March 26, 2025.
Barrie, ON – New Path Youth and Family Services (New Path) and the MacLaren Art Centre (MacLaren) are thrilled to announce the commUNITY art project – a series of free, hands-on workshops designed to bring families and youth together through creative expression. Led by regional artist Katherine Fievet, these workshops explore themes of community, hope, growth and transformation, with the colour green as the central theme. The resulting artwork will be showcased at the MacLaren beginning in May, to align with Children’s Mental Health Week, to highlight the power of art in fostering connection and wellbeing.
“At New Path, we are always eager to collaborate with our community to support mental wellness and ensure that families and youth are aware of the free and accredited mental health services available to them,” says Jim Harris, CEO of New Path. “The commUNITY art project provides a wonderful opportunity for families and youth to engage in an activity that fosters mental wellness, and we encourage everyone who can attend to join us in this meaningful experience.”
Art workshop registration is now open for families and youth on the MacLaren website:
Family Workshops: Sunday, April 13 or Sunday, April 20 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Register here: www.maclarenart.com/product/community-special-family-sunday-workshops/
Youth Workshop: Tuesday, April 15 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Register here: www.maclarenart.com/product/community-special-youth-workshop/
The commUNITY art opening reception will take place on May 3rd, from 1:00 -3:00 pm with the artwork being displayed at the MacLaren’s PIE Education Centre from May 3 – June 1, 2025.
“The MacLaren is excited to collaborate with New Path to host this series of free workshops for all ages—where participants can create unique artwork that expresses personal narratives of growth, hope and transformation,” says Christina Mancuso, Education Officer at MacLaren Art Centre.
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About New Path Youth & Family Services of Simcoe County
New Path Youth & Family Services of Simcoe County (New Path) is an accredited children’s mental health agency providing a range of compassionate, innovative, and accessible services for children, youth, and their families throughout Simcoe County. We are a registered not-for-profit charitable organization with office locations across Simcoe County, including Alliston, Barrie, Bradford, Cookstown, Collingwood, and Orillia.
New Path is also the Lead Agency for children’s mental health in Simcoe County with the goal of enhancing the experience and outcomes of children, youth, and their families, seeking assistance with mental health and wellness.
New Path offers free mental health services for children, youth and their families in-person, by-phone or online. Appointments can be booked on the New Path website: www.newpath.ca/book-now or by calling 705-725-7656.
To learn more about New Path, to donate, or get involved please visit www.newpath.ca, follow us on social media Facebook: New Path Youth & Family Services X: @NewPathYFS Instagram: @NewPathYFS or sign up for our Newsletter
About the MacLaren Art Centre
The MacLaren Art Centre is the regional public art gallery serving the residents of Barrie, the County of Simcoe, and the surrounding area. The Gallery presents a year-round program of innovative exhibitions, education activities and special events.
We acknowledge the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg people, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. The local bands consist of theChippewa Tri-Council, who are made up of Beausoleil First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation, and Rama First Nation. We also acknowledge the Wendat Nation (Huron) who occupied these lands prior to the middle of the 17th century. We are dedicated to honour Indigenous history and culture and recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land. We are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit People.
Gallery Location
37 Mulcaster Street
Barrie, Ontario L4M 3M2
705-721-9696
Public Hours: Monday closed
Tuesday to Wednesday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Lazy Tulip Café Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Hours are subject to change – please visit maclarenart.com for the most up-to-date information.
Admission
Admission is FREE. Donations are welcome. Wheelchair accessible.
Media Contacts
Dominika Zapolnik Christina Mancuso
Manager of Communications Education Officer
New Path Youth and Family Services MacLaren Art Centre
(705) 627-3067 (705) 720-1044 ext. 234