By: Jordie Burton
There’s something powerful about walking into a space and seeing walls covered in the work of children. The colours, the wildness, the confidence, the play—it reminds us that imagination is something we all begin with. For years, Magic of Children in the Arts has offered young people in South Georgian Bay a chance to create, explore, and be seen. This year, the organization’s much-loved annual art show is expanding to four libraries across the region—bringing the work not just into public view, but back into the very communities where it was created.
Growth That Comes Naturally
The annual exhibition at the Collingwood Library has been growing steadily—so much so that it’s now, in the words of the team, “bursting at the seams.” As more schools engage with Magic’s in-school programming, it became clear that the show needed room to grow too. But the expansion wasn’t just about space. “As more schools came on board, it felt like a natural extension to return the work to the towns and neighbourhoods that nurtured it.” In many ways, this shift reflects what Magic has always stood for: belonging, access, and the joy of seeing something you’ve made reflected back to you, publicly and proudly.
A Program That People Talk About
Something that stands out in conversations about Magic—whether with teachers, parents, or kids—is how often people use the word more. More interest, more requests, more kids signing up. More joy. And as that demand continues to grow, so too does the sense that this program is filling a gap. One teacher put it plainly: “There are not numerous opportunities for students in schools to participate in areas of the arts. This was a fantastic opportunity… we feel it was invaluable.”
Magic’s programming spans both the Bluewater and Simcoe County District School Boards and stretches across a network of municipalities—including Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, The Town of Blue Mountains, Clearview Township, and Meaford. It’s a truly regional effort, made possible through meaningful partnerships, ongoing conversations, and a shared belief in what creativity can unlock. The continued programming of Magic of Children in the Arts is a wonderful demonstration of a regional approach to community building through the arts.
From the Community, For the Community
The heart of Magic’s impact can be heard in the stories of those who participate. A parent in Collingwood wrote, “After today’s class, my kid said, ‘Please make sure you sign me up for this every week, Mom.’ They’ve had a rough few years… and I never know how things will go. But they came home smiling, asking for more.” A teacher in Wasaga Beach shared how her students lit up during their session, and how some were introduced to artists they’d never heard of before—offering new inspiration long after the workshop ended. And in Thornbury, a Grade 8 teacher described how her students, often self-conscious in other settings, were able to express themselves freely through art.
These are not one-off moments. They’re part of a pattern—one that speaks to what happens when trust, creativity, and care intersect.
Accessibility as a Core Principle
One of the things that makes Magic stand out is its commitment to access. Programming is free to participants, made possible through a mix of local support, municipal and foundation funding, and individual donations. Families are invited, but not required, to contribute—either to cover materials or to “pay it forward” for someone else. That trust-based approach means no child is turned away, and no parent has to weigh whether art is a luxury they can afford.
Learning, Iteration, and Trust
At its best, Magic isn’t just offering art classes—it’s cultivating space for learning, risk-taking, and growth. As one grandparent put it, “The year-end display is an opportunity for the children to proudly showcase their work and the skills they have learned.” But perhaps more importantly, it’s a celebration of what happens when a community commits to being curious and supportive of its youngest members. And that takes time. It takes relationships. It takes a belief that creativity is worth showing up for—not just when it looks polished, but in its early, expressive, joyful beginnings.
A Moment to Celebrate—and an Invitation
This spring, children’s art will fill the halls of four public libraries across the region:
- Collingwood Public Library (May 1 – June 12, Grand Opening: May 3, 1–3pm)
- Wasaga Beach Library (May 1 – June 12, Grand Opening: May 2, 3–5pm)
- Meaford Public Library (May 9 – 31, Grand Opening: May 10, 3–5pm)
- The Gallery at L.E. Shore in Thornbury (May 30 – June 31)
Everyone is welcome. Come and see what young artists across our communities are imagining, creating, and sharing. Learn more about Magic of Children in the Arts, their upcoming programming, and how you can support or get involved by visiting www.magicofchildren.ca.
Because when we make space for creativity, we make space for connection—and we make our communities stronger in the process.