"ART IS A PLACE FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN TO TRUST THEIR IDEAS, THEMSELVES, AND TO EXPLORE WHAT IS POSSIBLE."
– MaryAnn F. Kohl
Winter Fun Days
Winter Fun Days are a series of free, family friendly art afternoons hosted by the City of Thunder Bay, with creative programming delivered by the Community Arts & Heritage Education Project (CAHEP).
Each event invites children and families to drop in and take part in hands on art activities designed and led by local artists. CAHEP facilitates a rotating lineup of creative projects inspired by winter, culture, and playful exploration, offering something new at every session.
These workshops are welcoming, accessible, and designed for all skill levels. No experience is required and all materials are provided. Just bring your curiosity and a readiness to create.
Winter Fun Days are about more than crafts. They are about gathering, creativity, and building community during the colder months, giving young people a space to explore ideas, express themselves, and spend time making art together.
Come in from the cold and create something memorable.
Building Community Through Creativity
CAHEP creates inclusive, culturally diverse, and intergenerational arts and heritage programs that engage Thunder Bay residents of all ages, with a focus on communities that face barriers to participation. Through high-quality, artist-led initiatives, we foster creativity, connection, and understanding by bringing arts education directly into schools, community spaces, and neighborhoods. Our work not only showcases the artistic voices of participants but also strengthens the local arts ecosystem by providing financial support and professional development opportunities for emerging and established artists alike.
Our Programs
Through community projects, in-school programs, and professional development opportunities, CAHEP brings people together to explore the transformative power of the arts in everyday life.
Bringing art to where people live, learn, and play
CAHEP’s Community Projects invite people of all ages to create, connect, and celebrate through shared artistic experiences. From the Teddy Bear Picnic to Culture Days and the Art of the Mushroom, these projects have been transforming public spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity and belonging for 25 years. Every event is an opportunity to strengthen community ties through the joy of making art together. Attend one of our events or get involved.
Arts in Education: Inspiring Creativity in Classrooms
CAHEP partners with schools to deliver engaging, curriculum-connected arts experiences. Through programs like Art Club and Days of Art, professional artists collaborate with educators to spark creativity, build confidence, and enrich classroom learning. Designed with accessibility in mind, these programs ensure that all students, especially in underfunded schools, have meaningful opportunities to explore the arts.
Creative Growth for Artists, Educators, and Professionals
CAHEP’s Professional Development programs provide artists, educators, and community partners with practical tools, mentorship, and inspiration. Workshops and training sessions explore everything from grant writing and project design to community engagement practices. By investing in professional learning, CAHEP helps build a thriving network of creative leaders dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Northwestern Ontario.
2024-25 impact by the numbers
Every number tells a story of connection, learning, and imagination. Through partnerships with schools, artists, and community organizations, CAHEP brings meaningful arts experiences to people of all ages across Thunder Bay. Together, we’re building a stronger, more creative community, one project, one artist, and one participant at a time.
Participants Reached
Projects Deliverred
Artists Engaged
Community Testimonials
Stories from our community that reflect the impact of creativity, connection, and collaboration through CAHEP’s programs.
Principal | Sherbrooke School
Minister of Jobs and Families
Land Acknowledgement
CAHEP acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Ojibway people of Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850. We honor the presence of First Nation, Métis, Inuit, and non-status Indigenous people in Northwestern Ontario and commit to moving forward in a spirit of reconciliation. [Read More]
Diversity & Inclusion
CAHEP is dedicated to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination in all areas of our work. We strive to reflect the communities we serve through our programs, partnerships, and workplace practices. [Read More]
Want to hear about future events?
Stay connected with CAHEP by joining our newsletter. Be the first to know about new workshops, community events, artist opportunities, and ways to get involved. Sign up today and make sure you never miss a chance to create, connect, and celebrate the arts in Thunder Bay.