Growing Creativity: Opportunities for Children and Youth in Prince George
Written By Fernanda Salla
I’ve been painting since I was a teenager, always drawn to brushes and the world of art. Every chance I got, I took classes, workshops, and visited galleries to learn more. I truly believe that early exposure to different materials and creative experiences is valuable not just for artistic learning, but also for developing essential life skills: creativity, an appreciation of diversity, a new language of expression, and even fine motor skills. Prince George is a city that offers plenty of ways to explore and grow artistically, whether you live here or are just passing through.
Places to see and be inspired
In my last text, I wrote about where to see and buy art downtown. But inspiration goes far beyond that part of the city. Cottonwood Island Park is a favorite location of mine. Nature itself is inspiring, of course, but if you follow the trails you’ll find hidden treasures carved into the tree trunks: fairy houses, faces, and animals created by local artist Elmer Gunderson. There are more than 20 of them scattered around, and my family and I love searching for them during our walks.
Photo by Fernanda Salla: Carved tree trunk sculpture by Elmer Gunderson, hidden along the trails of Cottonwood Island Park.
Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park is another highlight. It’s the city’s largest park and one of the main venues for summer festivities like National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day, where food, music, and visual arts all come together. Think craft markets, food trucks, live music, and performances filling the park. With picnic tables, benches, a large shelter, washrooms, and water fountains, it’s also a great place to bring your own sketchbook or paints and create while soaking in the view of the Fraser River and the iconic Yellowhead Bridge. The park is also home to The Exploration Place, a family-friendly museum where you can learn about the history of PG and explore artifacts and stories of the Lheidli T’enneh people.
Photo by Fernanda Salla: View of the Fraser River and Yellowhead Bridge from Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.
Photo by Fernanda Salla: Community art activity at the Prince George Public Library.
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is another must-see. Its architecture and botanical garden are worth the visit on their own, but the real gems are inside. The campus is full of First Peoples artwork: Inuit sculptures in the Geoffrey R. Weller Library and the Dr. Donald Rix Northern Health Sciences Centre. On the main floor of Charles J. McCaffray Hall, you’ll find an incredible set of carved cedar doors by Gitxan artist Ron Sebastian. I could stare at the human and animal figures for hours. Hanging banners by Haida artist Bill Reid are also displayed there. There’s so much art that the university even provides a suggested walking tour to help you find it all.
Photo courtesy of the University of Northern British Columbia: First Peoples artwork displayed inside the Geoffrey R. Weller Library.
UNBC also houses the Robert Frederick Gallery, named after the Lheidli T’enneh carver and educator. The gallery, run by the UNBC Arts Council, presents curated shows that highlight emerging artists. Admission is always free. I was lucky to have some of my work included in a group exhibition there — an important milestone in my journey as an artist in Prince George — so the gallery holds a special place in my heart.
Photo by Fernanda Salla: Carved cedar doors by Gitxan artist Ron Sebastian at the University of Northern British Columbia.
Where to connect with others and learn for free
Omineca Arts Centre is one of the best places in town to connect through art. Every Wednesday, people gather for a Beading Circle led by the amazing Indigenous artist Lynne Biles. Every other Sunday, the centre also hosts Coffee House Open Mic, an afternoon event that’s family-friendly and open to musicians, comedians, poets, and performers of all kinds. It’s a safe, encouraging space to practice stage presence and sound management while sharing your creativity with a live audience, not to mention the monthly workshops they offer for free, which provide even more opportunities to learn and experiment with art.
Omineca also runs Creative Thursdays, where anyone can drop by, bring their own project, and work alongside other creatives. At the Prince George Public Library, Craft & Chat Saturdays offer another fun way to connect with fellow makers over snacks and conversation. For those interested in music, the library also runs Ukulele Jams for adults and After School Family Movies for all ages. Because the initiatives can change throughout the year, it’s always a good idea to check their calendars to make sure the events are happening on the right dates.
Photo by Fernanda Salla: Community art activity at the Prince George Public Library.
At Two Rivers Gallery, free exhibition tours happen every second Sunday of the month, and they also offer guided tours for schools. The gallery regularly hosts community events in public spaces that encourage playful art-making and creative exploration.
To start something new or dive deeper
Two Rivers Gallery also offers paid programs for children, youth, and adults year-round. SmArt Classes, for example, are designed for kids aged 3–12, while programs like Good Trouble empower teens and young adults to express themselves and build community through art. There’s also Youth Art for Wellness, which helps participants explore creativity as a path to self-connection and healthy perspectives.
Both of my daughters have participated in some of these programs, and I’ve had the opportunity to share my knowledge as a guest artist in a few of them. Their Learning & Engagement space, located on the second floor, is where many of the workshops happen. It’s a large, open studio with tables, stools, and supplies ready to go.
Photo courtesy of the UNBC Arts Council: Exhibition view at the Robert Frederick Gallery, showcasing emerging northern artists.
Beyond the gallery, the Prince George Artists’ Co-op offers classes in drawing, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, oils, and mixed media. Studio 2880, run by the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District, is another hub where you can buy local art, take workshops, rent studio space, or attend events that support artists and organizations. It’s also a powerful resource for artists and arts organizations in the city, offering courses focused on arts funding and professional growth. For example, I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop on grant writing and applications for the arts, which was extremely valuable for me.
And it doesn’t stop at visual arts. Music also thrives here, with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra bringing world-class performances to the city. Theatre Northwest enriches the cultural scene with professional productions that range from classics to contemporary works. Beyond that, there are many private studios that offer dance in a wide variety of styles as well as music lessons for all ages.
I couldn’t finish without mentioning the College of New Caledonia (CNC), which offers a Fine Arts program. I have the privilege of knowing some of the instructors and students who have been part of the course, and I am aware of the excellent training it provides, preparing young artists with a strong foundation in the arts.
Wrapping up
It’s impossible to list every single opportunity to experience art in Prince George — there are just too many. And as a mom of two school-aged kids, I see how much art is already present in classrooms, with projects, materials, and field trips that connect students to the city’s cultural organizations. As an artist myself, I probably notice these things even more, but my hope with this blog post is to share a glimpse of what’s out there.
Prince George really is a place where creativity grows — whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time, deepening your skills, or just looking for inspiration.
Learn More:
https://tourismpg.com/local-legends-elmer-gunderson/
https://www.princegeorge.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails/cottonwood-island-nature-park-trail
https://theexplorationplace.com/
https://theexplorationplace.com/2021/11/12/hoduleha-a-place-of-learning/
https://www.unbc.ca/about-unbc/artwork-collections
https://www.theatrenorthwest.com/
Author Biography:
Fernanda Salla is a Brazilian-born multidisciplinary artist who brings the vibrant culture of São Paulo, with its rich street art, into her work, inspired by the animals and landscapes of British Columbia. With a background in journalism focused on education and arts, she combines narrative, cultural awareness, and creative expression, advocating for accessible, diverse, and inclusive art in Prince George. Instagram: @fesallaart
