reflects the Gallery’s commitment to artists whose practices grow from craft’s tactile histories while embracing transdisciplinary experimentation. Shaheer Zazai’s immersive installation at the AGM, A Petal for a Petal, A Deed for a Deed—The Garden We Could Have Been, reimagines the traditional floral motifs of Afghan carpets as a series of monumental, darkly radiant blooms that have emerged from the aftermath of human destruction.
Across these projects, glitch aesthetics, pulsing LED interfaces, and even the equations of Microsoft Excel and Word become pliant as artists remove the expected utility of materials to expose new agencies, textures, and meanings.
This panel invites audiences to consider how textiles move across physical and digital realms, and how contemporary artists continue to stretch the boundaries of craft, functionality, and memory.
Drop-In Art Hive : March 18, 2026
NOTE: REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED. THIS IS A DROP IN PROGRAM
What is Art Hive?
An Art Hive is a community-based, inclusive space designed to foster creativity without the pressure of formal instruction. It’s a place where people of all ages and skill levels can come together to explore, create, and connect. At its core, an Art Hive is about sharing ideas, supporting one another, and enjoying the creative process. No prior art experience is required—just bring your curiosity, creativity, and willingness to try something new!
What to Expect
- Free Drop-In Workshops: Open to all, no registration required.
- All Materials Provided: We provide everything you need to get started—show up ready to create!
- Creative Exploration: Experiment with a variety of art materials and techniques at your own pace.
- Community & Mental Health Focus: A chance to relax, unwind, and connect with others in a supportive environment.
How to Join
These workshops are completely free and open to everyone. There is no need to register—just drop! Meet us in the main gallery. Look for the Art Hive sign.
Let’s create, connect, and enjoy the benefits of community and art together!
Magic of Glass: Fused Glass Coaster Workshop
Discover the magic of glass in this hands-on Fused Glass Coasters workshop at the Art Gallery of Mississauga.
Participants will create one fused glass coaster by arranging pieces of coloured glass onto a clear glass base. You’ll explore how transparency, layering, and negative space interact—drawing inspiration from the light, colour, and material presence found in the Art Gallery of Mississauga’s current exhibitions by Shaheer Zazai and Whyishnave Suthagar.
No prior glass experience is required. All materials and guidance will be provided by AGM staff.
Once completed, coasters will be professionally fired in a glass kiln. Finished works will be available for pickup at the Art Gallery of Mississauga once firing is complete (participants will be notified when ready).
Workshop Details:
- Each ticket includes materials for one fused glass coaster
- Suitable for beginners age 8+ (participants under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult because we will be handling glass shards with tweezers)
- All materials provided
- Finished pieces fired off-site and available for pickup later
Come play with glass, colour, and light—and create a functional artwork inspired by AGM’s current exhibitions.
Funding for this workshop is supported through charitable initiatives from Rama Gaming House, Mississauga, and Charitable Gaming, Community Good.
View Past Events
Contemporary Art Bus
Hop aboard for a special winter art excursion beginning at the Textile Museum of Canada (55 Centre Ave) in Toronto and travelling to the Art Gallery of Mississauga with a final stop at the Art Gallery of Burlington before returning to Toronto.
With curatorial tours of Made By Many: 50 Years of the Textile Museum of Canada, Taking Shape: Recent Acquisitions, and From Cloth to Code: New Media Responses at TMC, Shaheer Zazai at AGM, and Roda Medhat at AGB, this trip offers a unique opportunity to experience contemporary practices that bridge textiles, digital design, and innovative material approaches. Reserve your seat and enjoy an inspiring afternoon across three leading art institutions.
Location: Textile Museum of Canada, 55 Centre Avenue, Toronto, ON
Drop-In Art Hive : December 21
Join us from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, in person at the AGM, for an uplifting, hands-on art-making experience designed to bring our community together. This free event invites people of all ages and backgrounds to slow down, connect with one another, and explore how creativity can support mental well-being. Through guided art activities, we’ll create a space for reflection, self-expression, and shared moments that strengthen our sense of belonging. 🐝
Meet us inside the main gallery—everyone is welcome. All supplies are provided, and no prior art-making experience is needed. Just bring yourself, your curiosity, and a willingness to connect.
The Art Gallery of Mississauga would like to extend heartfelt thanks to RAMA Gaming House Mississauga and Charitable Gaming, Community Good for their generous financial support, which makes this community mental health program possible.
Art of Yoga (December)
We invite you to enjoy Art of Yoga, a restorative monthly yoga series inspired by the artwork on display at the Art Gallery of Mississauga.
Led by Aman Wraich—who previously facilitated art-connected yoga at a gallery in El Paso, Texas—each session blends mindful movement and creative reflection, with poses thoughtfully connected to themes and forms in our current exhibitions.
Admission is $20 per person for non-members.
Member Benefits:
- Essential Members: FREE admission for yourself
- Friend Members: FREE admission + bring 1 guest
- Associate & Patron Members: FREE admission + bring up to 5 guests
Not a member, but want all the perks? CLICK HERE to become a member today!
Sunday December 14, 2025 | 10:30–11:30 AM
(followed by optional quiet meditation until the gallery opens at 12 PM)
Doors open at 10:15 am.
What to bring: Yoga Mat, refillable water bottle, and wear comfy clothing.
Registration required.
MEMBERS REGISTER FOR FREE HERE
Reground, refocus, reconnect—and let the art move you.
CANCLLED DUE TO WEATHER Art of Yoga at the AGM
Art of Yoga at the Art Gallery of Mississauga
Get ready to unwind and get creative at the Art of Yoga! Join us in person for a calming session that combines the soothing practice of yoga with the inspiring atmosphere of the art gallery. Whether you’re a yoga newbie or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to stretch, breathe, and connect surrounded by amazing art.
Don’t miss out on this unique blend of mind, body, and creativity!
Tickets are ONLY $10 for non-members or FREE for AGM Members. AGM MEMBERS: Don’t forget to apply your promo code! Didn’t receive a promo code in your email? Email [email protected] for your special code!
AGM Members Get:
- Essential Members: FREE admission
- Friend Members: FREE admission + bring 1 guest
- Associate & Patron Members: FREE admission + bring up to 5 guests
Want to become a member now? CLICK HERE TO JOIN!
FLOW INTO MEMBERSHIP PROMO: Grab a stamp card on your first visit. Receive a stamp at five paid classes, then turn your card into the AGM for a FREE Essential membership.
PARKING
FREE parking is available onsite in the Mississauga Civic Centre parking garage. P1 is closest to the gallery, then take the elevator to the ground floor (G).
Art of Yoga
Beginning this month, we invite you to enjoy Art of Yoga, a restorative monthly yoga series inspired by the artwork on display at the Art Gallery of Mississauga.
Led by Aman Wraich—who previously facilitated art-connected yoga at a gallery in El Paso, Texas—each session blends mindful movement and creative reflection, with poses thoughtfully connected to themes and forms in our current exhibitions.
Admission is $20 per person for non-members.
Member Benefits:
- Essential Members: FREE admission for yourself
- Friend Members: FREE admission + bring 1 guest
- Associate & Patron Members: FREE admission + bring up to 5 guests
Not a member, but want all the perks? CLICK HERE to become a member today!
Sunday November 30, 2025 | 10:30–11:30 AM
(followed by optional quiet meditation until the gallery opens at 12 PM)
Doors open at 10:15am.
What to bring: Yoga Mat, refillable water bottle, and wear comfy clothing.
Registration required.
MEMBERS REGISTER FOR FREE HERE
Our inaugural session will be themed around connecting with your inner child, inspired by the AGM’s permanent collection, including works by Jorian Charlton and Fausta Facciponte.
Reground, refocus, reconnect—and let the art move you.
Collage Button Workshop with James Fowler
In this creative session, participants will explore collage using maps, photos, and mixed materials to design and assemble their own wearable art. Each participant can make up to three unique buttons and is welcome to bring personal photos or materials to incorporate.
Portfolio Review for Emerging Artists
The Art Gallery of Mississauga is hosting an in-person Portfolio Review Day for Emerging Artists, offered alongside its Fifth Annual Juried Show of Visual Arts. Participants can meet with one of three arts professionals to share their work and receive personalized feedback, guidance, and support for developing their artistic practice.
A $10 nominal fee will be collected as a donation to confirm your registration. This contribution both encourages attendance and supports the work we do.
Registration required. Limited tickets available.
Fifth Annual Juried Show of Visual Arts | Opening Reception
The Art Gallery of Mississauga welcomes you to the opening reception of the Fifth Annual Juried Show of Visual Arts!
We were delighted to receive 300 submissions this year from emerging and established artists across Ontario. Our three jurors—Lyla Rye, Gary Taxali and Tamara Toledo—carefully assessed the artworks, based purely on the images and anonymous artist statements provided, to determine the final selection. Their choices reflect of the broad range of subject matter, techniques, and approaches that came forward in this open call.
This exhibition includes sculpture, textiles, photography, drawing, and painting, as well as video and multimedia. As with any juried show, the themes explored here are wide-ranging. However, some common threads emerged in this year’s selection of works. Several pieces explore aspects of cultural memory and identity, on both a personal level and across generations and communities. Other works are inspired by architectural spaces, explore the boundaries between different artistic mediums and styles, or confront our impact on the environment. An emphasis on acts of survival and resilience shines through in many of these works.
Featuring works by: Joy Adeola, Monique Campbell, Sheila Cavanagh, Maria Drazilov, Bernard Duah, James Fowler, Robin Fox, Pumudi Gardiyawasam, Mya Wynter Hewstan-Gates, Fei Ji, Fanny Ku, Jennifer Lantz, Kyungmin Kate Lee, Gordon Leverton, Emmette Lewis, Kaeli Macdonald, Ryan Macpherson, Irma Makariunaite, Hafsa Murtaza, Chris Myhr, Railey Neegan, Sierra Peca, Elnaz Hessami Pilehrood, Kiran Reilly-Gill, Faseeh Saleem, Mikael Sandblom, Udo Schliemann, Krisha Shaw, Jenelle Smith, Dinesh Subramanian, Hau Truong, and Shye Zhang.
We welcome you to celebrate these artists at our opening reception. Refreshments will be provided.
Our thanks extend to all of the artists who shared their work with us this year through our open call. We continue to be inspired by your creativity and commitment to your artistic practices.
We gratefully acknowledge the support and generosity of our funders: the City of Mississauga, Canada Council for the Arts, TD Bank Group, Rama Gaming House and Charitable Gaming Community Good.
POSTPONED: Opera Revue | A Unique Fundraising Event for the Art Gallery of Mississauga
PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO THE NEW YEAR. TICKET HOLDERS, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAILS REGARDING YOUR OPTIONS FOR YOUR TICKET.
Get ready to experience the magic of opera like never before at our Opera Revue fundraising event – it’s going to be a night to remember!
Join us for a spectacular evening in support of the Art Gallery of Mississauga’s arts and community programming. Experience the power of the human voice with two 40-minute sets of world-class opera, complemented by a tasteful burlesque performance that adds a touch of glamour and intrigue to the night. Enjoy this unforgettable mix of artistry and entertainment in an intimate setting, with a 20-minute intermission.
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM (doors open at 7:30 PM)
Location: RAMA Gaming House – Battleford
Tickets: Only $50 per person / $45 for AGM Members (+ applicable fees)
Not a member? Join now by CLICKING HERE and start supporting the arts right now!
Free parking available
✨ Make it a full night out! ✨
Enjoy dinner before the performance at The RAMA Kitchen.
🍴 Reserve your dining time by adding it to your ticket purchase:
- 6:30 PM seating or 7:15 PM seating are available..
Seating is limited, so book early to guarantee your spot.
All proceeds from the evening will go directly toward supporting the Art Gallery of Mississauga’s exhibitions, programs, and community initiatives.
ABOUT OPERA REVUE
Opera Revue began with the question “Why does opera get such a bad rap?”. We came up with several answers: It’s expensive. You have to dress up. It’s snobby. You can’t drink, except during intermission. You can’t talk. It’s snobby. You can’t get up and move around. And it’s snobby.
So, that’s what we have set out to change. Opera Revue is a great way to introduce opera to people who have never seen it before, as well as a new way for opera lovers to enjoy it. We perform opera and art song in casual bar settings, where our audiences can feel comfortable to talk, drink, and to share the experience with those around them, without breaking the bank to afford a ticket! We aim to take away the exclusive nature of opera, and make it accessible for all audiences.
The Opera Revue “band” consists of soprano Danie Friesen, pianist Claire Elise Harris and baritone Alexander Hajek.
Opening Reception | The Search for the Black Madonna and Green Tara
You’re invited to the opening reception on Sunday July 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Art Gallery of Mississauga. Artists will be in attendance, with a special performance by Mississauga-based singer Shweta Kamerkar. Registration is recommended but not required.