Adults

Deepen your understanding of contemporary art through these ongoing programs and events that encourage interaction with art, ideas, artists, and other visitors like yourself!

The following programs are all free except for our art classes and bus tours.

Visit our Events page to see what’s coming up!

Exhibition-Related Programs

Opening Receptions

Join us to celebrate our new exhibitions at opening receptions (also known as art parties!) A talk or tour from the exhibiting artist(s) and curator(s) often precedes the reception. These social events are a great way to meet other arts-interested people and to chat with local and visiting artists. All are welcome!

Artist Talks

Who better to learn contemporary art from than artists themselves? Listen and dialogue with exhibiting artists at panel discussions, symposiums, and presentations on current exhibitions.

Exhibition Tours

Exhibition tours led by curators, artists, and guest speakers encourage personal discovery and learning about contemporary art through conversation and the presentation of ideas related to the exhibits. All tours are interactive and don’t require prior art knowledge.

Public Talks

Offered in addition to talks and tours, lectures by guest speakers provide background and context for current exhibitions or address issues raised by exhibitions. They often include opportunities for dialogue.

Artists-in-Residence

Residencies in the Gallery's TechLab or other spaces in the Surrey Arts Centre support the production and often presentation of new projects. They encourage public access to the artist's creative working process and may include opportunities to participate in the development.

Artmaking Opportunities

Art Collective

Join our community of young artists and creative people. Work together to brainstorm ideas for projects you’d like to develop! Art Collective is a space for people 18 years and up to build and implement ideas they are passionate about alongside artists and community mentors.

Visual Art Classes

Explore your creative side with one of our many courses, workshops, or camps offered each season. Delve into clay, pick up a paintbrush or pencil, and grow your skills—whether you’re a beginner or have been making art for years. Our instructors are practicing artists and experienced art educators. Browse our current classes on the Activities Registration page.

Other Programs

Thursday Artist Talks

Surrey Art Gallery Association, in collaboration with the Gallery, organizes this monthly program of illustrated talks and demonstrations by local and regional artists. It gives the public a chance to meet artists in their communities and learn about their practices.

Contemporary Art Bus Tours

Each season from fall through spring, we offer a day-long guided bus tour ranging from visiting a grouping of galleries in the Lower Mainland to artist studios. The day involves touring these sites with the curators and enjoying the company of other participants with an interest and curiosity about contemporary art.