Throughout the summer, The Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery are holding many unique galleries to take in and classes for kids of all ages.

Along with that, 2 summers students run the programs, and they also contract art educators within the community.

Coming up August 12th to 16th is Harry Potter week, which brings whimsical crafts to the museum.

Bryson Quilliams, a summer student and leader of the group, on the kinds of things to expect during the week.

"We're going to be making things like the Golden Snitch, the Monster Book, yarn wrapped broom sticks, some Harry Potter ties, and some magic potions. We are also doing some work in clay, making cups out of clay."

With 220 kids registered for summer programming so far, there are still some spots available.

Every week throughout the summer they have programs that are based around certain themes. Art explorers, ancient art, print making, and the art of Disney are a few examples the themes they have done this summer. Besides the Potter week, in the upcoming weeks they have fairy tales and nursery rhymes,, a teen program called drawing comics and graphic novels, unicorns and magical creatures, and then they round the summer off with Japanese pop culture which takes place from August 26th to the 30th.

Christy Schweiger, Education Coordinator Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery, said they have 2 slots each day, with various age groups.

"We have a morning program and an afternoon program. They range in ages. We have 3 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 11, and we have teen programs. Most of the programs are open to the public. We do have one week that we dedicate to the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council. We provide funding for families in need through sponsorship. We've had a number of organizations and grants that help cover the cost of kids to come to some of the classes."


Also on in the building throughout August, is an art exhibition called 'A Prairie Vernacular'. It's an exhibition that originated in Moose Jaw, and includes more than 190 pieces from 70 artists, all based in the prairies. The exhibit covers everything from politics and religion, to the history of the grain elevator and the impacts of European settlers on First Nations.

"We hold school tours that come through, and there are unique pieces that kids have really connected to", said Schweiger. "There's a couple of pieces that are taxidermy animals that are turned into a story by adding different kinds of elements that you would see working with model trains how they build villages and stuff."

the exhibition is unique, in that once it's wrapped here in Moose Jaw, the pieces will be packed up and shipped to other galleries around the province, to allow everyone in the prairies a chance to experience the art.

Schweiger said "Our last day that it will be here is August 31st. The next stop after, we crate everything up and it goes to Medicine Hat. A lot of institutes from all over the prairies have loaned us pieces and they will be on the tour as well."


One piece that isn't part of that exhibit, and will be remaining here in the Notorious City, is Peggy. Designed and built by one of Saskatchewan's most recognized artists Joe Faford. The piece is a larger than life female horse that was

quite the task just to get her in the building, as her ears stand taller than the dropped ceiling. It required many people, carrying her sideways, to maneuver her into place.

"Joe is something that when you have a collection of art, it needs to be a part of that collection," said Schweiger. "Within the last couple of years, we have decided to adopt her. We're going to have a campaign. It's going to cost a lot of money to purchase her, because of Joe's long career, his popularity, his reputation. And even more so now that he passed away about 4 months ago. So work like his can't be repeated."

The 'Adopt Peggy' campaign has held 2 studio tours of where Faford's foundry is, which kicked off the campaign. They have more tours planned coming up on September 21st, and information to support the purchase of Peggy can be found here.

If you are planning to make your way down to the museum and gallery in Crescent Park, be aware that there is some road construction going on within the first block of Athabasca St. E, which prevents access from Langdon Crescent, said Schweiger. 

"They did say that it's going to be between 4 to 6 weeks. So if people what to get in to use the library and art gallery facilities, the parking lot will be accessed through the back alley and Hochelaga St. Or I would suggest going around Crescent park on the east side."

For more information on the museum and art gallery, click here.