ORILLIA, Ont. — A new youth-led arts initiative is set to bring creativity, community and environmental awareness together in downtown Orillia later this month, as aspiring cultural curator Lila Bolden Bruce prepares to host a free Teen Art Night with the support of Arts Orillia.
The event, scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., will take place at Creative Nomad Studios and is open to youth aged 12 to 18. Arts Orillia is backing the initiative as part of its support for Bolden Bruce, the organization’s newest co-op student through Twin Lakes Secondary School’s co-op program.
Teen Art Night is designed as a low-pressure, inclusive space where teenagers can explore artistic expression purely for enjoyment rather than performance or evaluation. The evening will feature hands-on creative activities including painting, drawing, jewelry-making and mixed media work, with all materials supplied at no cost to participants.
Art mentors working across different disciplines will be on hand throughout the evening to offer guidance and encouragement to those who seek it, while allowing attendees the freedom to work independently if they prefer. Organizers say the goal is to foster confidence and curiosity by removing the barriers that often discourage young people from engaging with the arts.
Beyond traditional art-making, the event also incorporates a sustainability-focused clothing swap. Participants are invited to bring gently used clothing items to contribute and then browse the rack for new-to-them pieces during the event. Any remaining clothing will be responsibly donated following the evening, rather than discarded.
Bolden Bruce, who has been passionate about the intersection of art, social justice and environmental issues from a young age, said the clothing swap is intended to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry. “When clothes are not properly upcycled, they end up in landfill, and this is a major problem for the environment – fashion is the second most polluting industry and the biggest polluter of clean water”.
The evening’s programming also extends into film and music. An ongoing reel of experimental films by Canadian avant-garde filmmaker Barbara Sternberg will be screened throughout the night, offering participants exposure to non-traditional cinematic art forms. In addition, several up-and-coming musicians from the Orillia area are slated to perform, further showcasing local youth and emerging talent.
To complement the creative atmosphere, a tea house and snack bar will be available during the event, encouraging attendees to linger, socialize and build connections in a relaxed setting. Organizers say the combination of visual art, music, film and conversation is intended to create a welcoming environment where teens feel safe to express themselves and engage with their peers.
Arts Orillia said its support for Teen Art Night reflects the organization’s broader mandate to uplift artists and young people through accessible creative opportunities. By partnering with Twin Lakes Secondary School’s co-op program, the organization is also providing students like Bolden Bruce with hands-on experience in arts administration, event production and community engagement.
For Arts Orillia, the initiative represents both youth development and audience development, introducing younger residents to the city’s creative spaces while empowering them to take ownership of cultural programming. For Bolden Bruce, it is an opportunity to put her emerging curatorial vision into practice while giving back to the community.
“Lila is excited to create an opportunity for social connections in a safe, fun and positive environment,” the organization said, noting that Teen Art Night is intended to be as much about building relationships as it is about making art.
Teen Art Night will take place on Jan. 23, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Creative Nomad Studios in downtown Orillia. The event is free to attend and open to youth ages 12 to 18. Organizers encourage interested participants to arrive early, as space and supplies may be limited.
Arts Orillia said it remains committed to bringing the community together through inclusive and inspiring creative experiences, and views Teen Art Night as a model for how youth-led initiatives can enrich the city’s cultural landscape while addressing broader social and environmental themes.
