Wild Canada in 3D: A Children's Wildlife Sculpture Workshop

About the Workshop This September, the Barrie Public Library is pleased to welcome Barrie-area artist Carolyn M. Boyd for Wild Canada in 3D, a free, hands-on art experience celebrating Culture Days Barrie 2026 . Join Carolyn for a creative afternoon where children and families can explore Canadian wildlife through painting, sculpture, colour, and imagination. Carolyn M. Boyd is an award-winning Canadian landscape artist whose work is inspired by the beauty of Ontario’s natural world. From the shores of Kempenfelt Bay and Georgian Bay to the forests and lakes of Muskoka and beyond, her colourful paintings celebrate Canada’s landscapes, wildlife, water, changing seasons, and the stories found within the places around us. Art has been part of Carolyn’s life since childhood. Growing up painting alongside her mother, a landscape artist, Carolyn developed an appreciation for observing nature closely and discovering the unique character of each place. Today, those experiences continue to influence both her artwork and her approach to teaching. Carolyn believes that art gives children an opportunity to explore, experiment, express themselves, and discover their own unique way of seeing the world. She creates welcoming art experiences where there is no “right” way to be creative. Instead, children are encouraged to use their imagination, make their own choices, and enjoy the creative process. In Wild Canada in 3D , participants will create their own small three-dimensional Canadian wildlife sculpture to take home. Children can choose from a selection of iconic Canadian animals, including the moose, black bear, red fox, grey wolf, great horned owl, white tailed deer, beaver, Canada goose, common loon, and polar bear. The animal forms have been specially designed for Culture Days 2026 by Carolyn and pre-cut from cardboard using Cricut technology. Participants will transform these simple shapes into colourful works of art using acrylic paint, paint markers, pencil crayons, and other creative materials. Children may choose to create an animal inspired by its natural colours and markings, or let their imaginations take over and invent something completely unique. Along the way, Carolyn will share interesting facts about Canadian wildlife, their habitats, and their importance within Canada’s natural environment. Participants will have the opportunity to: Explore colour, pattern, and texture Learn basic sculpture and design concepts Experiment with painting and surface decoration Develop creative problem-solving skills Express their own artistic ideas Learn about Canadian wildlife and habitats Create a finished artwork they can proudly take home Art for the Whole Family The workshop is designed primarily for children ages 5–12 , but youth, teens, adults, seniors, parents, grandparents, and caregivers are all welcome to participate. No previous art experience is necessary. Younger children can focus on painting and decorating their animals, while older children and adults can explore more detailed patterns, textures, painting techniques, and creative approaches. The goal is to create an experience where families can make art together, learn something new, and celebrate Canada’s natural heritage through creativity . All materials will be provided free of charge, including pre-cut cardboard animal sculptures, acrylic paints, paint markers, brushes, and other supplies. About Carolyn M. Boyd Carolyn studied Fine Art at Georgian College and North Light Art School and has taught drawing, painting, and mixed media to children, teens, and adults through museums, schools, libraries, community organizations, private classes, and workshops throughout Ontario. Her teaching experience includes programs with the MacLaren Art Centre, Quest Art School + Gallery, Orillia Museum of Art & History, The Arts House, Barrie Public Library, North Simcoe Arts, Women’s Art Association of Canada, Barrie Art Club , Barrie Montessori Elementary Private School, and many ot