Volunteer Art Workshop & Chapter Lead - Vaughan/York Region: Help Kids Create!

Bring free art workshops to your community and help build the team that makes them happen!

Hands & Canvas is a youth-founded, volunteer-led initiative based in Toronto that makes creative opportunities more accessible through free art workshops and materials.

We’re looking for Art Workshop & Chapter Leads in Vaughan and York Region to build small local teams and bring hands-on art activities to children and youth.

Start a chapter at your high school, university, or community space, or apply as an individual and build a team with our support. You don’t need an existing team or a confirmed workshop venue to apply!

YOUR ROLE:

You’ll coordinate a small volunteer team, connect with a suitable local host, and help plan and lead welcoming art workshops.

Activities might include drawing, painting, paper-mâché, or other creative projects adapted to the participants and host organization. Your role is to help children explore their ideas, try new materials, and enjoy creating together.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Recruit and coordinate a small, dependable volunteer team.

• Research and approach local schools, community centres, and youth programs using agreed outreach materials.

• Work with Hands & Canvas and the host to confirm workshop plans, schedules, materials, and volunteer requirements.

• Plan or adapt activities for the participants’ ages, interests, and needs.

• Organize preparation, assign team responsibilities, and coordinate setup and cleanup.

• Explain activities clearly and encourage participants to make their own creative choices.

• Follow the host’s safety, screening, and supervision requirements.

• Track sessions, volunteer hours, and feedback, and share updates with Hands & Canvas.

You don’t need to launch a large program immediately. We’ll help you start with a manageable workshop plan and a small team.

HOW WE’LL SUPPORT YOU:

You’ll receive an introductory online meeting, activity ideas, planning templates, outreach guidance, and ongoing check-ins.

We’ll help you identify potential hosts and develop your first workshop plan. Where a suitable existing connection is available, we may be able to introduce you.

You’ll also be expected to research local opportunities, contact organizations, and build relationships in your own community. We’ll support you as you learn to manage that process.

A Vaughan or York Region placement is not guaranteed. Materials, funding, and delivery arrangements will be agreed before workshops are confirmed.

WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS ROLE?

This could be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy art and working with children or youth.

• Want to bring people together and lead a small team.

• Are organized, dependable, and willing to take initiative.

• Can communicate clearly with volunteers and host organizations.

• Want to make creative opportunities more accessible.

High school students, university students, and adults are welcome. Experience with art, mentoring, teaching, clubs, or events is helpful but not required. You don’t need to be a professional artist!

Youth-led chapters will need an appropriate school or host supervision arrangement. Screening and participation requirements depend on the role and host organization.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:

Build up volunteer hours, make connections, and gain hands-on experience in leadership, workshop facilitation, teamwork, and community outreach. Bring your ideas to life while helping children discover what they can create!

Completed hours can be documented and verified. Students should confirm eligibility with their school before starting.

LOCATION AND COMMITMENT:

We’re recruiting leads in Vaughan and York Region to organize workshops in their own communities. Workshops take place in person at agreed host venues; onboarding and coordination with Hands & Canvas take place remotely.

Expect approximately 2–4 hours per week on average, with additional time during workshop weeks. Planning is flexible around school or work, but confirmed sessions require reliable attendance.

We ask leads to commit to organizing and completing at least one agreed workshop series.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send a short introduction to brianlu086@gmail.com with the subject “Art Workshop & Chapter Lead” and include:

• Why you’re interested.

• Your city or community.

• Your general availability.

• Whether you’re applying individually or with a team.

• Any relevant experience or creative interests.

• Any schools or organizations you’d like to approach.

No existing chapter or confirmed venue is required. We’d love to hear what you’d like to build!

Learn more at handsandcanvas.com or contact the Founder & Operations Executive Brian Lu at brianlu086@gmail.com.