While Learning About One Another
Have Fun Learning to Draw
A unique experience of creative family bonding
Select Your Edition:
Next Date: Fall 2026 TBD
Next Date: June 20th
Next Date: YOU decide
The Whole Crew Edition is also a wonderful option for neurodivergent learners who thrive with the support of family.
20+ Years of Award-Winning Animation Industry and Post-Secondary Leadership Experience.
Voted “Best Art School in Barrie” & “Business Champion” in 2025.
A safe, inspiring and supportive space for all.
Treats and all traditional art materials included.
Meet Your Instructor, Brad
🏆 Award-Winning Experience: Heavy contributor to multiple Emmy and CSA-winning television series, including Peep and the Big Wide World and Almost Naked Animals.
🎤 Local Recognition: 2025 Barrie Arts Award for “Business Champion”, Voted “Best Art School in Barrie” (2025) and Grand Prize Winner of the HBEC Grand Pitch Competition (2023).
✏️ Industry Expertise: 20+ years of professional experience as an Animator, Designer, Storyboard Artist and Director/Showrunner.
🎓 Educational Leadership: Former Post-Secondary 4-year Animation Diploma Program Director and Instructor. Also your Founder and Director of Upchuckle Education.
Photo credit: Laura Joy Photography
Some Clients Brad’s made TV shows for:
Creative Family Connection at an Award-Winning Art School
“Best Art School in Barrie”
Click each item below to see some answers to common questions
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For Moms & More and Father-Figure Editions:
These are held at various times throughout the year—be sure to check this webpage or our Events Calendar for the next upcoming date! Typically, these Lessons take place on Saturday afternoons for 2 hours.
For The Whole Crew Edition:
These Lessons are customized-to-order and scheduled for a time that fits your family's calendar.
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All traditional art supplies and some surprise treats—just bring your imagination and willingness to try!
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For Moms & More and Father-Figure Editions:
These Family Art Lessons are open to children ages 8 - 108 and their parental role model.
Note: These events are fantastic for adult children and their parental role model—it doesn’t need to be a Mom or Dad! It can be their grandparent, aunt, uncle or anyone they’ve looked up to in a parental capacity.
IMPORTANT:
Younger, disruptive or inattentive individuals may have difficulty following along in the activities or create disruption for others who have come for this quality time and experience.
Each of these events are exclusive for either Mother or Father-Figures (for example: Dads cannot attend Moms & More). This is to help keep these events as a bonding experience. Exceptions cannot be made, as this would be unfair to others.
For The Whole Crew Edition:
There are no restrictions! This is a completely private, customized experience where you determine the guest list. It’s the perfect option for families with children 7 or younger, or for those who would thrive better in a tailored, 1-on-1 environment.
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For Moms & More and Father-Figure Editions:
We’ll be diving into the design fundamentals of drawing stronger, more expressive characters—just like how we do it for TV & movies! These lessons are packed with fun, imagination-kickstarting exercises and activities specifically designed to spark conversation and bonding between family members while you create.
For The Whole Crew Edition:
We can explore character design and expressiveness, or we can tailor the lesson to any specific creative goal or interest your family has. Whether you want a structured lesson or a loose, imaginative play session, we build it to fit your CREW!
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Absolutely not!
Upchuckle Education is built on the belief of simply trying and the importance of supporting each individual no matter where they’re at. We strongly believe that all people can learn to express themselves creatively.
Every great idea first started with a blank piece of paper. Just put your pencil to it and with a little effort, you’ll surprise yourself!
Learning to draw is equal parts patience and learning to see. We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
There is no judgement here (unless you don’t try at all or quit!) ;)
A NOTE FOR THE ADULTS IN THE ROOM:
We ask all adults to set a positive example for any children present, by simply trying their best and not quitting. Negativity can spread quickly and is the enemy of creativity.
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For The Whole Crew Edition with custom-curriculum and/or taking place off-site, the process is different and will be shared with you when you contact us.
For Moms & More and Father-Figure Editions:
Once you purchase admission through our website, there’s one final step to officially secure your seats at Family Art Lessons:
Within 1 business day of your order, we’ll email you a mandatory Student Information Form to help us ensure the health and safety of everyone who will be attending. Please watch your inbox (and spam folder) for this email from Education@Upchuckle.com—adding us to your contacts is a great idea!
The form will arrive with a clear deadline for submission (Usually about 3 days—sooner if we’re nearing the enrollment cutoff date).IMPORTANT: Because we have to manage our limited seating carefully, missing this deadline will result in cancellation of your order and be subject to our refund policies.
Once we’ve reviewed your form, we’ll reach out to either ask for clarification or confirm your seats with us are officially secured.
2–3 days before the Lesson, we’ll send your Welcome Package with all the extra details you’ll need to join us!All these details (and many more!) are available in our FAMILY ART LESSONS-TERMS & POLICIES AGREEMENT.
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Due to our limited seating and heavy administrative & prep work that goes into making every Lesson great, cancellations 8+ calendar days prior to the event are 50% refundable (+ payment processing fees, if applicable).
Cancellations 7 days or less prior to the event are non-refundable.For The Whole Crew Edition, Taking Place Off-Site:
The process and policies have extra details, which will be shared when you contact us.
All these details (and many more!) are available in our FAMILY ART LESSONS-TERMS & POLICIES AGREEMENT.
Have Your Own Questions?
PLEASE NOTE: Upchuckle Education is strictly a NUT-FREE space. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe & healthy.
Makes a GREAT Mother’s Day Gift!
Saturday, May 9th (1pm - 3pm)
Whether you're a mom, aunt, grandmother, guardian—or someone who’s simply made a lasting impact in a person’s life—Moms & More Edition is an inspiring way to connect through creativity.
These relaxed, guided drawing workshops are designed for two (or more) to create side-by-side—sharing laughs, learning new techniques and making memories. Whether the child is 8 or 108, this is time well spent together.
No experience required—just bring your curiosity and connection. We provide all materials (and treats!) for a welcoming, beginner-friendly art session that’s equal parts fun, reflective and personal.
Come draw, explore and connect together.
$79
(Less than $20/hr per person)
DATE: Saturday, May 9th
TIME: 1pm to 3pm
LOCATION: Upchuckle Education, 80 Bradford St., Barrie
A Shared Creative Experience
Whether you're a mom, aunt, grandmother, guardian—or someone who’s simply made a lasting impact in a person’s life—Moms & More Edition is an inspiring way to connect through creativity.
These relaxed, fun and guided workshops dive into the drawing fundamentals used for designing expressive characters for TV & movies! Designed for two (or more) to create side-by-side, you’ll share laughs, learn professional techniques and make memories. Whether the child is 8 or 108, this is time well spent together.
No experience required—just bring your curiosity and connection. We provide all materials (and treats!) for a welcoming, beginner-friendly art session that’s equal parts fun, reflective and personal.
Come draw, explore and make memories together.
For ages 8+ and children 15 or younger must only be enrolled by their parent or legal guardian.
1 admission includes 2 seats. More than 1 child or motherly role model?—No problem! More can be added using the Add-On (while supplies last).
Sorry Dad, this event is not for dads or fatherly-role models (but we do have options for you or the whole family!)
Once we receive your order: We’ll send your mandatory Information Form within 1 business day. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your spam folder and mark the email as “safe”. Adding “@upchuckle.com” to your contacts will also prevent this in the future.
By purchasing admission, you fully agree to the FAMILY ART LESSONS TERMS & POLICIES AGREEMENT, linked to when you click “Secure your 2 seats”.
Enrollment closes:
Tuesday, May 5th @ noon
Sorry Dads! This event is only for Motherly role models and the children they inspire.
Your purchase above includes 2 seats.
Want to add more for $29 each?
Your admission to Family Art Lessons: Moms & More Edition on May 9th includes 2 seats.
Have another child or motherly role model who would also enjoy taking part in the fun?
Then purchase this seat Add-On and they’ll be able to join for the full 2-hour workshop! Only available while supplies last!
IMPORTANT:
This is only to ADD a seat if you have already purchased (or are in the process of purchasing) standard admission for the indicated date, which includes 2 seats. Any purchases without also obtaining primary admission will be void and non-refundable as outlined in the FAMILY ART LESSONS TERMS & POLICIES AGREEMENT.
Ages 8+.
This Additional Seat is ONLY valid for the next upcoming event date indicated in the product description and is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Sorry dads, this event is for moms, motherly role models and the children who look up to them. (Check out our Father-Figures or Whole Crew Editions!)
This event has limited seating (12 max)
To help ensure everyone gets the most out of the experience, this event is for ages 8+
Children who are 15 or younger must be enrolled by their own parent/legal guardian.
All prices are subject to HST.
Makes a GREAT Father’s Day Gift!
Saturday, June 20th (1pm - 3pm)
Father-Figure Edition is a dedicated time to step away from the everyday and dive into a shared creative experience. It’s a space designed for dads, stepdads, granddads, uncles and guardians—and the children they support and inspire (even if those children are all grown up now!).
These hands-on workshops are all about working side-by-side, picking up fun, professional techniques and trading stories as you go. Whether the child is 8 or 108, the emphasis is on the discovery made at the drawing table, not on getting it "perfect." It’s simply about trying, growing together and having fun in a relaxed environment.
No experience is necessary to join in. We provide all the materials and even some snacks for a welcoming session that's thoughtful, collaborative and easygoing.
Come learn a new skill while enjoying some genuine, undistracted time together.
$79
(Less than $20/hr per person)
DATE: Saturday, June 20th
TIME: 1pm to 3pm
LOCATION: Upchuckle Education, 80 Bradford St., Barrie
A Fun Creative Experience
Whether you’re a dad, step-dad, grandfather, uncle, guardian or the go-to mentor in a person’s life, Family Art Lessons: Father-Figures Edition is your chance to share a creative, memorable time together.
These laid-back, guided drawing sessions are built for pairs (or more) to create side-by-side, swap ideas and learn to draw, while also learning about one another.
No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and willingness to try. All supplies (and treats!) are provided for a welcoming, beginner-friendly workshop that’s equal parts fun, reflective and personal.
Come draw, explore and make memories together.
For ages 8+ and children 15 or younger must only be enrolled by their parent or legal guardian.
1 admission includes 2 seats. More than 1 child or fatherly role model?—No problem! More can be added using the Add-On (while supplies last).
Sorry Mom, this event is NOT for moms or motherly-role models (but we do have options for you or the whole family!)
Once we receive your order: We’ll send your mandatory Information Form within 1 business day. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your spam folder and mark the email as “safe”. Adding “@upchuckle.com” to your contacts will also prevent this in the future.
By purchasing admission, you fully agree to the FAMILY ART LESSONS TERMS & POLICIES AGREEMENT, linked to when you click “Secure your 2 seats”.
Enrollment closes:
Tuesday, June 16th @ noon
Sorry Moms! This event is only for Father-Figures and the children they inspire.
Your purchase above includes 2 seats.
Want to add more for $29 each?
Your admission to Family Art Lessons: Father-Figure Edition on June 20th includes 2 seats.
Have another child or fatherly role model who would also enjoy taking part in the fun?
Then purchase this seat Add-On and they’ll be able to join for the full 2-hour workshop! Only available while supplies last!
IMPORTANT:
This is only to ADD a seat if you have already purchased (or are in the process of purchasing) standard admission for the indicated date, which includes 2 seats. Any purchases without also obtaining primary admission will be void and non-refundable as outlined in the FAMILY ART LESSONS TERMS & POLICIES AGREEMENT.
Ages 8+.
This Additional Seat is ONLY valid for the next upcoming event date indicated in the product description and is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Sorry moms, this event is for dads, fatherly role models and the children who look up to them. (Check out our Mom & More or Whole Crew Editions!)
This event has limited seating (12 max)
To help ensure everyone gets the most out of the experience, this event is for ages 8+
Children who are 15 or younger must be enrolled by their own parent/legal guardian.
All prices are subject to HST.
Private & Personalized Art Lessons
For your entire crew!
Whether you’re a family of 2 or 60, The Whole Crew Edition provides flexible and personalized art lessons to meet your needs. From stand-alone events to ongoing scheduled lessons—we’re flexible.
• Is your crew 12 people or fewer and you’d like to come to us? No problem!
• Would you like us to come to you? We can do that too!
• Want a specific lesson focus or more than 2 hours? Let us know and we’ll design a session that works for you!
The Whole Crew Edition is also a wonderful option for neurodivergent individuals who thrive with the support of one or more family members rather than the unpredictable public group setting of Moms & More, Father-Figures, or require support to participate in our 1-on-1 Lessons—also a fantastic option for routine & recurring custom lessons with a parent and their child who lives with accommodation.
Learn What’s Possible: